I came across the following article on a site called “Community” run by a consulting company called Dynalucid.  It uses the business model canvas as a starting point for creating an operating model canvas for a function like IT.  My version of an operating model canvas focuses just on the back end of the business model canvas.  But, as I reflected on this article, I realised that, when we do an operating model for a function, we need to think about the whole business model of the function.

Thank you to jordan.willms@gmail.com for alerting me to this article, and apologies to Dynalucid for copying it.

“An IT Operating Model can be defined as “the rationale of how the IT function harnesses processes, people, partners and assets in order to build a capability and culture that can create, communicate and deliver value to meet the needs of employees, partners and customers”.

The Operating Model and its capability is a system with every element impacting the other and therefore only truly makes sense as a whole. Visualisation enables simplification of the complexity. This opens up new insights, shared understanding and robust agreed design decisions that can be taken forward into transition and transformation.

The Operating Model Canvas is the Dynalucid operating model visualisation tool that enables Clients to describe, define, design, iterate and innovate around their current and future IT Operating Models.

Top of Canvas

Across the top of the Canvas, we set out the purpose and vision for the Operating Model. This is the overarching ‘due north’ which informs the selection and configuration of all the other Operating Model elements.

Right Side of Canvas

The right hand side of the Canvas is focused on customers and the value proposition to them.

This is where insight, understanding and empathy with our customers (both internal and external) is investigated to understand existing communications, channels and relationships.

it is then possible to add the value adding products and services required to meet the specific needs of each segment.

As a result of delivering value, budget or revenue streams are returned which are also captured on the right hand side of the model.

Left Side of Canvas

On the left hand side of the Canvas is set out the capability required to create the specified value. Explored in more detail, one can see that capability is like an eco system made up of many interconnected elements such as roles, data, people and skills.

The three macro elements that make up capability are the internal function resources and assets, the key processes and IT partners.

All this capability requires investment, and the left hand side of the model is where major cost elements such are salaries and 3rd party contracts aree captured.

Foundation of Canvas

The foundation of the Canvas and of every Operating Model is passion and culture. Companies with well-aligned cultures are six times more successful as noted by Jim Collins in his bestselling ‘Good to Great’. The fact is that one can have the best processes and people with all the right skills but, without an enabling culture, this will not translate into the desired value.”

A couple of comments.   Putting “capabilities” in as a requirement before “value adding products and services” is attractive …. but, it raises all the issues I have with using capabilities and capability maps as a tool.   I prefer putting “processes” here …. what are the processes needed to deliver the “value adding products and services”.  Then the boxes supporting processes will be a range of things: the ILOS of my PILOS model.

I like “Vision and Purpose” as an addition as well as “Culture and Passion” as a foundation thought.  I also like the 3D design – treating costs and revenues as elements that run through the whole.    Of course, most internal functions do not have revenues, so maybe it should be “costs” and “KPIs” or just KPIs, if cost is one KPI!