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Criterion
Gap Analysis method illustration showing its working structure
Business Strategy
GAP Analysis
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Purposedifferent
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.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.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.arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowMediumLow
Timedifferent
1-3 h15-45 min1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung1-2 Tage
Participantsdifferent
2-81-33-20 Reviewer1-4
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncAsyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk NotesADR File, Decision Log, RationaleRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsArchitecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View
Tagsno overlap
StrategyAnalysisPlanning
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
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