Horizon scanning, analysis and planning

Around 5 years ago I first shared a one-pager I had made that showed the key elements of a data protection programme and their relationships. I still occasionally present it during webinars and people sometimes ask for a copy.

It differentiates between your company’s internal ‘system’ and the external factors that act against your company, and may have an influence on how you shape and adjust your work.

One small part of the diagram is the need to pay attention to monitoring the external environment for signals of change, including:

• applicable laws and regulations

• technology

• societal trends

• vendor activity

• competitor activity

A lot depends on your business context as to what you’ll prioritise.

This really is an important topic because change across the global digital legislative landscape is constant. For global companies, proactive monitoring is a big MUST.

Yes, it can be difficult to spot potential opportunities and risks amidst the overwhelming amount of information balanced with the demands of your everyday work.

I’ve therefore formalised the work needed in the form of a process, various analysis techniques and a tool - horizon scanning.

Horizon scanning is the process of identifying emerging trends and changes that are acting upon your company.

Essentially horizon scanning is a key part of any company’s business planning process to ensure business strategies are relevant and fit for purpose.

Horizon scanning, analysis and planning is a new service Purpose and Means is providing companies, particularly helping leaders establish the team and the initial work needed. Also, help leaders with the business analysis and planning that ultimately comes out from the horizon scanning.

Interested in hear more? Take a look at our horizon scanning page, or feel free to book a call.