View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Delivery Value Stream Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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 delivery work dissolves into wait times, handoffs, and hidden effort, Value Stream Mapping makes the actual flow visible. The method exposes bottlenecks, idle time, and feedback loops so lead time and improvement levers become tangible. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 30-120 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 2-6 | 4-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Current-state map, Future-state map, Bottleneck list |
Tags1 shared | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | LeanObservationProcessOperations | LeanFlowWasteDelivery |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
