Initial Delivery System Design¶
“Every successful engagement starts with a consciously designed system, not an improvised process.”
Purpose¶
The Initial Delivery System Design tool establishes the first working model of collaboration between Client and Vendor before or during project kick-off.
It translates business intent into an executable delivery system by aligning:
- Engagement expectations between Client and Vendor,
- Flow of work and information across both organizations,
- Stable rules for decision-making, communication, and governance.
This tool closes the maturity gap between contractual setup and operational collaboration — helping both sides enter delivery with clarity instead of assumptions.
Applies To¶
| Dimension | Scope |
|---|---|
| SDLC Stages | RFP → Discovery → Kick-off |
| 3SF Relationship Lines | Engagement ↔ Delivery ↔ Value |
| 3SF Layers | Contextual Drivers Layer (CDL) + Stable Rules Layer (SRL) |
| Maturity Target | From Transactional Trust → toward Collaborative Confidence |
Actors / Roles¶
| Client Side | Vendor Side | Shared Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Sponsor | Account Lead | Define intent, funding logic, and partnership boundaries. |
| Product Leader | Delivery Facilitator | Translate business goals into flow and governance patterns. |
| Solution Architect | Solution Architect | Align architectural feasibility and constraints. |
| Requirements Analyst | Requirements Analyst | Clarify problem statements and validation criteria. |
| Governance Officer | Engineering Director | Ensure compliance, security, and resourcing stability. |
Steps / Routines¶
1. Frame the Intent¶
- Clarify Why this product or service exists and What success looks like for both sides.
- Record shared vision, constraints, and strategic assumptions in a Delivery Charter.
2. Map the Engagement System¶
- Identify interfaces between Client ↔ Vendor ↔ Product.
- Define how information, priorities, and dependencies will flow.
- Visualize using a 3-in-3 Engagement Canvas (triangle form).
3. Define Stable Rules¶
- Agree on key collaboration practices (e.g., cadence, decision loops, escalation path).
- Select initial 3SF practices relevant to context (e.g., RACI, backlog management, risk log).
4. Assess Starting Maturity¶
- Use a simplified 3SF Maturity Checklist to rate Engagement, Delivery, and Value relationships.
- Capture baseline scores to enable progress tracking after first quarter.
5. Validate System Coherence¶
- Review with both technical and business representatives.
- Ensure the setup supports value realization, not only contract execution.
6. Publish and Commit¶
- Share the agreed system (charter + canvas + checklist) across both organizations.
- Schedule a 6-week review to confirm the system works as intended.
Inputs / Outputs¶
| Inputs | Outputs |
|---|---|
| RFP / SoW draft, strategic objectives, architectural outline | Delivery Charter, Engagement Canvas, Maturity Baseline, initial Governance Matrix |
Metrics / Signals¶
| Category | Example Indicators |
|---|---|
| Alignment Quality | Shared definition of “done” and measurable success criteria exist. |
| Engagement Clarity | Decision flow, communication cadence, and ownership map defined. |
| Readiness Confidence | Both sides confirm ability to start delivery without new dependencies. |
| Maturity Signal | Baseline shows at least Collaborative level on Engagement and Delivery lines. |
Common Pitfalls¶
- Treating the exercise as documentation instead of system design.
- Letting either side dominate — missing true co-ownership.
- Starting delivery without defining communication rhythm or decision rules.
- Ignoring cross-organizational dependencies (security, access, procurement).
- Focusing on individual roles instead of relationships between functions.
Scaling Notes¶
| Maturity Stage | Evolution Focus |
|---|---|
| Transactional → Collaborative | Move from single-point contacts to functional interfaces (Product ↔ Delivery ↔ Architecture). |
| Collaborative → Co-Creative | Integrate metrics and shared backlog ownership. |
| Co-Creative → Strategic Partner | Embed 3SF practices into organizational governance and portfolio planning. |
Client-Side Application¶
Objective: Ensure the vendor team integrates smoothly into internal structures and delivers business outcomes, not just outputs.
Client actions
- Use this tool during RFP finalization or early discovery.
- Assign internal ownership for each engagement interface (business, technical, governance).
- Approve the joint Delivery Charter and participate in the maturity baseline review.
- Record internal dependencies (e.g., data access, release approvals) in the Governance Matrix.
- Communicate strategic priorities transparently to enable vendor autonomy.
Vendor-Side Application¶
Objective: Establish a predictable, value-aligned delivery system and demonstrate partnership maturity from day zero.
Vendor actions
- Facilitate creation of the Engagement Canvas with Client roles.
- Translate business goals into technical and operational flow diagrams.
- Identify missing context or misaligned assumptions early and document them.
- Propose the initial Stable Rules set and verify Client acceptance.
- Use baseline metrics to plan first 3SF Quarterly Assessment.
Summary¶
Initial Delivery System Design is the gateway practice of 3SF.
It connects intent to execution by co-creating the first stable delivery system between Client and Vendor.
The result is a shared Delivery Charter, Engagement Canvas, and Maturity Baseline — forming the foundation for all subsequent 3SF tools and assessments.