Author: Szilard Toth, CTO & Founder epilot
Few industries are currently undergoing as much change as the energy sector: the energy transition, digitization and price crises pose continuous challenges for market participants. Dynamic changes in the market environment require equally dynamic responses in order to align and scale companies for the future. While the IT and sales departments have traditionally had rather little to do with each other, collaboration is becoming increasingly important under these conditions. Because anyone who wants to react agilely to market developments needs a flexible foundation.
However, the path to this goal appears to many companies to be a mammoth task. We explain how to create more clarity in three steps:
1. define target image
A modern system architecture is not an end in itself. First of all, it is necessary to define which overarching business goals are being pursued. Depending on the target image, different architecture principles can result. Should the cost-to-serve be reduced? The churn rate to be reduced? Shorten the time-to-market of new products? Cross-selling potentials be increased? These goals should be prioritized and quantified with specific KPIs to make success measurable.
2. identify status quo and blockers
The second step should be an ACTUAL analysis of the system landscape. What systems are used and how do they relate to each other? How does data flow between systems? Which systems are used directly or indirectly in sales?
In terms of the target picture, it is important to critically examine what the biggest problems and blockers are in the current landscape that stand in the way of achieving the goals. Prioritizing the blockers is also important so that they can be addressed step by step.
3. establish principles
The target image can be used to create principles that underlie the new system architecture: If value is placed on cost efficiency, for example, standardization can be an architectural principle. If new products are to be launched quickly, the independence of the specialist department is essential. Establishing principles creates a clear guideline for the future to avoid the system landscape becoming too complex. After all, any decision for or against the introduction of a new system should be based on the architecture principles. Here you can read about seven architectural principles that have proven themselves in our experience.
If you would like to be accompanied on your way to modern architecture, you are welcome to consult our experts without obligation.
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