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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Request for Comments | ![]() Operations 8D Problem Solving | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | An RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale. | 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. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung | 1-6 Wochen | 15-45 min | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-20 Reviewer | 4-10 | 1-3 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | RFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or tickets | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |



