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| Criterion | ![]() Operations Gemba Walk | ![]() Operations PDCA Cycle | ![]() Operations 8D Problem Solving | ![]() Operations Fishbone Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. | When a problem has several possible contributing factors, the method sorts causes by cause areas. It prevents an initial hunch from blocking the view of other plausible drivers. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 30-120 min | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 1-6 Wochen | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 1-8 | 4-10 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | Fishbone Diagram, Cause Categories, Investigation Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | LeanObservationProcessOperations | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | Root causeQualityOperations |



