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| Criterion | ![]() Operations DMAIC | ![]() Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) | ![]() Product Strategy Impact Mapping | ![]() Business Strategy GAP 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. | 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. | When a goal needs to be connected to several possible paths, it shows chains of impact instead of feature lists. It connects business goal, behavior change, and measures. | GAP Analysis compares the current state with a target picture and makes the distance manageable. It becomes useful when, ahead of new initiatives, it must become clear which capabilities, processes, or resources are missing. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 2-12 Wochen | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 45-90 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 3-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Project Charter, Measurement Plan, Cause Analysis, Control Plan | 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 | Impact Map, Outcome Hypotheses, Delivery Options | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementQualityProcess improvement | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | OutcomesStrategyBehaviorPlanning | StrategyAnalysisPlanning |



