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Selected:DMAICArchitecture Decision RecordFailure Mode and Effects AnalysisATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
| Criterion | ![]() Operations DMAIC | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a process problem with fluctuating performance, the method brings analysis and improvement into a disciplined sequence. It creates a framework in which numbers, causes, and control come together. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | High | High |
Timedifferent | 2-12 Wochen | 15-45 min | 2-6 h | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 1-3 | 3-10 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Project Charter, Measurement Plan, Cause Analysis, Control Plan | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementQualityProcess improvement | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders |



