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| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Operations Kaizen Event |  Decision Making Constraint Analysis |  Operations ALPEN Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | For a tightly scoped process segment with noticeable waste, the method bundles shared energy for change. It suits situations that call for fast learning loops and visible adjustments. | When an initiative stalls, the limit often lies not in the idea but in hard or soft boundary conditions. Constraint Analysis separates these limits and shows which of them can actually be shaped. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 0.5-5 Tage | 30-90 min | 10-20 min daily |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 4-10 | 2-8 | 1 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Kaizen Charter, Waste List, Improvement Experiments, Standard Work Update | Constraint List, Hard/Soft Classification, Option Impact Notes, Decision Boundaries | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | LeanContinuous improvementOperations | ConstraintsDecisionPlanningOptions | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations |