How to write a business transformation framework
A good business transformation framework supports you as you travel from strategy to execution. We outline the six key stages to include in your plan.
A business transformation framework guides your approach to change
A framework is a key part of business transformation planning. It’s a way of agreeing your approach, taking you from start to finish in a logical way. Sometimes known as a transformation map, it’s often represented as a diagram.
Although a framework provides structure, it’s important not to be too rigid. Be prepared to adapt at each stage, in response to the results you’re getting. Used as a tool to engage with your teams, frameworks help demonstrate your vision for change and how you plan to achieve it.
A typical framework covers six key areas
Each organisation’s framework is unique in its detail and complexity, but tends to cover these key stages.
1. Identify the business driver/s for change
Always start by putting the need for change into context. We’ve said this before, but it bears repeating because it’s one of the most important parts of a business transformation journey.
What is driving or provoking the transformation? For example are you seeking cost savings, reacting to new regulations or taking advantage of a new opportunity in your market?
2. Goals and strategy: where are you taking the business?
Keeping the business drivers in mind, consider how to reach your destination. What’s the strategy and which goals must you achieve along the way?
A C-suite executive, like a chief information officer, usually sponsors the setting of goals and strategy. Functional leaders, such as transformation directors, support and drive this stage.
3. Map your business operating model
Assessing your current operating model will highlight gaps between your present and ideal future state. Then outline the ideal operating model based on your business needs. This helps you understand the big picture and prioritise focus areas.
4. Build in performance management
Analyse performance of your strategy by building in metrics to track the delivery of initiatives and evaluate the outcomes.
5. Gather operational intelligence on processes
Use alerts and notifications to find out if processes are performing as expected or whether something unusual is happening. How often are problems occurring and what impact are they having on the business transformation process?
You can also use these alerts to monitor compliance with regulations. For example, to check whether your team completed mandatory actions like reviewing certain documents.
6. Improve business-decision making
A framework acts as a useful tool for business leaders. You will gain a continuous stream of data and insight from the operational intelligence and performance metrics. This will enable you to decide on next steps, model scenarios and create better ways of working.
Start your business transformation journey
The BusinessOptix platform provides tools to help you develop and follow a business process transformation framework. As BusinessOptix premier UK partner, we can advise you on how to integrate its functionality. Contact us to find out how.
For more background on developing a framework
This article is adapted from a white paper by BusinessOptix. Download the full white paper here: successfully transform and improve business operations