Service Blueprint: for a successful start of your software development
Successful software development starts with a clear vision and a solid plan about the necessary software requirements. As an organization, it is strategically important to keep software up-to-date in today's rapidly changing world. Building software solutions goes beyond software development, which is why Kunlabora offers the Service Blueprint.
This way, we first capture the customer's vision, then translate it into software requirements, which then lead to the design of a high-level solution. Because we proactively assess the software solution, we quickly arrive at a planning and roadmap in which we determine the various milestones by mutual agreement. Result: a fast and efficient software development process.
The importance of a service blueprint
In the service industry, quality software that does what you need is of great importance. Software releases with new functionalities and possibilities follow each other at a rapid pace. These new features provide process optimizations that increase the efficiency of your organization or offer new possibilities. Think, for example, of automating repetitive tasks.
In addition, it is important to keep systems up to date so that they remain compatible with other systems. Legacy software are outdated systems that are still in use, although they may no longer be fully supported.
Suppose a partner, customer or vendor switches to a new standard or system, you don't want to be left behind. If you wait too long to update your software, then it is possible that software support for your legacy version will be discontinued at some point. Legacy software is to be avoided because it can undermine the functionality of your systems and poses a security risk.
In conclusion, keeping up with your system is important to maintain your competitive advantage.
What elements does a Service Blueprint contain?
Software development is an iterative process where feedback on each iteration plays a major role on the direction of the development process. With the intended business value in mind, this can change the direction of the software development process. With a Service Blueprint, we ensure that the software development process can easily and efficiently handle those directional changes.
When drawing up a Service Blueprint, we move quickly at Kunlabora: in two weeks we work intensively with you, gathering input on what the software should be able to do. Then we present your organization with a customized design together with an action plan on how we want to organize the software implementation.
In the action plan we consider all product deliverables. High-level we map the functional, technical and managerial aspects. We incorporate this into a well-founded design in which we provide the necessary explanations. This gives you a clear picture of how we want to realize your customized solution.
Plan formulation takes place during a series of workshops, serving as an invaluable means to garner support from all stakeholders regarding the necessity of a new software application or system update. Throughout these sessions, we ensure alignment among all parties, facilitating a swift and well-prepared commencement of software development.
The course of a Service Blueprint
A Service Blueprint proceeds in a structured manner through the following steps:
- Intake meeting: Together, we determine the goals and scope of the Service Blueprint. You get a detailed explanation of our approach.
- Planning and set-up: Initially, we assemble a dedicated Service Blueprint team. Subsequently, we collaboratively schedule workshops, determining optimal timings and identifying the key stakeholders required for each session.
- Design and roadmap: Close collaboration is essential to achieve a good software design and roadmap. After all, the solution must fit your needs and requirements. During this step, we apply several techniques, such as impact mapping and user story mapping. We support this process with visual, technical diagrams.
- Debrief: Together with key stakeholders, we discuss the overview of the Service Blueprint and determine the next steps of the software implementation. This entails providing a comprehensive project estimate along with a detailed budget projection.
Service Blueprint in practice
Povigo is a great example of how we quickly arrived at an application using a Service Blueprint. We carried out this project with AP University of Applied Sciences, IDEA Consult and Group Intro, thanks to funding from Europe WSE. We developed a mobile application that supports people in their return to work after a burnout. Together with the partners, we first clearly mapped out what the app should be able to do and what it should look like. Thanks to solid preparation, we managed to build a Minimum Viable Product in only three months.
Another great example of a Service Blueprint we implemented was for the EMMA project for the Flemish Social Protection Agency (VSB). Through EMMA, people in need of assistance can apply for walking aids, such as wheelchairs and electric scooters, among others. Suppliers can now request those aids and send them to the VSB on behalf of the care recipient. Upon approval by the VSB, the supplier delivers the walking aid to the patient and arranges billing directly with the appropriate mutual insurance companies. The VSB had already done a lot of homework, but at the start of the project the exact scope and required functionalities were not 100% clear. The Service Blueprint was therefore a necessary step.
Start your software project with a Service Blueprint
High-quality software is of strategic importance for optimal collaboration, efficiency, and staying ahead of the competition. Avoid surprises, avoid legacy software and start preparing your software project in the best possible way thanks to a Service Blueprint. Our experts have tons of expertise in translating your software wishes and needs into the correct functionalities and features.
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