Understanding Modern Corporate Structure: The Dual Approach
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the architecture of corporate systems plays a crucial role in maintaining efficiency and flexibility. A noteworthy example of this is a dual structure model employed by many companies, including Exolum. This model strategically separates corporate systems into global and local layers, allowing organizations to operate cohesively as one entity rather than fragmented local businesses.
The Dual Structure Explained
At the global level, centralized corporate systems manage critical functions like finance, control, human resources (HR), and asset maintenance. By concentrating these systems at the global layer, companies ensure that key operations are streamlined, consistent, and effectively governed. This setup minimizes silos and promotes standardized policies across all locations.
Conversely, local systems cater to operations directly tied to physical activities. These local systems are designed for flexibility, enabling teams to adapt quickly to changing conditions on the ground. This blend of global control with local autonomy enhances overall efficiency while empowering teams to address specific regional challenges swiftly.
The Role of the Tech Department
Exolum’s tech department exemplifies the successful implementation of this dual structure, comprising around 70 internal employees bolstered by a rolling support of up to 150 external professionals. Rather than focusing heavily on creating proprietary software from scratch, the team emphasizes project management and overseeing technology partners. This approach ensures that quality standards and functional requirements are met while allowing fast adaptation to new technologies and methodologies.
Maintaining this balance between internal capabilities and external support is essential for driving innovation without the lag often associated with larger software development cycles. It enables Exolum to remain agile while leveraging the expertise of external professionals.
Embracing Technology: AI and Data Solutions
In the quest for continuous improvement, Exolum has significantly ramped up its use of advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). The company has integrated tools like Copilot within its corporate environments and SAP systems to enhance productivity across teams. This adoption not only automates routine tasks but also provides employees the opportunity to focus on more strategic, value-added activities.
Álvarez highlights the transformative impact of such technologies, stating, “The goal is to free up time so people can dedicate themselves to higher value-added tasks.” By minimizing the burden of mundane tasks, companies can nurture creativity and foster a culture of innovation.
The Future of Corporate Structures
As organizations continue to navigate the complexities of both global and local market dynamics, the dual structure model appears to be a viable solution. By maintaining streamlined, centralized corporate systems while allowing for localized flexibility, businesses like Exolum can respond more adeptly to the evolving demands of their industry and clients.
This structural model, combined with technological advancements such as AI and data analytics, places companies in a strong position to harness insights and drive impactful initiatives. Investing in these areas not only prepares organizations for future challenges but also enriches the overall employee experience by creating more meaningful, engaging work.
This evolving landscape underscores the importance of thoughtful architectural design and the strategic deployment of technology. As organizations continue to explore the potential of the dual structure, they will likely unlock new efficiencies and foster deeper connections with their teams and clients alike.
