methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

Criterion
Process Mapping method illustration showing its working structure
Operations
Process Mapping
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
Paper illustration for 8D Problem Solving.
Operations
8D Problem Solving
Paper fishbone diagram with a measurable effect at the head and six labeled cause branches.
Operations
Fishbone Diagram
Purposedifferent
With a confusing workflow that has many handoffs, the method makes the actual process visible. It shows where work is passed on, delayed, or duplicated, so improvement targets the right spots.For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description.For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly.When a problem has several possible contributing factors, the method sorts causes by cause areas. It prevents an initial hunch from blocking the view of other plausible drivers.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowHighLow
Timedifferent
1-3 h15-30 min1-6 Wochen30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
3-102-64-102-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement BacklogRoot cause notes, Countermeasures8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action PlanFishbone Diagram, Cause Categories, Investigation Backlog
Tagsno overlap
ProcessOperationsImprovement
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
QualityProblem solvingRoot cause
Root causeQualityOperations
Add more methods