Free, but no longer freelancing!

My status has changed since most of the content of this site was written. I've swopped the consultant's role for that of Manager, E-Business at Danfoss Drives in Denmark. Different status, same focus - figuring out what makes business - and e-Business - tick. And delivering on all those wild statements I made as a consultant :-) (Profile...)
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Business Architecture is the way to go!

I'm Colm Toolan and I'm a firm believer in business architecture!

I believe that business problems, and their resolution, are firmly rooted in the structure of the organisation and its processes - the business architecture.

All too often, tremendous effort is applied to resolving the symptoms that result from perceived and actual problems. The effect is short term solutions, which often produce counter-intuitive side effects. My view is that - not unlike traditional architectural problems, where the effects of bad design are often separated in time and space from the causes - only an understanding of the underlying business structures can lead to valid, long term solutions. This view is what differentiates business architecture from quick fixes.  (More...)
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Business Architecture in Action

Customers (used to) tell me that the approach I use helps them to understand their business better. Maybe that's because I "get paid to ask stupid questions" that no employee has ever dared to ask. Maybe it's the "way I tell it" that pinpoints issues that management haven't had the time to recognise. Maybe it's because I'm Irish - quick and good at understanding "other's people business". Whatever the reason, here's an example of business architecture at work:

Using a Customer-Cycle-Content model, data relating to existing customers - and their level of satisfaction with the current e-Business solution - were analysed. The results were integrated with the client's Customer Activity Cycle model, to prioritise areas for action. These actions provide the basis for improved content - in terms of subject matter and wording, but also in terms of navigation, usability etc. Improved, easier-to-use content results both in more satisfied users and in improved search engine ranking, which together increase user numbers, web conversion rates and the number of customers placing orders. (More...)

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