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| Criterion | ![]() Operations Bottleneck Analysis | ![]() Operations Theory of Constraints | ![]() Operations Gemba Walk | ![]() Operations After-Action Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a flow that backs up at one point, the method looks for the capacity limit with the greatest leverage. It explains why extra effort elsewhere barely improves throughput. | For a system that does not get faster despite effort, the method directs attention to the bottleneck. It concentrates improvement on the point that actually limits throughput. | When there is uncertainty about the real course of a process, the method brings observation to the place where work happens. It combines perception, follow-up questions, and process knowledge so decisions rest on actual workflows instead of assumptions. | After missions or project phases with unclear outcomes, the method makes visible what actually happened and what can be learned from it. It separates course, effect, and causes so experience turns into solid improvement. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 2-4 h Analyse, laufend | 30-120 min | 20-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 3-12 | 2-6 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Bottleneck Map, Flow Metrics, Improvement Options, Follow-up Measures | Constraint Map, Improvement Plan, Flow Metrics | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary |
Tagsno overlap | FlowMeasurementConstraints | OperationsConstraintsFlowImprovement | LeanObservationProcessOperations | LearningOperationsImprovement |



