{"id":9685,"date":"2025-08-14T09:43:20","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T09:43:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/?p=9685"},"modified":"2025-08-22T14:44:32","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T14:44:32","slug":"why-data-is-integral-to-target-operating-model","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/blog\/why-data-is-integral-to-target-operating-model\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Data is Integral to Your Target Operating Model"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

At the heart of business longevity lies the target operating model<\/span><\/a>. It sets out how your organisation should run to thrive, grow, and improve – think of it like a continuous recipe for success! Without a target operating model, there\u2019s no clear framework for a business\u2019s people and processes to follow. It\u2019s more vulnerable to miscommunication and misaligned values – and ultimately, failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data is core to modern, effective operating models that are helping leaders to increase efficiencies, optimise resources, and drive down costs – all while maximising profit. So, what do you need to do to incorporate data into your target operating model, and does it need one of its own? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on for what you need to know about target operating models, and why data is integral to their success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Target Operating Model?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A target operating model – or \u2018TOM\u2019 as we like to say – is the blueprint of how your organisation runs. It includes the overall capabilities of the business, from people and processes to assets and technology, and is used to make sure operations and processes are in line with the vision of the leadership team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re wanting to drive meaningful, long-lasting change, a target operating model is the <\/strong>place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data Target Operating Model Explained <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As the name suggests, a data target operating model focuses on delivering everything data, from your overriding data strategy<\/span><\/a> to ongoing data management . It\u2019s just as aligned with your overall business TOM and vision, but the elements within are more targeted towards data. 
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“A data target operating model is how an organisation\u2019s data capabilities are structured,  managed and sustained to support delivery of the data strategy, which should align with delivering your business outcomes and needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Craig Lambert, Senior Consultant at Oakland<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Dive deeper into the importance of data to your business in our blog: <\/strong>Why is data important for business?<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Should a Data Target Operating Model Include?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your data TOM involves the different systems and frameworks you have in place to aid data-driven decision-making. When developing a data operating model, we structure it using the following framework:<\/p>\n\n\n\n