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| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Delivery Value Stream Mapping |  Operations Kaizen Event |  Operations Gemba Walk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 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. | 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 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 1-3 h | 0.5-5 Tage | 30-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 4-10 | 4-10 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Current-state map, Future-state map, Bottleneck list | Kaizen Charter, Waste List, Improvement Experiments, Standard Work Update | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas |
Tags1 shared | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | LeanFlowWasteDelivery | LeanContinuous improvementOperations | LeanObservationProcessOperations |