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| Criterion |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  DevOps Incident Command |  Operations Runbook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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. | During an acute incident with several people involved, the method creates a clear leadership and communication structure. It reduces chaos when fast coordination and clean situational awareness are both needed at once. | For recurring operational tasks or incidents, the method keeps solid action logic ready. It reduces uncertainty when time pressure, role changes, or rare situations demand fast access. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 30-120 min | 15-45 min | As needed | 20-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 1-3 | 4-15 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Incident Log, Action Tracker, Stakeholder Updates | Runbook, Checklist, Escalation Path |
Tagsno overlap | LeanObservationProcessOperations | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | IncidentOperationsReliability | OperationsReliabilityDocumentation |