Which process mining method is used to compare discovered and target models to identify deviations?

The method used to compare discovered models with target models to identify deviations is known as conformance checking. This approach assesses how well the actual process execution aligns with an expected, predefined model. The main objective of conformance checking is to detect discrepancies between what the process is supposed to be (target model) and what is actually being executed (discovered model). This can reveal inefficiencies, bottlenecks, or deviations from best practices that may need to be addressed.

In contrast, process enhancement involves improving existing processes based on insights gathered from analysis but does not specifically focus on comparing discovered and target models. Process discovery, on the other hand, is about creating a model based on the actual data from executed processes without comparing it to any predefined standard. Regulatory compliance indicates adherence to laws and regulations but does not address the specific methodologies for comparing models or analyzing deviations. Thus, the focus of conformance checking on model comparison makes it the most suitable choice for the context of the question.