A Business Roadmapping Champion should be identified, ideally a senior manager who has an interest in the outcome of the
process and the application of business roadmapping as a management tool.
A process facilitator can be engaged to run the workshop
and carry out other tasks in consultation with the Business Roadmapping Champion, such as co-ordination and processing outputs.
Appropriate
workshop participants should be identified, including both technical and commercial functions from within the business. Participants
will generally be drawn from various functions such as R&D, engineering, manufacturing. marketing, sales, supply, finance
and human resources. Participants need to be closely connected to operational and market realities to see opportunities and issues.
If appropriate customers, suppliers and external specialists could provide a useful input into the process.
A maximum
of 15 participants is recommended when beginning the roadmapping process. Larger numbers within a single group can tend to split into
sub-groups and sharing of knowledge and perspectives can be lost without careful workshop planning.
As part of knowledge sharing,
participants need to prepare data and information relevant to the workshop and make the information available to other participants
as necessary. Specific documents such as market analysis and product specifications should be shared so that all participants can
actively engage in the roadmapping process.
Business Roadmapping Objectives
Clear articulation of business needs and company objectives should be clear prior to commencement of the workshops. This process should involve all the stakeholders mentioned above.
There should be agreement between the Business Roadmapping Champion and participants about what is in-scope and out-of-scope. Successful Business Roadmaps maintain tight control of scope.
Active participation during the planning and scoping stages encourages individual buy-in.
The format, structure and content of the Business Roadmap are focused on achieving objectives.
Define clear objectives to make sure you know exactly what you are striving to achieve
Business Roadmaps are created by multi-disciplinary, cross-functional teams drawn from across the organisation.
Each participant brings a particular set of knowledge and skills to the roadmap that is shared within the workshop. Through the exchange of knowledge and ideas participants can agree the way forward. Stakeholder alignment across the organisation and "buy-in" are important outcomes.
A facilitator, an expert in process, not necessarily content, may be engaged to bring out the best contribution from each participant.
Creating Business Roadmaps
Driving your Business Future
© Bmaps Pty Ltd 2013