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| Criterion | ![]() Operations Gemba Walk | ![]() Product Strategy Counter Metrics | ![]() Business Strategy GAP Analysis | ![]() Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When a headline metric could mask side effects, it adds guardrail signals against unwanted outcomes. It connects customer value, product logic, and decision priorities. The result is captured as a counter-metric list and guardrail definitions. | 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. | For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-120 min | 30-60 min | 1-3 h | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 2-6 | 2-8 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Counter Metric List, Guardrail Definitions | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | LeanObservationProcessOperations | MetricsMeasurementStrategyExperiments | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |



