Target Operating Systems
A clear, deliberate Target Operating System (TOS) is the foundation for scalable, high-performing IT and digital functions.It defines how you structure your teams, deliver services, engage suppliers, and create value. At iCore, we help you design and evolve operating models that are aligned, agile, and future-ready.
We don’t just design the model — we make sure it works in your world.
Why Choose Us?
In many organisations, operating models grow organically — until they no longer serve the business. Silos emerge, accountability blurs, and service performance suffers. iCore brings clarity through structured design, helping you align people, process, technology, and governance into a coherent system of delivery.
This service is ideal if:
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Your organisation is scaling or changing and your current model is struggling to keep up
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Roles, teams, or service ownership are unclear or duplicative
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You’re adopting new technologies, sourcing strategies, or delivery approaches (e.g., Agile, DevOps, SIAM)
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You want to create a more responsive, efficient, and empowered IT or digital function
What’s included?
Our approach to Target Operating System design is collaborative, pragmatic, and tailored to your culture and maturity:
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Current model assessment – Analyse your current structure, capability gaps, and performance bottlenecks
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Future state design – Define a TOS that aligns with your strategy, customer needs, and sourcing model
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Role and capability mapping – Clarify who does what, where expertise resides, and what needs to evolve
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Service ownership and accountability models – Embed clear end-to-end responsibility across the service lifecycle
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Governance and rhythm of business – Design cadences, decision flows, and assurance layers that drive outcomes
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Implementation support – Help to embed, communicate, and sustain the model over time
Build a model that scales with you
Your operating system is the engine of your IT organisation. With the right model, you can move faster, operate with greater control, and deliver more value — consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a Target Operating System and an Operating Model?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but we use “Target Operating System” to emphasise the practical mechanisms that make your model work — including structures, roles, rhythms, governance, and handoffs. A model may show the big picture; the system makes it run day-to-day.
How long does it take to design a Target Operating System?
Depending on scope and organisational size, most TOS engagements run for 6 to 12 weeks. We focus on early clarity — delivering key artefacts and alignment quickly while building out a sustainable structure over time.
Will this mean restructuring our entire team?
Not necessarily. Many TOS designs build on existing structures, refining roles, interfaces, and governance rather than replacing everything. Where change is needed, we work with you to ensure it’s achievable, supported, and aligned to outcomes.
Can you help implement the TOS once it’s designed?
Yes. We support clients through the full lifecycle — from design through to communication, rollout, and continuous improvement. We can also coach internal leaders to embed the model sustainably.
How does a Target Operating System help us improve performance?
A well-designed TOS aligns strategy, delivery, and accountability. It reduces ambiguity, improves collaboration, strengthens governance, and ensures everyone knows their role in delivering value. It becomes the foundation for service excellence and transformation.
Why choose iCore
With years of experience in the IT industry, across many different sectors, our team is well equipped to conduct a full assessment of your Agile and DevOps capabilities, whilst working with you and your team to develop a roadmap of realistic, measurable improvement actions.
We have helped numerous organizations improve and transform their current IT practices and ways of working, in order to drive real value throughout their business and deliver high levels of service quality and customer satisfaction.