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Simulating Organisational Change Before You Execute It
Aerospace engineering and advanced manufacturing have been running change simulations for decades. Before modifying a jet engine component or altering the geometry of a wind turbine blade, engineers build a digital twin — a structured model of the product that can be subjected to simulated conditions before a single physical change is made. Constraints and failure modes surface in the model, where they are inexpensive to address, rather than in production, where they are not.
richard vonk
May 173 min read


Why Enterprise Software Fails Organisations That Grew Organically
Most enterprise software implementations are designed around an assumption that the implementing organisation has never explicitly made: That the business operates through defined positions with clear accountability, documented processes, and structured segregation of duties. For organisations that grew organically, that assumption is almost always wrong. An organisation that started with a handful of people and grew through product success typically built its operating model
richard vonk
May 173 min read


The Observation That Led to Organisation Insights
Over forty M&A engagements at Element taught me one thing more clearly than any other: the decisions that cost most are the ones made without an accurate picture of the current state. Not because organisations are careless. Because current-state analysis is the work that gets cut when timelines are tight and the pressure to show momentum is real. Because the picture it produces leads with constraints rather than possibilities — which makes it a difficult document to table whe
richard vonk
May 172 min read


Financial Audits Have Extended Into the IT Landscape
Financial audits are no longer confined to financial transactions. Over the past several years, the scope of a standard financial audit has expanded to include the technology systems that produce and process those transactions — and most IT teams were not prepared for the change. The shift has a regulatory anchor. The revised ISA 315 standard, which governs how auditors identify and assess risks of material misstatement, explicitly requires auditors to understand the IT envir
richard vonk
May 173 min read


Why Strategy Documents don’t Survive Contact with Operations
Strategy is defined at an altitude where it is internally coherent. It connects objectives to outcomes, articulates priorities, and provides a rationale for investment decisions. At the level at which it is written, it is usually correct. The problem is that it cannot be directly translated into the operational decisions that would realise it — which systems to invest in, which capabilities to build, how to sequence change — without a structured view of the current state. Mos
richard vonk
May 173 min read


The IT License Landscape Nobody Has Mapped
Most organisations do not have an accurate view of what technology they are licensed for, what they are actually using, and what they are paying for. This is not a procurement failure. It is a current-state visibility problem ; and the data that would resolve it exists, distributed across HR systems, finance platforms, IT service management tools, and procurement records that do not routinely talk to each other. The license landscape accumulates complexity in the same way the
richard vonk
May 173 min read


Digital Strategy Insights for Executive Leadership
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, executive leaders face the challenge of navigating complex technological changes while ensuring their organizations remain competitive. The integration of digital strategies is no longer optional; it is essential for survival and growth. This blog post aims to provide valuable insights into effective digital strategies that can empower executive leadership to drive their organizations forward. Understanding Digital Strategy Digit
richard vonk
May 163 min read


Understanding Current-State Analysis for Digital Transformation
Digital transformation is not just a buzzword; it’s a necessity for organizations aiming to thrive in today’s fast-paced environment. To embark on this journey effectively, understanding your current state is crucial. This blog post will delve into the concept of current-state analysis, its importance, and how it can guide your digital transformation efforts. What is Current-State Analysis? Current-state analysis is the process of evaluating an organization’s existing process
richard vonk
May 164 min read


Maximizing Value in Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are pivotal strategies for companies looking to expand their market presence, diversify their offerings, or achieve economies of scale. However, the journey to successful M&A is fraught with challenges. Many deals fail to deliver the anticipated value, leading to significant financial losses and missed opportunities. Understanding how to maximize value in M&A is crucial for any organization considering this path. In this blog post, we will explo
richard vonk
May 164 min read
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