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| Criterion |  Operations Runbook |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Operations Process Mapping |  Operations After-Action Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For recurring operational tasks or incidents, the method keeps solid action logic ready. It reduces uncertainty when time pressure, role changes, or rare situations demand fast access. | 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. | 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. | After missions or project phases with unclear outcomes, the method makes visible what actually happened and what can be learned from it. It separates course, effect, and causes so experience turns into solid improvement. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 20-60 min | 30-120 min | 1-3 h | 20-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-4 | 2-6 | 3-10 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Runbook, Checklist, Escalation Path | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary |
Tags1 shared | OperationsReliabilityDocumentation | LeanObservationProcessOperations | ProcessOperationsImprovement | LearningOperationsImprovement |