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Selected:DMAICBarrier AnalysisATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
| Criterion | ![]() Operations DMAIC | ![]() Operations Barrier Analysis | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) | ![]() Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | For a risk that can only be managed through multiple layers of protection, the method examines the effectiveness of each barrier. It shows where safeguards are missing, too weak, or fail under real conditions. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | High | High |
Timedifferent | 2-12 Wochen | 2-4 h | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 2-6 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Project Charter, Measurement Plan, Cause Analysis, Control Plan | Barrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementQualityProcess improvement | Root causeSafetyIncident | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause |



