Institute for Operational Assurance

Core framework

The Operational Assurance Model

Understand, Observe, Compare, Intervene, Learn: a continuous loop for keeping work aligned with organisational intent.

The full loop

A continuous capability

Operational
Truth

Stage 01

Understand

Translate intent into operational context.

Purpose
Translate intent into operational context.
Typical inputs
Intent, evidence, context and recent operational experience.
What it produces
A clearer basis for the next stage of assurance.
Connection
Outputs become inputs to Observe.

Select any stage to explore it.

Continuous Operational Assurance loop: Understand, Observe, Compare, Intervene and Learn, returning to Understand around shared Operational Truth.

Establishing the loop

Begin with operational reality

Operational Reality Mapping creates the initial understanding and observation needed to begin. It reveals how work travels now, where reality diverges from intent and which moments warrant assurance.

Explore Operational Reality Mapping

Illustrative

Operational Reality Map

Stated Reality

Formal route

Reported Reality

Described route

Operational Reality

Observed route

Illustrative Operational Reality Map comparing a clean stated route, a reported route, and an operational route containing waits, hidden approvals, workarounds, rework and informal handoffs.

Begin with one workflow

See how work really moves

Begin with a bounded workflow that is important, recurring and possible to observe.

Map the Reality of This Workflow