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| Criterion | ![]() Operations Gemba Walk | ![]() Systems Thinking Systems Mapping | ![]() 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. | Systems Mapping arranges elements, relationships, and boundaries so a complex field becomes legible at a glance. The overview stabilizes the overall picture before detail work or steering begins. | 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 | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-120 min | 1-3 h | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 3-12 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | LeanObservationProcessOperations | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |
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