Applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to Designing an IT Operating Model

Summary

As IT organisations strive to keep pace with business demands and technological advancements, designing an effective operating model becomes increasingly critical. Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) provides a powerful framework for achieving this by enabling a structured, collaborative, and dynamic approach to design. By applying MBSE to the 5 layers on an IT Operating Model (Vision & Strategy, Capability Design, Functional Design, Organisational Design, and Operational Design), IT leaders can create operating models that are not only aligned with business objectives but are also resilient, efficient, and future-ready.

Introduction

In an era of rapid digital transformation, IT organisations face the challenge of remaining agile while ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with business goals. A structured and innovative approach to designing an IT operating model is essential. MBSE presents a unique opportunity to reimagine the way IT operating models are conceptualised and developed, providing a more integrated and effective methodology. This article explores how MBSE can be applied to designing an IT operating model, structured around five key components: Vision & Strategy, Capability Design, Functional Design, Organisational Design, and Operational Design.

What is MBSE?

MBSE is an engineering methodology that uses models as the primary means of system definition and communication. Unlike traditional document-centric approaches, MBSE enables teams to create digital models that represent requirements, design, analysis, and validation. These models act as a single source of truth, fostering collaboration, reducing ambiguity, and ensuring consistency across complex systems.

Applying MBSE to a 5-Layer IT Operating Model Structure

MBSE can be a really effective methodology when applied to the 5 layers of an IT operating model, here is a summary of how this can be approached:

ITOM Layer 1 - Vision & Strategy
The Vision & Strategy component defines the overarching purpose and direction of the IT organisation. With MBSE, this can be represented as high-level conceptual models that align IT objectives with business goals. These models can:

1. • Capture the strategic priorities and key outcomes.

   • Visualise dependencies between IT initiatives and business drivers.

   • Simulate potential scenarios to assess strategic alignment and risks.

By using MBSE, organisations can ensure their IT strategies are comprehensive and adaptable to future needs.

ITOM Layer 2 - Capability Design
Capability Design involves identifying the core capabilities required to achieve the vision and strategy. MBSE can support this stage by developing detailed capability models that:

2. • Define the key IT services and processes.

   • Map capabilities to specific business outcomes.

   • Identify gaps or redundancies in existing capabilities.

These models enable stakeholders to understand the interplay between technical capabilities and business requirements, fostering a more targeted approach to capability development.

ITOM Layer 3 - Functional Design
Functional Design focuses on defining the IT functions and their interrelationships. MBSE can create system architecture models that:

3. • Specify functional requirements for IT systems and services.

   • Illustrate interdependencies between functions.

   • Support traceability between functional and strategic requirements.

This ensures that the functional design aligns with both capability needs and strategic objectives, minimising the risk of misalignment.

ITOM Layer 4 - Organisational Design
Organisational Design involves structuring teams, roles, and responsibilities to support the IT functions. Using MBSE, organisational structures can be modelled to:

4. • Define roles and their alignment with capabilities and functions.

   • Simulate organisational workflows to identify inefficiencies.

   • Test using different organisational scenarios to optimise performance.

These models allow organisations to design teams that are both effective and flexible, with clear accountability and collaboration pathways.

ITOM Layer 5 - Operational Design
Operational Design details the processes, tools, and technologies required to deliver IT services effectively. MBSE can facilitate this by:

5. • Modelling operational workflows and process interdependencies.

   • Capturing data flows between tools and technologies.

   • Simulating operational performance using different scenarios to test, validate and refine.

This approach ensures operational designs are robust, scalable, and aligned with the broader IT strategy.

Benefits of Using MBSE for IT Operating Model Design

The application of MBSE to IT operating model design offers several significant advantages:

• Enhanced Collaboration: MBSE’s visual and model-driven approach promotes a shared understanding among stakeholders, bridging the gap between technical and non-technical teams.

• Improved Consistency: By maintaining a single source of truth, MBSE reduces ambiguity and ensures alignment across all levels of the operating model.

• Better Decision-Making: Simulation capabilities within MBSE allow organisations to test scenarios, predict outcomes, and make data-driven decisions.

• Increased Agility: MBSE models can be easily updated to reflect changes in strategy, capabilities, or technology, ensuring the operating model remains relevant in dynamic environments.

• Traceability: The ability to trace requirements and design decisions across the model ensures transparency and accountability.