Oct 2023 - Interoperability

Business Development (BD) is a crucial aspect of many companies. However, there's often a challenge known as the "interoperability gap." This essentially means that various departments within a company struggle to work seamlessly together when it comes to BD tasks. It's important to remember that BD isn't just the responsibility of one single department; it's a collective effort that involves every part of the company.

The challenge arises because each department has its unique processes and guidelines. These can be detailed, with certain rules, specific timelines, and terminology. Sometimes, these specific methods are in place because of legal or regulatory reasons. The BD department's task is to ensure that all these distinct practices align cohesively when refining the BD process.

Given this complexity, the BD department needs to be adept at understanding and integrating these varied departmental nuances. For those diving deeper into this area, some valuable strategies and tips are provided below to address these challenges effectively.

1) Ensure all departments are included in the effort.

2) Physically review each department’s documentation for accuracy, ensuring they reconcile with and support the BD process.

3) Develop a deliberate schedule for reviews and updates.

4) Information sharing. Get commitment from all departments to notify the BD Department when internal policies change.