Architecture is the backbone of Information Technology (IT). Just like constructing a building requires detailed blueprints, designing an IT system requires a well-structured plan. However, many organizations fail to recognize its importance until things go wrong. In this post, I’ll explain ten reasons why every organization needs skilled IT architects to ensure systems are secure, scalable, and sustainable.
1. Information Technology Architecture is the Foundation
IT architecture is the structural framework that connects various components—software, hardware, and data—within an organization. Systems become fragile and susceptible to failure without a robust architecture, just like a poorly constructed building might collapse under pressure. The IT architect’s role is to ensure all the systems work together seamlessly, now and in the future.
Example: Picture a company adding a new customer service platform. Without proper architectural planning, the system may not integrate with the existing databases, leading to mismatched data, frustrated employees, and an eventual expensive overhaul. Skilled architects prevent this chaos by designing solutions that anticipate growth and adaptation.
2. The CIO and the IT Architect: A Partnership of What vs. How
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) determines what the business needs regarding technology to meet strategic goals, but the IT architect figures out how to implement those needs. Even the best-laid plans can fail without a strong IT architect to execute the vision.
Story: I worked with a large retail chain where the CIO decided they needed a new inventory management system. However, they didn’t involve an IT architect early in the decision-making process. The result? The chosen system was incompatible with their legacy software, leading to months of delays and costly fixes. Had an architect been involved, they could have selected a system that fit seamlessly into the existing framework, saving time and money.
3. Centralized IT: Ensuring Efficiency and Standards
In a centralized IT environment, where all technology decisions are made from a central point, the IT architect is responsible for ensuring all projects adhere to standardized methods and processes. This consistency across projects reduces inefficiencies, duplication of effort, and misaligned systems.
Example: In centralized IT, when the architect establishes a set of tools and protocols that everyone in the organization follows, it becomes much easier to integrate new projects into the existing system. This way, everything from user authentication to data management operates under a unified standard, leading to faster implementation times and fewer security risks.
4. Decentralized IT: Coordination is Key
Even in decentralized IT organizations where different departments manage their own systems, IT architects play a critical role. They coordinate across various departments to ensure that systems don’t become isolated from each other. Without this coordination, companies risk creating data silos, where each department operates independently, making cross-department communication difficult and inefficient.
Example: I once consulted for a company with offices in several countries, each running its own IT system. The lack of coordination meant that sharing customer data across offices was nearly impossible. The IT architect came in, standardizing data formats and enabling a unified customer database. The result was a more efficient and cohesive operation.
5. Integrating Off-the-Shelf Software
Off-the-shelf solutions such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software are implemented to streamline operations in many companies. However, these pre-packaged solutions often don’t integrate easily with existing systems. The IT architect’s job is to figure out how to make these different systems “talk” to each other.
Example: An organization may purchase a new payroll system, but without proper integration, employees manually transfer data between systems. An IT architect can design an automated process that ensures the new payroll system pulls data directly from the existing HR system, reducing errors and improving efficiency.
6. Cleaning Up After Poor Technology Choices
Sometimes, business leaders choose software based on the latest trends or flashy features they read about in business magazines. This often leads to poor system choices that are hard to integrate or incompatible with the company’s existing infrastructure. The IT architect often steps in to clean up the mess and make these systems work together.
Story: I worked as a consultant with a manufacturing company that invested heavily in a flashy new system because the CEO read about it on a flight. The software turned out to be a poor fit for their operations, requiring non-standard hardware and complex customization. The IT architect had to step in and reconfigure the system, saving the company from a potential financial disaster.
7. Handling Internationalization
Managing IT systems across different countries has unique challenges for multinational corporations. These include handling multiple currencies, languages, and legal systems. An IT architect ensures that the systems can adapt to these diverse requirements while maintaining a unified operational structure.
Example: The global retail company I worked with faced challenges with different taxation laws in each country. The IT architect had to ensure that the financial systems could handle these various regulations, converting currencies automatically and ensuring compliance with local laws. It’s like constructing a building that changes shape depending on which country it’s located in.
8. Cutting Through the Hype of Buzzwords
New technologies and methodologies are always emerging in the IT world—Agile, DevOps, and microservices, just to name a few. The IT architect’s role is to separate the real value from the buzzwords. Not every new trend suits every organization, and the architect helps decide what makes sense to adopt and what doesn’t.
Example: When “cloud computing” was the latest buzzword, many companies rushed to adopt cloud solutions without understanding the long-term implications. A smart IT architect would weigh the benefits of the cloud against the company’s current needs and infrastructure, deciding when and how to phase in such technologies without disrupting operations.
9. Phasing in New Technologies
The IT landscape is ever-evolving, with new technologies like artificial intelligence, security tokens, and IoT (Internet of Things) emerging regularly. The IT architect determines how these new technologies can be integrated into the current system while minimizing disruptions.
Example: When a healthcare company decided to introduce IoT-enabled devices for patient monitoring, the IT architect created a phased integration plan. They ensured the devices could securely communicate with the hospital’s existing electronic medical records system, ensuring patient data remained safe while improving care efficiency.
10. Planning for Constant Change
In IT, change is the only constant. Business needs will shift, customer expectations will evolve, and technology will continue to advance. The IT architect doesn’t just plan for today’s challenges but anticipates future needs and designs systems that are flexible enough to accommodate those changes.
Example: Imagine an architect designing a skyscraper that can withstand earthquakes and future vertical expansions. Similarly, a good IT architect designs systems that can handle not only current demands but also future developments, such as increasing data loads or regulatory changes.
Conclusion
The role of an Information Technology architect is vital to an organization’s success. They ensure that systems work cohesively, anticipate future needs, and help guide the integration of new technologies in a way that benefits the entire organization. If your company lacks a skilled IT architect, you’re likely building systems on shaky foundations. To ensure long-term success and scalability, every company—big or small—needs experienced IT architects who can bridge the gap between strategy and execution.