ECU Versions / design concepts

I am trying to better understand our hobby and workplace. I've come to understand that there appears to be two methods of designing/developing an ECU and its related software.

One version uses a VE table which is adjusted to tune the vehicle. It relies on a fueling basis along with all the other inputs to develop the desired injector open time.

The other version uses a Fueling Table which is then modified by all the other inputs resulting the open time.

Why is one used over the other? From the companies that use the fueling table method, I'm told it is a simpler more direct way of getting to the end result. I've not had the same discussion with companies that use VE Tables.

Are there advantages / disadvantages of one over the other?

I am ignorant of the proper terminology or naming conventions so my Google searches don't return any of these answers.

Or is it as simple as Ford v. Chevrolet? Both are vehicles for transportation, the same but entirely different.

The ECU architectures that use VE tables, also have good injector characterizations -- allowing injectors and/or fuel pressure to be changed without requiring re-visiting the fuel table. You can also change the desired fuel mixture (AFR) without any re-tuning.

ECUs that use injector open times, will often need to be tuned if there is a change in injectors or fuel pressures, or the target fuel mixture (AFR).

BTW - both types have additional compensations for things like coolant temp, starting requirements. And in both cases if you modify anything related to engine efficiency (Intake manifolds, Cylinder Heads, Camshafts, Exhaust), then you still need to retune the VE/fuel table to account for this.

Finally, OEM's don't depend nearly as much on the VE,and instead spend their time developing a good Mass Air Flow solution. By measuring the air precisely, and having a target AFR, they can determine the proper amount of fuel in inject. An advantage of this approach is that changes in Intakes, Exhausts and even Cams can be accommodated without needing to be re-tuned. This is what allows the Ford & Chevy aftermarket to sell parts that just bolt on and make more power.