solution architecture concept workshop
TRANSCRIPT
Solution Architecture Concept Workshop
Alan McSweeney
April 11, 2023 2
Agenda
• Objectives• Benefits• Limitations and restrictions• Service activities• Preparation and delivery times • Workshop process• Intended customer audience• Delivery skills• Roles and responsibilities• Job titles and solution architecture concept roles• Location of delivery materials
April 11, 2023 3
Objectives of Solution Architecture Concept
• Provide the context for understanding the interrelationships of the business and technical components of a solution that is designed to support a company’s business
• Agree on the fundamental purpose, value, and use of the proposed information system/initiative
• Define the scope of the solution architecture; the essential components
• Develop an architectural overview of the solution that will serve as a basis for timely decision making
April 11, 2023 4
Benefits of Solution Architecture Concept
• Develop a practical decision framework for a solution that addresses business, functional, technical, and implementation perspectives. The framework provides linkage information to trace decisions to driving principles.
• Develop a solution that has a potentially longer life span because the solution is:− More likely to meet the true needs of the customer − Designed to evolve in the directions most likely to occur
• Optimise a project in scope and effectiveness• Ensure the most important aspects of the project are
developed and delivered early• Give a better understanding of the customer’s business
environment and needs
April 11, 2023 5
Limitations and Restrictions
• Solution Architecture Concept does not include:−An in-depth analysis of the customer’s business−A complete blueprint of the solution architecture−Design or implementation of the solution
architecture
April 11, 2023 6
Solution Architecture Concept Service Activities
• Part I – Introduction and Workshop Preparation− Evaluate Engagement and Prepare to Meet the Customer
Sponsor− Meet with the Customer Sponsor− Agree on Work to be Done− Prepare for the Workshop Delivery
• Part II – Architecture Concept Workshop− Conduct Workshop Day 1 – Business and Functional View− Finalise Preparations for Day 2− Conduct Workshop Day 2 – Technology and Implementation
View
• Part III – Documentation and Presentation of Findings− Prepare the Workshop Deliverables− Deliver Workshop Report and Presentation− Finalise the Project
April 11, 2023 7
Solution Architecture Concept Preparation and Delivery Times
1. Estimated times are for the actual work and do not include the elapsed time between activities
2. The time to prepare for the workshop delivery is an estimate for an experienced solution architect
Activity
Task Estimated Preparation and Delivery Time (1)
1 Evaluate Engagement and Prepare to Meet the Customer Sponsor
2 hours
2 Meet with the Customer Sponsor 1 hour3 Agree on Work to be Done 2+ hours4 Prepare for the Workshop
Delivery20+ hours (2)
5 Conduct Workshop Day 1 – Business and Functional View
24 hours (8 hours x 3 days)
6 Finalise Preparations for Day 2 4 hours7 Conduct Workshop Day 2 –
Technology and Implementation View
24 hours (8 hours x 3 days)
8 Prepare the Workshop Deliverables
20 hours
9 Deliver Workshop Report and Presentation
2 hours
10 Finalise the Project 2 hoursTotal Estimated Time 101+ hours
April 11, 2023 8
Solution Architecture Concept Workshop Process
• Off-site to avoid interruptions• Team −Solution architect who acts as facilitator−One or more subject matter experts−Support consultant who documents the results
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Intended Audience
• Solution Architecture Concept targeted at :− Are developing solutions that are part of business innovations
(such as electronic commerce, data warehousing, and large-scale workflow) that affect day-to-day working operations
− Need broad buy-in from multiple stakeholders− Have experienced rapid change in business complexity,
business models, or technology− Are willing to invest some up-front effort to ensure they build
the right solution− Need to be confident that the target user groups will accept
and use the solution− Need to ensure that their business and functional
considerations explicitly drive solutions− Need to track principles and requirements throughout the
design and development process
April 11, 2023 10
Intended Audience
• Solution Architecture Concept is important for solutions where the customer understands the overall business scope and direction into which the solution fits
• Solution Architecture Concept might not be needed for projects where requirements and implementations are well understood
April 11, 2023 11
Intended Customer Audience
• Customer sponsor helps to identify workshop participants and stakeholders that can be interviewed before the workshop
• Customer sponsor and key stakeholders determine who will attend, what to discuss, and what information to provide to attendees
• Only some of the participants attend both days of the workshop
• Attendees on the first day are primarily concerned with business and functional aspects of the solution
• Attendees on the second day are primarily concerned with technical and implementation aspects of the solution
April 11, 2023 12
Delivery Skills
• Solution Architect and/or Technology Consultant with skills:− IT Strategy and Architecture−General information system architecture−Domain-specific business and technical
architecture(s), such as Internet, intranet, extranet, data warehouse, electronic commerce, and security−Modeling tools (UML)
• Delivery training (Delivering the Solution Architecture Concept Service)
• Skill in workshop facilitation, working in teams, report writing and presentation delivery
April 11, 2023 13
Customer Roles and Responsibilities
• Customer Sponsor• Sponsor’s Agent• Key Stakeholders• Participants
April 11, 2023 14
Customer Roles and Responsibilities - Customer Sponsor
• Customer Sponsor− Ideally a high-level executive, such as director group manager,
on either the business or the information technology (IT) side− Have overall responsibility for achieving a business result in the
area the solution covers
• Responsible for:− Initiating the workshop and approving plans− Interfacing with the account manager to identify needs and
communicate expectations− Meeting with the solution architect before the workshop to
approve direction and plans− Approving the Letter of Engagement (LOE) − Identifying an agent to work− Meeting with the solution architect after the workshop to
provide feedback
April 11, 2023 15
Customer Roles and Responsibilities - Sponsor’s Agent
• Sponsor’s Agent• Responsible for:−Representing the customer sponsor, ensuring
customer needs are addressed, and handling workshop logistics−Providing input on the problem−Managing funding and support issues− Identifying key stakeholders and participants−Arranging for workshop location and supplies−Communicating with the customer team−Addressing issues that affect the success of the
workshop
April 11, 2023 16
Customer Roles and Responsibilities - Key Stakeholders
• Key Stakeholders−People in the customer organisation who must buy
into the workshop’s goals and results−Can help ensure the success of a workshop −Can undermine any agreements or initiatives
resulting from the workshop if they do not buy into the workshop
• Responsible for:−Providing input on the problem−Work to identify the business drivers, principles,
models, and standards−Explaining customer needs and issues− Inform of potential problems−Responding to business and IT questions
April 11, 2023 17
Customer Roles and Responsibilities - Participants
• Participants−Attend the workshop and providing input on areas of
the problem that affect them
April 11, 2023 18
Job Titles and Solution Architecture Concept Workshop Roles
• Engagement Manager • Solution Architect• Facilitator• Subject Matter Expert (SME)• Account Manager• Support Consultant
April 11, 2023 19
Engagement Manager
• Shares the responsibility for customer satisfaction with the solution architect
• Sometimes the engagement manager also fills the role of facilitator
• Responsible for:−Arranging and ensuring the successful and timely
delivery of the Architecture Concept Service−Ensuring the right customer parties are engaged −Managing overall logistics for the service −Tracking the budget
April 11, 2023 20
Solution Architect
• Shares responsibility for customer satisfaction with the engagement manager
• Fills the facilitator role additionally• Responsible for:− Delivering the Architecture Concept Service− Defining what to deliver− Designing the workshop− Performing the service
• Interviewing• Interacting with the customers during the workshop• Analysing and synthesising the report• Creating the presentation• Leading the report presentation meeting-• Cleaning up loose ends
April 11, 2023 21
Facilitator
• Solution architect usually fills the facilitator role.• Engagement manager may fills the role of facilitator− In this case, the solution architect can sometimes fill the role of
SME− Same person usually facilitates both days of the workshop
• Responsible for− Ensuring the workshop runs smoothly− Following the agenda and timekeeping− Capturing the results on flip charts (or other media visible to
workshop attendees)− Recognising and addressing any political, personal, or other
issues that might jeopardise the ability to meet the stated workshop goals
− Analysing, clarifying, summarising
April 11, 2023 22
Subject Matter Expert (SME)
• Providing business and/or technical expertise in one or more areas needed by the engagement
• Solution architect can fill the SME role−Not recommended because it puts a heavy load on
the solution architect
April 11, 2023 23
Account Manager
• Does not need to attend the workshops• Needs to be kept informed of the workshop
results• Account Executive is an essential party to the
final report and presentation• Responsible for:−Managing the relationship with the customer (overall
or services) and selling follow-on engagements− Identifying the opportunity−Providing access to key customer contacts−Positioning the engagement within an overall context
of the customer’s business−Selling the value of the result
April 11, 2023 24
Support Consultant
• Responsible for:−Capturing all relevant information generated during
the course of the workshop−Performing research−Helping to draft documents−Capturing and documenting complete interview and
workshop results−Ensuring completeness of information−Summarising the issues and results
April 11, 2023 25
Job Titles and Solution Architecture Concept Workshop Roles
• Y = Yes• ~Y = Generally yes, but verify that a specific individual with this title can fill this
role• N = No• ~N = Generally no, but some individuals might have the skills to fill this role• M = Might have these skills (people with this job title often can fill this role)• * = Job title is the same as the role
Concept Workshop Engagement RolesJob Titles Facilitator Engagement
ManagerSolution
ArchitectSubject
Matter Expert
Support Consultant
Account Executive
Technology Consultant
M M M Y ~Y N
Solution Architect
~Y ~Y √ Y Y N
Account Executive (Sales)
M M N N M *
Program/Project Manager
~Y Y N M ~Y ~N
Business Developer
~Y Y N M ~Y ~Y
Facilitator * N N N ~Y N
April 11, 2023 26
Service Delivery RoadmapIn
trod
ucti
on
&
P
rep
ara
tion
Finalise Project
Revise Report,Deliver to Sponsor
Meet Sponsor
Run Workshop Day 2 Implementation
ViewImplementation
ViewTechnicalView
TechnicalView
Principles, Models,Standards1__________2__________3__________4__________
Principles, Models,Standards1__________2__________3__________4__________
Pre
sen
tati
on
Work
sh
op
2 d
ays
Run Workshop Day 1 Functional
ViewFunctional
ViewBusinessView
BusinessView
Principles, Models,Standards1__________2__________3__________4__________
Principles, Models,Standards1__________2__________3__________4__________
Finalize Prep for Day 2
ImplementationTechnical
FunctionalBusiness Drivers andPrinciples:
Evaluate
Engagement
Agree on Work
PresentationDraft Report
Prepare Workshop Deliverables
Prepare for Workshop Delivery
Interview KeyStakeholders
•ITSA•Business view•Functional view
AgendaDay 1
Deliver Report & Presentation
Next Steps
April 11, 2023 27
Part I: Introduction and Workshop Preparation• Activity 1: Evaluate Engagement and Prepare to Meet the Customer Sponsor
− Step 1: Review and understand the opportunity− Step 2: Identify the customer sponsor− Step 3: Prepare for the initial customer sponsor meeting
• Activity 2: Meet with the Customer Sponsor− Step 1: Introduce Services and the Architecture Concept Service− Step 2: Understand the scope of the business opportunity− Step 3: Determine if the customer sponsor is ready to begin planning the workshop. (If yes,
go to Activity 3; if no, continue with step 4)− Step 4: Review the initial customer sponsor meeting− Step 5: Write and deliver the Letter of Understanding (LOU)
• Activity 3: Agree on Work to be Done − Step 1: Work with the customer sponsor to develop plan for the workshop− Step 2: Write and deliver the Consulting Services Agreement (CSA)− Step 3: Get CSA contract signed
• Activity 4: Prepare for Workshop Delivery− Step 1: Interview stakeholders identified by the customer sponsor− Step 2: Finalise schedule− Step 3: Write and deliver briefing letter for workshop attendees− Step 4: Assemble and prepare team for Architecture Concept workshop− Step 5: Prepare for the workshop− Step 6: Get the team together on site− Step 7: Meet with the customer sponsor immediately before the workshop
April 11, 2023 28
Activity 1: Evaluate Engagement and Prepare to Meet Customer Sponsor
• Objectives−To determine the source and scope of the business
opportunity−To identify the customer sponsor and prepare for initial
meeting
• Prerequisites− Identify the opportunity and the customer is serious
about wanting to deliver the Solution Architecture Concept
• Qualified the customer• Completion Criteria−The team has a general understanding of the business
opportunity
April 11, 2023 29
Activity 2: Meet with the Customer Sponsor• Objectives
− To introduce the Services delivery team to the customer sponsor− To check the chemistry of the interaction between the team and customer
representatives− To discuss customer needs, such as their overall goal, current status, questions,
and decisions they need to make− To gather information from the customer sponsor on the business and technical
context of the work and their technology adoption profile− To understand the unique requirements of the engagement and the delivery
team• Prerequisites
− The team has met with the Account Executive to understand commitments to the customer and any background information.
− The team has a plan for positioning the workshop− The team has a value proposition for Solution Architecture and the Architecture
Concept• Completion Criteria
− The customer understands the service deliverables as defined in the Service Description (SD)
− The engagement manager and solution architect have a clear understanding of the customer’s environment and expectations
− Optional – The engagement manager has written and delivered a Letter of Understanding (LOU) to the customer
April 11, 2023 30
Activity 3: Agree on Work to be Done
• Objectives− To close on the definition of the service to be performed− To identify people to fill the customer roles: sponsor’s agent,
key stakeholders, and other participants.− To establish a tentative schedule− To write, deliver, and get signoff on the Concept Consulting
Services Agreement contract
• Prerequisites− The engagement manager and solution architect have had an
initial meeting with the customer sponsor and have a general understanding of the business opportunity
• Completion Criteria− The customer has signed the Concept Consulting Services
Agreement contract
April 11, 2023 31
Activity 4: Prepare for the Workshop Delivery
• Objectives− To interview key stakeholders− To finalise the schedule− To assemble and prepare the team for the workshop− To prepare for the workshop, including gathering/developing
materials, planning work site, arranging for equipment, and reviewing final agenda
• Prerequisites− The customer has signed the CSA
• Completion Criteria− The solution architect has interviewed all key stakeholders.− All customer participants have received the workshop briefing
letter, which describes what will be done, why, and the level of commitment expected
− Key participants have committed to attend the workshop− The team is onsite and prepared to deliver the workshop− The solution architect or engagement manager has consulted
the customer sponsor for any last-minute corrections to the workshop
April 11, 2023 32
Part II: Concept Workshop
• Activity 5: Conduct Workshop Day 1 – Business and Functional View−Step 1: Conduct workshop day 1−Step 2: Review day 1−Step 3: Report status back to the customer sponsor (or
the sponsor’s agent)
• Activity 6: Finalise Preparations for Day 2−Step 1: Complete preparations for day 2
• Activity 7: Conduct Workshop Day 2 – Technology and Implementation View−Step 1: Conduct workshop day 2−Step 2: Review day 2−Step 3: Review the entire workshop with the customer
sponsor
April 11, 2023 33
Activity 5: Conduct Workshop Day 1 – Business and Functional View
• Objectives−To conduct a well-run and productive concept
workshop day 1−To review day 1
• Prerequisites−The customer understands the objectives of this
activity−The team has completed the pre-workshop activities
in Part I
• Completion Criteria−The team has completed day 1 of the concept
workshop
April 11, 2023 34
Activity 6: Finalise Preparations for Day 2
• Objectives−To make adjustments based on day 1 and prepare
for day 2
• Prerequisites−The team has completed day 1 of the workshop−The team has captured and reviewed information
from day 1
• Completion Criteria−The team has completed preparations for day 2 of
the Architecture Concept workshop
April 11, 2023 35
Activity 7: Conduct Workshop Day 2 – Technology and Implementation View
• Objectives− To conduct a well-run and productive Architecture Concept
workshop day 2− To review the workshop, identify key points and next steps− To make preliminary plans for producing and delivering the
summary report and presentation
• Prerequisites− The customer understands the objectives of this activity− The team has completed the preparation activities for day 2
listed in Activity 6
• Completion Criteria− The team has completed day 2 of the Architecture Concept
workshop− The team has completed the summary of day 2 with the
customer
April 11, 2023 36
Part III: Documentation and Presentation of Findings
• Activity 8: Prepare the workshop deliverables− Step 1: Prepare a draft workshop report that summarises the workshop− Step 2: Prepare the slide presentation− Step 3: Discuss the draft workshop report and slides with the account
executive− Step 4: Revise the draft workshop report and slides− Step 5: Plan the logistics of the presentation meeting
• Activity 9: Deliver the draft workshop report and presentation− Step 1: Deliver the draft workshop report and presentation to the
customer sponsor
• Activity 10: Finalise the project− Step 1: Revise the draft workshop report− Step 2: Mail or deliver the revised workshop report to the customer
sponsor− Step 3: Close the project
April 11, 2023 37
Activity 8: Prepare the Workshop Deliverables
• Objectives−To review the workshop and prepare the summary
report and presentation for the customer−To identify the next steps and possible future work
• Prerequisites−The team has completed the workshop and gathered
information from the customer on final reactions and key points
• Completion Criteria−The team has completed the draft report and slides,
including a list of actions and next steps to make progress on the solution
−The account executive has approved the draft report and slides
April 11, 2023 38
Activity 9: Deliver Workshop Report and Presentation
• Objectives− To deliver the draft workshop report and presentation.− To get the sponsor to commit to implement the report’s
recommendations or at least take the next step. The next step will often be to form a customer architect team for the solution. This team consists of a business leader, a program manager, and possibly an architect, with an architect to flesh out what needs to go into a Solution Architecture Blueprint
• Prerequisites− The customer understands the objectives of this activity− The team has completed the draft workshop report and
presentation− The account executive is available to address any opportunities
during the presentation
• Completion Criteria− The solution architect has delivered the draft workshop report
and presentation
April 11, 2023 39
Activity 10: Finalise the Project
• Objectives− To make final changes, gather summary input, and close the
project
• Prerequisites− The customer understands the objectives of this activity− The solution architect has delivered the draft report and
presentation to the customer sponsor− The account executive has identified any next steps and new
opportunities
• Completion Criteria− The engagement manager has delivered the final report to the
customer and formally closed the project− The solution architect has prepared a project closure report that
includes post-engagement analysis− Ideally, there is an agreement from the customer sponsor to begin
a follow-on engagement
April 11, 2023 40
Solution Architecture Concept Workshop Templates• ITSA Overview Customer Presentation V0.1.ppt• Requirements Methodology Presentation V0.1.ppt• Solution Architecture Concept Facilitator's Guide V0.1.doc• Solution Architecture Concept Service Delivery Guide
V0.1.doc• A1 - Evaluate Engagement• A10 - Finalise Project - No Tools• A2 - Meet Sponsor• A3 - Agree on Work• A4 - Prepare for Workshop Delivery• A5 - Run Workshop Day 1• A6 - Finalise Preparation for Day 2• A7 - Run Workshop Day 2 - No Tools• A8 - Prepare Workshop Deliverables• A9 - Deliver Report and Presentation - No Tools• A1 - Evaluate Engagement\ITSA Overview Customer
Presentation V0.1.ppt• A1 - Evaluate Engagement\LOU Engagement Plan Example
V0.1.doc• A1 - Evaluate Engagement\LOU Engagement Plan V0.1.doc• A1 - Evaluate Engagement\Opportunity Assessment
Worksheet V0.1.doc• A1 - Evaluate Engagement\Previous Experience Worksheet
V0.1.doc• A1 - Evaluate Engagement\Vendor Matrix Example V0.1.ppt• A2 - Meet Sponsor\Account Profile and Data Collection
Worksheet V0.1.doc• A2 - Meet Sponsor\Planning for Successful Contracts V0.1.doc• A4 - Prepare for Workshop Delivery\Business View
Presentation V0.1.ppt• A4 - Prepare for Workshop Delivery\C Presentation V0.1.ppt• A4 - Prepare for Workshop Delivery\Capture Template for
Drivers, Principles, and Related Information V0.1.doc• A4 - Prepare for Workshop Delivery\Concept Agendas
V0.1.doc• A4 - Prepare for Workshop Delivery\Functional View
Presentation V0.1.ppt
• A4 - Prepare for Workshop Delivery\Implementation View Presentation V0.1.ppt
• A4 - Prepare for Workshop Delivery\Participant Briefing Letter V0.1.doc
• A4 - Prepare for Workshop Delivery\Pre-Workshop Customer Sponsor Meeting Planner V0.1.doc
• A4 - Prepare for Workshop Delivery\Presentation V0.1.ppt• A4 - Prepare for Workshop Delivery\Technical View
Presentation V0.1.ppt• A4 - Prepare for Workshop Delivery\Workshop Agenda
Example V0.1.ppt• A4 - Prepare for Workshop Delivery\Workshop Agenda
V0.1.ppt• A4 - Prepare for Workshop Delivery\Workshop Content and
Role Planner V0.1.doc• A4 - Prepare for Workshop Delivery\Workshop Customer
Participant Planner V0.1.doc• A4 - Prepare for Workshop Delivery\Workshop Introduction
Presentation V0.1.ppt• A4 - Prepare for Workshop Delivery\Workshop Logistics
Planner V0.1.doc• A5 - Run Workshop Day 1\Key Questions for Customers.doc• A5 - Run Workshop Day 1\Litmus Test for Principles
Checklist.doc• A5 - Run Workshop Day 1\Vision Exercise Planner.doc• A6 - Finalise Preparation for Day 2\Interim Summary
Presentation Example.ppt• A6 - Finalise Preparation for Day 2\Interim Summary
Presentation Planner.doc• A8 - Prepare Workshop Deliverables\Presentation
Preparation Checklist.doc• A8 - Prepare Workshop Deliverables\Report on Architecture
Workshop Example.doc• A8 - Prepare Workshop Deliverables\Report on Architecture
Workshop.doc• A8 - Prepare Workshop Deliverables\Report Outline.doc• A8 - Prepare Workshop Deliverables\Sponsor Presentation
Example.ppt• A8 - Prepare Workshop Deliverables\Sponsor
Presentation.ppt
