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| Criterion |  Operations Process Mapping |  Operations Kaizen Event |  Innovation Lean Startup |  Operations Gemba Walk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 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. | For uncertain business assumptions, the method forces the idea into contact with real market reactions early. It separates wishful picture, assumption, and observable behavior, so that learning becomes faster than planning. This translates uncertainty into measurable insight. | 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 | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 0.5-5 Tage | Wochen bis Monate je Lernzyklus | 30-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 4-10 | 2-8 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog | Kaizen Charter, Waste List, Improvement Experiments, Standard Work Update | Hypothesis list, MVPs, Learning reports, Pivot or persevere decision | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas |
Tagsno overlap | ProcessOperationsImprovement | LeanContinuous improvementOperations | LeanStartupValidationMVP | LeanObservationProcessOperations |