Overview
To understand how to design systems architecture, we first need to define what a system is.
A system is defined as a group of interacting or interdependent components working towards a common goal. Your organisational system includes people, business processes, technologies, business partners etc all serving a common goal to deliver value to itself and its customers.
A digital transformation project and the changes it will bring about will impact the organisational system which a well defined systems architecture will help identify.
Advisory Approach
Athdown covers five perspectives to advise your technology team(s) on how to develop an effective systems architecture blueprint. In less complex environments the aspects of all of the perspectives can be addressed in just a few engagements.
In a business assessment we gain an understanding of the business requirements as well as the strategic and/or tactical objectives. We further assess which of the business capabilities will be impacted through the digital transformation journey. Where the organisation employs Business Architects or Business Analysts, this phase is usually concluded faster.
A data information assessment involves the review of how data generated in a business process should flow to ensure data driven decision making and to further leverage it as a valuable business commodity.
When conducting a technology assessment we review the software application services and IT infrastructure landscapes on how to best incorporate into the systems architecture design..
All the preceding phases flow into the systems architecture design. The output for this phase is varied and depends on the business need. Our process is collaborative with frequent check-ins with the project teams.
The implementation governance phase can be compared to that of an inspector in the construction industry. Our assigned ICT architect reviews the project's implementation compliance to the design at specific phases. Where a deviation from the systems architecture is discovered the reason for it is assed and if needed a corrective path forward is planned.
Expected Results
Herewith some of the benefits you can expect:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does this process take?
A: The length of a consulting engagement depends on the complexity of the business objective and the impact its implementation may have on the organisation.
Q: What would the consulting service cost?
A: The systems architecture advisory consultation is billed on a time and materials used basis. Consulting rates are influenced by the length of time spent working on the business assignment and the level of specialist skills required.
Q: How can we ensure a shortened consultation cycle?
A: A well defined business case or business requirement definition is proven to be most effective to reduce a consulting cycle. We attempt to schedule engagements with your team in advance and when all participants are available and engaged consulting times are further reduced.
Q: How does Athdown assist with the technology project implementation?
A: Although we don’t manage the IT project we do provide implementation governance service. Your assigned ICT architect reviews the project's implementation for compliance with the systems architecture specification at specific project phases.
Q: How do we get started?
A: Contact Athdown for an obligation free consultation. In this engagement we seek to understand the organisation’s expectations and scope of your project. We will create a proposal for your review and if accepted will enter into a contract based on the agreed scope of work.