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| Criterion | ![]() Operations Theory of Constraints | ![]() Operations Bottleneck Analysis | ![]() Operations A3 Problem Solving | ![]() Operations After-Action Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a system that does not get faster despite effort, the method directs attention to the bottleneck. It concentrates improvement on the point that actually limits throughput. | For a flow that backs up at one point, the method looks for the capacity limit with the greatest leverage. It explains why extra effort elsewhere barely improves throughput. | 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. | 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 | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 2-4 h Analyse, laufend | 1-3 h | 45-90 min | 20-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-8 | 2-5 | 3-12 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Constraint Map, Improvement Plan, Flow Metrics | Bottleneck Map, Flow Metrics, Improvement Options, Follow-up Measures | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary |
Tagsno overlap | OperationsConstraintsFlowImprovement | FlowMeasurementConstraints | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | LearningOperationsImprovement |



