Can you break down the connected functions of Enterprise Architecture and Solution Architecture into a clear set of services? Each can have its own processes, methods, tools and templates, deliverables. Each can be taught, or delivered on your behalf by a partner. Imagine a model where there is clarity on who is doing what, and what is expected, even how much each service costs.

I’ve long thought that architecture is presented as a dark art, only understood by a select few after decades of experience. Of course experience is vital, but this cannot be used as an excuse for not articulating what we do, why we do it, how we do it, what is delivered, who is involved and how much effort is required. I can’t pretend to have every answer, but I’ve made a start, with the Architecture Services Model.

You are invited to take a look. Whilst the detail is only available on request, feel free to walk around the model. Let me know what you think. Missing something you expected? And if you’re interested in exploring it in more detail, reach out to me.

I’m looking forward to co-presenting a paper at EuroSPI 2022 (European System, Software and Service Process Improvement and Innovation) with colleagues from Volkswagen AG. Our paper, Product and Service Quality Risk design considerations – integration into solution architecture methods, describes how we’ve brought together the PQR approach to design thinking developed at Volkswagen, and SARM, developed by Lefert Consulting, and embedded them into the architecture engagement model being used at the Bank of England. The resulting architecture analysis training course, described here, has been used to train more than 35 architects, business analysts and senior engineers and designers at the Bank.

A two-day Architecture Analysis training course is now available for delivery on-site. Centred around the Solution Architecture Review Method (SARM), it covers all aspects of architecture analysis including:

• Risk trade-off analysis
• Architecturally Significant Requirements and Decisions
• Quality Attributes and Quality Models
• Functional and non-functional requirements
• Stakeholder analysis
• Benefits realisation
• Cost benefit analysis

Over the two days, participants develop a case study working in groups, considering requirements, developing a service concept, applying design thinking methods to improve their designs, then collaborating on a trade-off analysis of the competing solutions. Following a single case study from inception through to evaluation of competing designs helps to build a comprehensive understanding of this critical capability.

A more complex worked example is also explored, enabling participants to see how analysis can be conducted on a substantial business system.

See here for a more detailed overview of the course agenda.

Contact us for details.

Our first “packaged” offering will be a training course to help architects and their organisations adopt the Solution Architecture Review Method (SARM) as part of their architectural practices. The course will be aimed primarily at enterprise, solution and software architects, but as the method was developed with both IT and Service architectures in mind, it can also be of interest to Service Designers.

The course will be given by the originator of SARM, Dr Simon Field, principal consultant at Lefert Consulting. Further details about the course will be posted here, but if you have an interest in hosting the course at your organisation, please do contact us.