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Criterion
Gemba Walk workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
Gemba Walk
Paper illustration with architecture components and concrete change tasks for comparison.
Architecture
SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)
Paper illustration for Standard Work Analysis.
Operations
Standard Work Analysis
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
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.SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning.When the same task is done differently depending on the person, the method exposes the reliable core. It creates comparability without unnecessarily choking off needed latitude.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
LowHighMediumMedium
Timedifferent
30-120 minPreparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope1-3 h45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
2-6Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting2-62-5
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Observation Notes, Improvement IdeasDomain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternativesStandard Work Sheet, Deviation List, Improved Standard, Training NeedsA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis
Tagsno overlap
LeanObservationProcessOperations
ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality
LeanProcessQuality
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
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