How solution architecture as a service can build capacity in digital transformation
Solution architecture design enhances an organisation’s capacity at every stage, from early strategy development to complex digital transformation initiatives. Solution architects simplify processes, leverage current technology trends, and align IT strategies with your organisation’s broader goals. These benefits enable your organisation to adapt, innovate, and maintain a competitive edge.
Due to high demand and a skills shortage in Australia and globally, specialist resources like solutions architects are often difficult to recruit and retain. This creates a practical barrier for CTOs trying to design and implement a future state.
Mid-sized companies in particular are seeing benefits and opportunities in hiring specialist augmented architecture services including the services of a virtual CTO (vCTO).
Often referred to as ‘solution architecture as a service’, engaging consultants with the specific skills your organisation lacks can be a cost-effective, flexible and low-risk approach to ramping up your digital transformation solution design.
In this blog, we highlight 3 key areas where solution architecture as a service – including vCTO if required – can build capacity and provide benefits for your organisation.
Solution architects align technology design with business goals
Solution architecture for digital transformation extends beyond technology. It has a key role in bringing business strategies to life in a future state that also considers processes and data flows across different parts of the organisation.
The challenge
The challenges that interrupt a strategic approach to capability development can sometimes come from the board, or other C-level leaders.
It is not always easy to articulate the benefits of digital transformation. This and the challenges of communication across business units can combine to be a barrier to buy-in.
How vCTO and solution architecture as a service or can help
A 9Yards vCTO can provide technology leadership through critical design thinking that considers your appetite for risk and your organisational strategy.
Our solution architecture consultants offer an impartial, experienced perspective, with skills and experience in translating complex digital transformation goals into business terms that resonate with executives.
Building agility with external solution architects
Does your organisation have the flexibility to make strategic changes with minimal disruption?
By fostering agility your organisation is better able to remain competitive, address consumer needs dynamically, and allocate resources in line with evolving goals.
The challenge
One of the most common challenges we see CTOs facing when they attempt to enhance agility, is where there is a lack of flexibility in existing systems and processes. This can be particularly relevant if your organisation is facing the changes brought about by a merger or acquisition.
Legacy systems or even organisational structures can prevent rapid adaptation.
How an architecture as a service or vCTO can help
A vCTO or specialist solution architect can assess your legacy systems objectively and recommend phased modernisation strategies that won’t disrupt current workflows.
With the expertise they bring into your organisation, solution architects as a service can introduce processes and tools that make it easier for teams to adopt a more flexible approach over time.
Improved decision-making with good governance
Data-driven insights, a clear vision of a future state and a comprehensive view of the organisation’s structure all feed into better decision-making by leaders.
When information flows smoothly, leadership teams are able to make better decisions more effectively and with greater confidence.
The challenge
CTOs are often faced with a lack of independent access to necessary data, which can stall decision-making.
Without clear data governance and clear data ownership, it becomes challenging to maintain transparency and prevent bottlenecks in data flow.
How a vCTO can help
A vCTO can guide the development of data governance policies that promote transparency and allow quick access to critical information by the people who need it.
They can also help implement data-sharing platforms that reduce bottlenecks, enhancing access to reliable data for faster, well-informed decision-making.
Are you ready to meet your new solution architect?
At 9Yards, we’ve seen first-hand that leveraging solution architecture as a service can increase value for money, reduce risk, enable continuity of service and ensure sustainable, strategically aligned solutions.
Our team of highly qualified, experienced solution architecture consultants have a vast range of industry experience. We are able to leverage a suite of best practice artefacts and processes to deliver bespoke outcomes for our clients. Wherever you are in your digital transformation, contact us to find out how 9Yards solution architects as a service can help create a future state that aligns your IT and business goals.
