View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion | ![]() Operations Change Analysis | ![]() Operations 5 Whys | ![]() Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) | ![]() Operations 8D Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a deviation after a change, the method isolates the influence of the altered condition. It narrows down which differences are relevant and which are just accompanying noise. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. | SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | High | High |
Timedifferent | 45-120 min | 15-30 min | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 1-6 Wochen |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 2-6 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 4-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Change Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action List | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Domain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternatives | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan |
Tagsno overlap | ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause |



