Developing a Business Architecture Practice in a Large Organization

Transcription

1 Developing a Practice in a Large Organization One Company s Experience so far Randal Chenard, October

2 Developing a Practice Overview Ø Defining Ø The Architect role versus the practice Ø What does a business architect do? Ø A History of at Unum Ø How it began Ø Key evolutionary milestones to date Ø How do we move forward from here? Ø What have we learned? Ø How do we mature? 2

3 Defining to fit current situation 3

4 : Articulating and Protecting the Vision u is a living process that maps out the critical steps the business must make to take strategy into action. Our Key Areas of focus: Strategy Articulation Case Development The link between strategy and results. Ensuring that the business vision gets delivered! Fills the gap between what IT needs from a Owner and what that Owner can actually provide. u Why Do YOU Care? A Architect clarifies and articulates business strategy to deliver your vision.

5 Architect Role u The business architect is a facilitator of strategy execution, aligning the enterprise s people, process and technology with its intended strategy. u The business architect, or BA, serves as a liaison or diplomat between IT, the business functional areas, and HR to ensure the underlying business process and technology supports the business needs. The architect translates business strategy to ensure that the business vision gets delivered. u Stating strategy is one dimension of a successful business; executing that strategy is another. BAs champions the latter by: developing an actionable implementation plan which links the vision to strategy and then strategy to specific business outcomes creating roadmaps and business models shepherding the execution and timely completion of business objectives u The BA appreciates both the business vision and its capabilities needed to achieve results.

6 A History of at Unum 6

7 Unum s History Informal Architects 2010 aligned under EA 2009 Architect Role and Organization Formed under Program Office 2012 roles split between Enterprise and Functional Focus 7

8 Unum s History u Key Successes Value in to IT translation Unique skill set High Demand by business and IT alike Informal Architects 2010 aligned under EA u Key Challenges: Definition of accountability What was the official role?? Tactical 2009 Architect Role and Organization Formed under Program Office 2012 roles split between Enterprise and Functional Focus 8

9 Unum s History Informal Architects 2010 aligned under EA 2009 Architect Role and Organization Formed under Program Office 2012 roles split between Enterprise and Functional Focus 9

10 Former Architect Structure: u Key Success: formally on the map Global Services (IT) Program Office to EA Formal development of role and job family Value in formalization of Biz Arch value at initiative level Centralized Head of u Key Challenges: Difficulty prying business architects out of project level work to focus on strategy articulation Horizontal Oversight Functions A-C Functions D - F Not aligned to Strategy or Enterprise Organizational alignment counterproductive to emerging understanding of Architect function Functional Alignment Function A Function B Function C Function D Function E Function F 10

11 Unum s History Informal Architects 2010 aligned under EA 2009 Architect Role and Organization Formed under Program Office 2012 roles split between Enterprise and Functional Focus 11

12 Current Structure: ? Matrixed u Key Successes Strategic Synergy Reserving capacity for strategic business architecture Enterprise Company Level Tech Delivery US Company A Arc Functional Focus Functional Bus Arch A Functional Bus Arch B u Key Challenges Developing consistency Maturing BA Executing high level business architecture Enterprise US Company B Arch UK Company Arch Functional Bus Arch A Functional Bus Arch B Functional Bus Arch A Functional Bus Arch B 12

13 Strategic Synergy Strategic - Enterprise Enterprise Architects Enterprise Vision, Blueprints, Roadmaps Strategic EA Programs Inform - Align Functional - Local Architects (Affliliate) Functional Level Blueprints, Roadmaps Planning (Affiliate level) Strategic Alignment

14 at Unum: A Complimentary Vision Enterprise Architects Long Term Strategic Focus (3-5+ years) Functional Level Architects Short Mid Term Strategic Focus (1-3+ years) Project Level Focus Alignment with C-Level Executives Alignment with Functional Leadership Case Development /IT Translation 14

15 Responsibilities Architect Accountable Responsibility Activities Artifact Output (work in progress) Enterprise Architects Enterprise Strategy Consultation with Senior Leadership Enterprise Strategic Vision, Blueprints and Roadmaps (3-5 year views) Capability Maps TBD Functional Architects Functional Area Strategy Consult with Functional leader to develop and Maintain Strategic Roadmap for supported business areas Regular review of roadmap and strategic objectives Area strategic Vision & Objectives (contribute and articulate) Strategy Blue print (1-3 year view aligned with functional business owner objectives) Articulation business vision to both IT and to ensure alignment with longer term tech strategy Area Roadmap (drive) Object Model to represent business relationships (contribute) Capability Map (drive) Functional Architects Case Impact Assessment Pre-inception Partner with and Implementation owners to realize strategic vision through submission of new investments to planning board Case for new investments (contribute) Impact Assessment for new investments (contribute) Functional Architects/ Analysts Projects Consult and participate in: Project definition process modeling High level requirement review Definition Document for approved projects (drive) Active participant in program management and guidance to the project to maintain 15

16 Virtual Practice Area Objectives The Virtual Practice Area has two major objectives: Ø Articulate, disseminate, and align Strategy Ø Mature/Evolve

17 Where do we go from here?

18 2012 Focus Areas Clarify Roles Continued Initiative Execution 2012 Bus Arch Virtual Practice Area Education Strategic Opportunities Credibility

19 Strategic Synergy Credibility/ Proof Education For Future

20 Questions