The Key Activities block in the Business Model Canvas (BMC) outlines the crucial actions that a business must undertake to ensure the success of its business model. These activities are essential for delivering the value proposition, building and maintaining customer relationships, and generating revenue.

Key Activities in the BMC: A Comprehensive Overview

Each business model requires different key activities depending on its industry and objectives. Here’s a detailed look at the various categories of key activities and examples for each:

1. Production

Production activities involve designing, manufacturing, and delivering products in large quantities while maintaining high quality. This category is typically dominant in manufacturing and production-based business models.

• Design and Manufacturing: This includes the entire process of creating and producing a product. For example, in a restaurant, the key production activity is preparing the food that customers order. Similarly, for a coconut milk vendor, the primary activity is grating and squeezing coconuts to produce coconut milk.
• Quality Control: Ensuring that products meet specified standards before they reach the customer. For instance, a smartphone manufacturer must conduct rigorous testing to ensure the functionality and durability of each device.
• Mass Production: Efficiently producing goods in large volumes, such as automobile manufacturers that use assembly lines to produce vehicles at scale.

Examples:

• Restaurant: Preparing dishes as per customer orders, maintaining kitchen hygiene, and ensuring food safety standards.
• Electronics Manufacturer: Assembling electronic gadgets, conducting quality checks, and packaging products for distribution.

2. Problem Solving

Problem Solving activities are focused on addressing specific issues faced by customers. This often involves creating new solutions to meet customer needs or improve their experiences. This category is prevalent in consultancy and service-oriented business models.

• Consultancy Services: Consulting firms like McKinsey focus on solving complex business problems by providing expert advice and strategies. Key activities include problem analysis, solution development, and client presentations.
• Technical Support: Businesses like IT support companies offer problem resolution services, such as troubleshooting and resolving software or hardware issues.
• Customized Solutions: Companies that offer tailored solutions, such as tire repair shops, address specific issues like worn-out tires, balancing, and puncture repairs.

Examples:

• Consulting Firm: Analyzing client challenges, developing strategic solutions, and providing actionable recommendations.
• Tire Shop: Offering services such as tire replacement, balancing, and repair to address customers’ vehicle maintenance needs.

3. Platform / Network

Platform/Network activities involve creating, maintaining, and managing platforms or networks that facilitate interactions between different parties. This category includes digital platforms, matchmaking services, and brand management.

• Digital Platforms: Companies like eBay build and maintain online marketplaces where buyers and sellers can transact. They ensure the platform’s functionality and manage user interactions.
• Software Platforms: Microsoft Windows serves as a platform that supports a wide range of software applications developed by third parties. Microsoft’s key activities include managing relationships with software developers and ensuring compatibility.
• Credit Card Networks: Visa focuses on providing a network that enables credit card transactions between users, merchants, and banks. This involves maintaining a secure and efficient transaction processing system.

Examples:

• Food Delivery Platforms: FoodPanda and GrabFood provide platforms that connect restaurants, riders, and customers. The platform facilitates orders, dispatches deliveries, and manages transactions.
• Online Marketplaces: eBay manages an online platform for buying and selling goods, ensuring a secure and user-friendly experience.

Strategic Planning

To ensure effective execution of key activities, businesses should:

• Identify Core Activities: Determine the essential activities that are crucial for delivering the value proposition and achieving business objectives.
• Optimize Processes: Continuously improve and streamline key activities to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and meet customer expectations.
• Leverage Technology: Utilize technology and tools to support and enhance key activities, such as adopting software for process automation or data management.

By strategically planning and executing these key activities, businesses can establish a robust foundation for delivering value, maintaining competitive advantage, and achieving long-term success.