Following the previous article you bring for you: Simplify Your Architecture; the second step on the 10 common principles for Modernize your Companie’s Technology.
2. Simplify Your Architecture
As organizations have evolved over the past 10 years. The underlying architecture of information technology has tended to evolve with them. Often randomly and as needed. A single organization could have had IT systems based on a variety of coding languages, data structures, integration requirements and support agreements.
The result was often a complex network of technologies: suitable for each individual application, but difficult to adapt, update and integrate. It often required a significant effort to make changes, or even to understand the implications of changes in stakeholder needs and business performance.
Modern modular platforms have changed all that. The standardization of software code and integration standards have allowed systems to interact more completely. Without the need for custom designs. Tools such as application programming interfaces (APIs) allow companies to develop interoperable components that fit together in a standard way and interact seamlessly.
Previously separate systems, such as payment or customer relationship management (CRM). Can now be linked to a single, configurable platform, with the ability to share data throughout the company.
Instead of assuming a balance between simplicity and the characteristics you need, look for systems that give you both. Many modern systems can combine simplicity in the back-end with improved functionality in the front-end. The leaders of GE Digital exploited this when they designed their modular platform that they use internally and for clients such as airlines.
Based on an infrastructure in the cloud and incorporating the Internet of things, the system integrates applications created by other companies (such as Oracle), by GE customers and by GE itself. GE followed the model of applications for smartphones, but at the enterprise level.
Simplicity makes it easier to take advantage of the software as a service (SaaS) model, which allows organizations to acquire increasingly complex functions at the request of their existing software providers without the need to manage the implementation or underlying resources. As with the consumer smartphone revolution, new enterprise-level SaaS applications compete for quality and ease of use.
The best come to the top, contain costs and provide better experiences for people who interact with your organization. As you implement these systems, you will learn that most customers and employees do not want too many menus and functions.
They prefer simple and flexible commands that move them quickly to the desired results. Addressing a simplified architecture requires a change of thinking, particularly when considering options for new systems and partnership agreements.
Establish clear IT design principles, focused on simplicity and strategic functionality. Change the question “How do we connect our components?” Ask questions about adding value, attracting customers and making life easier for your employees.
Questions for simplifying your architecture:
- How can we best simplify our technology systems environment?
- Where is the modularity in our current system environment? Is it flexible enough for our needs?
- What data and functionality will be accessible — from customers, business partners, and operations — when we better integrate our system?
