When Do You Need Solution Architecture Consulting
March 20th, 2022
Evgenia KuzmenkoThe world is increasingly becoming IT-centric, and businesses – almost every type of business, need to leverage IT solutions and tech infrastructure to scale their operations. But adopting and implementing IT solutions is not always a straightforward, easy task, especially if it’s a non-tech-focused business.
Throughout modern business history, there have been stories of great IT solutions and ideas that failed woefully at execution or align with business goals. In fact, according to a reported survey by Project and Portfolio Management Landscape, 47 percent of businesses responded have had a project fail within the year.
It is critical to first recognize the need for tech solutions and correctly align your business goals and needs to the required tech infrastructure. Getting the latter rightly would often demand the professional guidance of Solution Architecture Consulting.
Solution Architecture is not just any role; it is a vital role that can help prevent IT failures and promote successful tech integrations in your business.
What is solution architecture?
Solution architecture is a process of assessing a company’s objectives and establishing how IT can address those objectives through software, hardware, and other tech infrastructure. Solutions architecture assists in establishing and authenticating technical solutions to advance business goals.
The solutions architecture process also acts as an intermediary between IT and business operations, ensuring unity of purpose and goal. The process involves constant input, modifications, and collaborations to adopt and implement tech solutions successfully.
The process of solutions architecture is not just an act; it requires the input of the solution architect. A solution architect is responsible for leading and overseeing the process while ensuring that any implemented tech solution will be successful and not disrupt existing business operations.
The Solution Architect is also responsible for the operational design and planning of tech systems. In summary, the Solution Architect is in charge of developing solutions tailored to an enterprise’s business requirements.
You may choose to employ an in-house solutions architect or employ the services of solutions architecture consultancy. Some tech solution providers offer architecture solution consultancy as a service.
When does your business need solution architecture consulting?
When does your business need solutions architecture consulting? Every time, always. As long as you grow, initiate new plans, and update technical business processes, you will need solutions architecture consulting service.
Other specific reasons why you need solutions architecture consulting include;
No standard method for implementing new software programs
Many businesses do not have a template or codified process for implementing new tech solutions into their operations. Such businesses may continually have interoperability and infrastructural synergy problems in this case. So rather than implement blindly. You should introduce solutions architecture to ensure that a great solution is great for your operations.
When you need a diverse set of software solutions to improve your company’s operations and offerings.
This especially applies to big companies that want to incorporate new large-scale tech solutions without suffering any downtime or major disruption in their business operations. Solutions architecture consulting would guide the process efficiently and reduce the risk of disruption.
When you need to replace out-of-date and legacy programs
The solution architect will determine whether it is more cost-effective to rebuild the programs entirely or use ready-made solutions from other suppliers.
What are the main objectives of solution architecture: why do you need it?
Adapting solutions to the needs of the organization
Most businesses already have an operational template and existing tech infrastructure; however, introducing new systems may disrupt the workflow and efficiency. The function of a solution architecture is to guarantee that any new solution would integrate seamlessly with the existing infrastructure. The solution architect or consultancy firm must have Comprehensive knowledge about the business operations and process to guide the tech implementation process.
Identifying the appropriate technological stack for a project
Identifying the technologies required for product development is one of the most important aspects of solution architecture. The technology stack you choose will greatly impact your technical architectural plan. You’ll have to also identify and select the platform, programming language, or tool you’ll need for your project. Solution architecture makes this process easy, fast, and convenient.
To ensure the project timeline is maintained
A solution architect constantly collaborates with all parties involved in the company or project, including the business team, customers, and the development team. The procedure is defined by a solution architect, who also gives recommendations for development. They minimize the risk of missing the deadline by ensuring that the entire solution is aligned with the business goal and execution time frame.
Improved Return on Investment (ROI)
Solution architecture greatly impacts the ROI and aids in tracking and evaluating project success. In an attempt to improve the total ROI, solution architecture compels firms to consider ways to minimize expenses and eliminate waste in the process.
Budgeting and funding
It is a core business principle to always draw up estimates and have a budget for every major expenditure or project. A well-defined solution architecture aids us in determining the resources needed to complete the project. This enables proper planning and resource allocation.
Involve the stakeholders
According to Holland, a senior business architect and consultant with HP Services, one of the major reasons for project failure is “overlooking essential stakeholders.” In every business, the stakeholders’ decisions, needs, and choices are critical to the success of projects and implementations. Many businesses unknowingly disregard the needs and input of the stakeholder, which would mostly lead to a disaster.
With solutions architecture, you will become more aware and conscious of the presence of critical stakeholders, which would mean seeking their opinion and carrying them along all the way.
Roles of solution architecture consultancy company
Identify risk and potential failures
As a business owner, you may sometimes get excited at the prospect of introducing a tech solution that you forget to assess the risks and possibility of failure properly. The solution architecture consulting firm must properly assess every risk and mitigate complexities or the possibility of failing.
Solution development and management
A solution architecture consultancy firm develops and manages the appropriate solution for your business. They collaborate with you to design the best-fit solutions for your business.
Resource management
Solutions architects are great resource managers; they can efficiently and properly use resources. They operate and execute their duties within your budget as long as it’s sufficient. They also optimize the process to meet deadlines.
Effective communication
The solution architecture consultancy firm must effectively communicate the details of the solution and the implementation plan. They should also properly interpret every technical detail so that all stakeholders, especially those who are not tech-inclined, would have a good understanding.
Versatility and technical knowledge
Solution architects should be well-versed in the technical background and operability of the solution. This would enable them to provide proper guidance, detect hazards and examine the infrastructure before final implementation.
Conclusion
Because not every project is the same, a solution architect must be versatile, experienced, and knowledgeable on technology. This emphasizes why you should go for a solution architecture consultancy firm. Since it’s a firm, they will have the required expertise, professionals, and resources to manage any solution process.