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 Process Mapping |  Decision Making Delphi Method |  Operations 5 Whys |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When knowledge is distributed and direct dominance should be avoided, groups quickly fall under the sway of their opinion leaders. The Delphi Method gathers assessments iteratively and gradually brings expert judgments closer together. | 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 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 | Medium | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 1-4 Wochen | 15-30 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 6-30 Experten | 2-6 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog | Expert Forecast, Consensus Range, Assumption Notes | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | ProcessOperationsImprovement | ForecastingExpertsDecisionStrategy | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |