At LF Energy Summit 2024 in Brussels, Ton van der Knaap of Stedin introduced “NBility,” an open source business capability model designed to enhance collaboration among grid operators. NBility, which has evolved from a model used in the Netherlands, is intended to address the industry’s need for a common framework to streamline business design, decision-making, and IT-business alignment. A summary of the session follows, with the full video embedded at the end.
- Purpose of NBility: NBility is a business capability model, not focused on IT design, but on providing a common language and structure for designing and aligning the operational and business capabilities of grid operators. This approach aids in reducing ambiguities and enhancing communication, which helps avoid confusion and promotes better collaboration.
- Core Components: The NBility model consists of three key components:
- Business Capabilities: These are structured into various levels, with the top level focused on grid operators’ ability to manage energy transport, measurement, and sector facilitation. The six core capabilities have different lifecycles and issues, making them essential for efficient decision-making.
- Value Streams: The model helps define how capabilities are utilized to create value for customers, ensuring that processes and data are aligned with operational needs.
- Business Objects: These represent the information domains and are linked to capabilities, facilitating a better understanding of responsibilities and improving data management across the enterprise.
- Impact on Business-IT Alignment: One of the major advantages of NBility is its ability to bridge gaps between business and IT functions. By mapping business capabilities and objects, operators can better design processes, applications, and data systems. This is particularly relevant as grid operators move towards DevOps and other modern organizational models.
- Use in Grid Operations: The NBility model is especially useful for grid operators dealing with the complex and evolving energy landscape. It allows for better management of energy transport, capacity, and data, all while promoting reliability and efficiency in the energy system. Operators can use the model to streamline their business processes, optimize their IT landscapes, and ensure they are equipped to meet future challenges.
- Open Source and Collaboration: A key highlight of the session was the announcement that NBility is now officially open source. By making the model available to all, Stedin and its partners hope to foster greater collaboration across grid operators, not just in the Netherlands, but globally. The model has been made accessible via GitHub, allowing operators to contribute to its further development and tailor it to their specific needs.
- Global Applicability: While NBility has been developed with Dutch grid operators in mind, van der Knaap emphasized its potential for wider use across Europe and even beyond. The model offers a flexible framework that can be adapted to meet country-specific regulations and practices, making it a valuable tool for grid operators facing similar challenges worldwide.
Van der Knaap concluded the session by inviting participants to start using NBility and contribute to its ongoing improvement, highlighting the importance of shared knowledge and collaboration in achieving a more efficient and reliable energy grid.
