Background
Human service leaders have long dreamed of systems in which services are planned, coordinated, delivered, monitored and evaluated in an integrated and efficient manner, maximizing positive outcomes for children, families and communities. Until recently, technological limitations have prevented this bold vision from becoming a reality. Today, though, the emergence of “interoperable technology” offers an unprecedented opportunity to connect systems across traditional boundaries in exciting and rewarding ways. This interconnectivity represents the cutting edge for development of new service models and approaches.
Since our first Stewards of Change conference in 2005, we’ve been studying emerging trends in business, government and technology and their impact on new operational and interoperability models in health, education and human services. Our research makes it clear that, just as interoperability is driving innovation in other sectors, it will transform the fundamental structure and function of human services.
Despite the profound implications of these changes, few resources have been dedicated to defining the process for pursuing interoperability. There is no national clearinghouse to document best practices, study key operational considerations or provide technical guidance. Moreover, there is no handbook for leaders undertaking this complex and critical journey. To fill the gap, SOC has developed the 2.0 InterOptimability Process and Handbook (link opens PDF), which comprises a conceptual architecture, common language and a nine step process for preparing an organization for large-scale interoperability. This handbook takes you on a journey through that process.
InterOptimability Overview
InterOptimability™ is the process that organizations can use to build a comprehensive roadmap to guide their interoperability journey. It builds on the
SOC “Human Services 2.0” theory of change and refers to the process SOC has designed to help organizations assess, plan, implement and monitor their interoperability initiatives.
Taken as a whole this model can be thought of as the conceptual architecture guiding the development of interoperability across all the business, organizational and technical levels. The conceptual architecture provides a way to visualize the landscape and connect the user’s with the systems technical components in an adaptive, technically accessible and flexible manner.
The overall approach includes 1) a process for creating an integrated Change Vision Landscape for the organization 2) a set of ten “drivers” that describe the specific human, organizational and operational competencies associated with successful interoperability initiatives, 3) a set of analytical tools and templates for assessing the organizational readiness to plan and build an interoperable system.
The process is divided into the following nine steps:
- Orientation to Human Services 2.0 – InterOptimability Theory and Practice
- Create a ‘To Be’ Change Vision Landscape and InterOptimability Roadmap
- Review and assess the ‘As Is’ Business Processes
- Conduct an ‘As Is’ Information Technology Assessment
- Evaluate Your Organizational Readiness
- Build ‘To Be’ Business Process Frameworks
- Develop a ‘To Be’ Information Technology Solution
- Perform Gap Analyses
- Synthesize learning, Present Recommendations and Action Plans Read about each step in the InterOptimability Handbook >