View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Evaporating Cloud |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Operations Kaizen Event |  Operations PDCA Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | The method makes visible why two seemingly incompatible demands arise and which assumption must be tested to resolve the conflict. | When there is uncertainty about the real course of a process, the method brings observation to the place where work happens. It combines perception, follow-up questions, and process knowledge so decisions rest on actual workflows instead of assumptions. | For a tightly scoped process segment with noticeable waste, the method bundles shared energy for change. It suits situations that call for fast learning loops and visible adjustments. | 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 | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 60-120 min | 30-120 min | 0.5-5 Tage | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-6 | 4-10 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Conflict Cloud, Assumption List, Breakthrough Ideas, Next Experiments | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Kaizen Charter, Waste List, Improvement Experiments, Standard Work Update | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change |
Tagsno overlap | Theory of ConstraintsAssumptionsSystems thinking | LeanObservationProcessOperations | LeanContinuous improvementOperations | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments |