Task C1.5: Draft Ways to Remove or Change Interactions

What is Task C1.5?

Task C1.5 is part of the "Decide" phase in the Viability Canvas methodology, specifically within the "Plan the Product Flow" step (Step C1). This task instructs you to "See if there are any ways these can be altered to address problems or improve overall efficiency."

Purpose of Drafting Ways to Remove or Change Interactions

The purpose of this task is to identify specific modifications to the interactions between operational units that could solve existing problems or enhance the organization's overall performance. This serves several important functions:

1. Problem solving: Addressing specific pain points or inefficiencies in how operational units interact
2. Simplification: Reducing unnecessary complexity in the value stream
3. Resource optimization: Improving how resources are shared or transferred between units
4. Coordination enhancement: Creating more effective ways for operational units to work together
5. Reducing dependencies: Minimizing problematic dependencies between operational units

By drafting ways to remove or change interactions, you develop concrete solutions to improve the flow of value through your organization.

How to Complete Task C1.5

To draft ways to remove or change interactions effectively:

1. Review the interactions identified in C1.3:
   • Examine each delivery relationship, coordination mechanism, and shared resource dependency
   • Note which interactions have been flagged as problematic or inefficient
   • Identify which interactions create the most friction or delays
2. Consider multiple modification approaches:
   • Elimination: Could this interaction be removed entirely?
   • Simplification: Could this interaction be made less complex?
   • Automation: Could technology reduce the human effort required?
   • Standardization: Could clearer protocols reduce variability?
   • Restructuring: Could changing organizational boundaries reduce the need for this interaction?
3. Draft specific modifications for each problematic interaction:
   • Describe the current interaction and its issues
   • Detail the proposed change and how it would work
   • Explain how the modification addresses the identified problems
   • Note any potential challenges or considerations for implementation
4. Evaluate the potential impact of each proposed change:
   • How significantly would it improve efficiency or effectiveness?
   • What resources would be required to implement it?
   • What risks or unintended consequences might it create?
   • How would it affect other interactions or processes?
5. Prioritize proposed modifications based on:
   • Potential impact on overall system performance
   • Feasibility of implementation
   • Alignment with organizational direction and strategy
   • Dependencies on other changes

Example Application

For a manufacturing company with supply chain challenges:

Current interaction: Production planning provides weekly forecasts to suppliers, but frequent changes cause material shortages.

Proposed modifications:

• Implement a shared digital platform where suppliers can see real-time production plans
• Reduce planning cycle from weekly to daily updates for critical components
• Establish buffer inventory agreements with key suppliers for high-variability items
• Create direct communication channels between production floor leaders and supplier counterparts

Impact assessment:

• Would significantly reduce material shortages and production delays
• Requires IT investment and supplier cooperation
• May initially increase inventory costs but reduce emergency shipping expenses
• Supports long-term goal of more agile and responsive production

Best Practices for Drafting Modifications

When developing ways to remove or change interactions:

1. Focus on root causes rather than symptoms of interaction problems
2. Consider both technical and social aspects of the interactions
3. Look for patterns across different interaction issues that might have common solutions
4. Involve stakeholders from both sides of key interactions in developing modifications
5. Think systemically about how changes to one interaction might affect others
6. Ensure alignment with VSM principles like local autonomy and requisite variety
7. Consider both short-term fixes and longer-term structural solutions

By thoughtfully drafting ways to remove or change problematic interactions, you create a blueprint for improving the flow of value throughout your organization, enhancing its overall viability and effectiveness.