What it can actually do for a company is even more wide ranging. It has a both strategic and tactical uses. At the core, however, is its ability to improve communication and provide an organizational framework.

… in Communications

One of the most common challenges in most companies is aligning business and technology personnel. Both groups have their own “languages” and miscommunication is inevitable. While they think they're discussing the same concept, the terms may have subtle and sometimes significant differences.

That's where the Capability Model comes into play. It provides that common language so that both business and IT share concepts, increasing understanding and eliminating that common confusion.

… in Organization

Anyone who's ever tried to organize his or her garage or office knows how painful it can be. Now, imagine how complicated it is when you're organizing the artifacts within a corporation.

This is a good way of explaining how the capability model provides a consistent structure to organize business and systems artifacts.

By it as an organizing reference model across artifacts in the enterprise, you can quickly understand how things fit into the overall operations. The more familiar users get with the model, the more quickly they can assess what impacts them.

… in Organizational Footprint

Another important use of the capability model is in providing a common definition for the footprint of an organization. In times of M&A, it's a challenge to understand this resource and technological footprint.

Using the capability model helps organizations more easily assess some of the dimensions and complexities of the consolidated operation. It also lays a foundation for a more detailed analysis required to plan and execute the merger integration activities.

… in Your Business

These examples show just a fraction of what a Capability Model can do for your company. They also are just part of what the overall ACORD Framework is designed to do for both ACORD Standards development and for you.

The entire ACORD Framework Team has been working on this model and the other facets. We've also done presentations around the world to spread that understanding. In fact, there's even a book available aptly named The ACORD Capability Model written by Mark Orlandi and Nick France of ACORD, David Jones of Nationwide, and David Schmitz of Deloitte.

Copies are available in the ACORD Booth so drop by, see us, and get a copy.

You can also check out the ACORD Website for information, presentation recordings, and videos on the Framework. Development and changes continue to come fast and strong, so keep up to date and learn how your company can benefit from these technologies.