Operating Model | Redesign Your Op Model

What is an operating model?

A good operating model links strategy and execution. Updating the operating model is often the single most transformative action a company can take. Why? A company’s operating model provides the critical link between its market strategy and the execution of that strategy. It defines how the company organizes and aligns decision making, assets, and operations to deliver value to its customers. In essence, an operating model addresses the questions of who does what, where it is done, how best to deploy assets, and how to make decisions. If you get those answers wrong, the chances of success are dismally low.

WP&C’s redesign roadmap

When redesigning your operating model, understand that there is no single blueprint that fits every company. Even within the same industry, operating models vary significantly. Just as your strategy, value proposition, offerings, asset-base, or capabilities differ, operating models can—and should—differ as well. But while operating models should be unique, all organizations can follow the same design journey. WP&C has helped dozens of companies transform their operating model and unlock value and growth through its 3-phase approach:

When to act: Triggers for redesign

An out-of-date operating model is often the culprit behind poor performance. It is of critical importance to recognize triggers that warrant a redesign. Examples include:

You’ve been moving from local (or multi-local) to global; or conversely, you’re moving from center-led to more local
There’s been a significant shift in your value proposition and/or product mix
New channels, including digital, have become a bigger factor for your business
You are making acquisitions a bigger part of your growth plans
Your business has grown significantly in the last few years
You are embarking on a significant new strategy

INSIGHTS

4 Steps to Ready Your Operating Model for Uncertainty and Change

Operating models define how the business operates, but too often, as conditions change, the operating model fails to keep pace. Today’s environment is no exception. Certain trends are accelerating (e.g., hyper-localization) and new forces are emerging (e.g., flexibility and resiliency) — your operating model will need to adapt to these new conditions.

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Learn how we developed an operating model to accelerate innovation for a global technology company

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