Modern businesses are urged to shift from merely optimising processes to reimagining them as platforms. This approach allows for the creation of ecosystems that can adapt and evolve, fostering innovation and resilience. Instead of linear processes, platforms are networks that enable interactions between participants.
This shift requires a change in mindset, from viewing processes as cost centres to be optimised, to seeing them as assets that can generate value. It also requires a move from a focus on efficiency to a focus on effectiveness.
The transformation to a platform model involves three steps: identifying the right processes to convert into platforms, designing the platform to encourage interactions, and managing the platform to ensure it evolves appropriately.
Case studies such as the transformation of Schneider Electric’s supply chain demonstrate the potential of this approach. Schneider Electric shifted its supply chain from a traditional process to a platform, enabling it to respond more effectively to market changes and customer needs.
This new approach to business processes can lead to greater innovation, agility, and resilience, and can drive significant value for businesses.
Go to source article: https://hbr.org/2016/12/instead-of-optimizing-processes-reimagine-them-as-platforms