Oliver Bossert, specialized in large-scale transformations of enterprise architecture in various industries, discusses platform strategies for traditional firms, implementing 3D printing and inventory management, balancing localization and centralization, disciplined agile organizations, and the use of platforms within companies.
Implementing platform thinking can drive efficiency and effectiveness even before changing technology.
Striking a balance between localization and centralization is crucial for harmonization without stifling innovation and customization.
Deep dives
Defining a Platform
A platform is described as a system that supports another entity, combining people, processes, and technology. By harmonizing these elements, platforms can accelerate innovation, reduce implementation costs, and eliminate friction in systems.
Framework for Platform Development
A framework for building and running a platform involves aligning people, processes, and technology to serve a common purpose. This extends beyond just software systems and includes decision-making and harmonizing business capabilities. The framework helps organizations compete with digital disruptors and adapt to market changes.
Transformative Potential of Platforms
Implementing platform thinking can lead to significant benefits even before changing code or technology. Logical transformations, such as defining clear accountability and ownership for processes, can drive efficiency and effectiveness. Bringing people and processes together in an integrated framework paves the way for future physical transformations, resulting in cost savings and faster time to market.
Balancing Localization and Centralization
The balance between localization and centralization depends on factors such as regulatory requirements, user needs, and business contexts. While decentralization allows for tailoring to specific markets, harmonization across regions enables efficiency and scalability. It is crucial to strike a balance and drive harmonization without stifling innovation and customization.
About Oliver: For more than ten years, Oliver has specialized in large-scale transformations of enterprise architecture in various customer-facing industries, such as retail, insurance, and financial services. He supports clients in establishing the function of enterprise architecture management and in executing the transformation of architecture, including the application landscape.
More recently, Oliver has focused on transformations of companies toward using platform-based architectures that allow them to build and scale digital innovation at reasonable cost beyond the pilot stage, such as by design and implementation of digital technology platforms. He also leads McKinsey’s Digital Architecture Center.
Besides serving clients, Oliver leads McKinsey’s knowledge-development work and research collaborations on enterprise architecture. In this role, he is in constant contact with vendors, start-ups, academia, and other third parties to continuously enhance and extend the firm’s knowledge base. For example, Oliver leads the Enterprise Architecture Survey, a McKinsey and the Henley Business School collaboration.