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 DMAIC |  Delivery Value Stream Mapping |  Engineering Kanban |  Operations PDCA Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When delivery work dissolves into wait times, handoffs, and hidden effort, Value Stream Mapping makes the actual flow visible. The method exposes bottlenecks, idle time, and feedback loops so lead time and improvement levers become tangible. | When work sits in too many parallel streams, throughput suffers and no one sees the bottlenecks. Kanban makes the flow of work visible and limits overload so a system becomes calmer and more predictable. | For an improvement that still has to prove itself in everyday work, the method runs it through small learning loops. It connects planning, checking, and standardization into a repeatable learning mode. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 2-12 Wochen | 1-3 h | Ongoing | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 4-10 | 2-12 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Project Charter, Measurement Plan, Cause Analysis, Control Plan | Current-state map, Future-state map, Bottleneck list | Kanban board, WIP policies, Flow metrics | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementQualityProcess improvement | LeanFlowWasteDelivery | FlowVisual managementDelivery | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments |