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Selected:DMAICATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Request for CommentsArchitecture Decision Record
| Criterion |  Operations DMAIC |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Architecture Request for Comments |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | An RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 2-12 Wochen | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 3-20 Reviewer | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Project Charter, Measurement Plan, Cause Analysis, Control Plan | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | RFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or tickets | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementQualityProcess improvement | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |