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Criterion
Value Stream Mapping workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Delivery
Value Stream Mapping
Paper illustration for TOWS Matrix.
Business Strategy
TOWS Matrix
Paper illustration for Bottleneck Analysis.
Operations
Bottleneck Analysis
Gap Analysis method illustration showing its working structure
Business Strategy
GAP Analysis
Purposedifferent
When delivery work dissolves into wait times, handoffs, and hidden effort, Value Stream Mapping makes the actual flow visible. The method exposes bottlenecks, idle time, and feedback loops so lead time and improvement levers become tangible.The TOWS Matrix connects internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats into action-oriented strategies. It goes a step further than a pure stocktaking.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.GAP Analysis compares the current state with a target picture and makes the distance manageable. It becomes useful when, ahead of new initiatives, it must become clear which capabilities, processes, or resources are missing.
Complexitysame
MediumMediumMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-3 h1-2 h1-3 h1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
4-103-103-82-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Current-state map, Future-state map, Bottleneck listTOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority ActionsBottleneck Map, Flow Metrics, Improvement Options, Follow-up MeasuresGap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes
Tagsno overlap
LeanFlowWasteDelivery
StrategyAnalysisOptions
FlowMeasurementConstraints
StrategyAnalysisPlanning
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