Chief Architects are C-level executives facing enormous technological and business challenges. They must centralise functions, design IT infrastructure, and align technological needs with the strategic direction of the enterprise.
Additionally, the Chief Architect plays an important role in the profitability of an organisation. Their choices can help organisations fill technological gaps to create new opportunities and more revenue. They can also refine processes and procedures to meet enterprise standards and targets, such as improving compliance, resilience, and communications.
However, the role of the Chief Architect is shifting, because it must. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, cloud computing, robotic automation, the internet of things, and 5G continue to shake up the IT sphere. To remain competitive, agile, and compliant, organisations must innovate.
Chief Architects Face Increasing Challenges
If you talk to any Chief Architect, you will probably discover they have a diverse skillset honed through years of experience. Many have worked their way up the ranks and have performed most IT functions. This hands-on experience makes them very aware of the technological challenges companies face.
Nonetheless, technology is an ever-changing, complex industry. Integration, synchronisation, and implementation pose greater challenges. Plus, disruptive technologies continually upend the status quo.
Consequently, Chief Architects need to take a broader approach to meet organisational needs. As disruption increases and further diversifies, it will be impossible to meet all technological needs in-house, even with an outstanding skillset.
Collaboration Essential to Success
The established methods and practices of Chief Architects tends to focus on controlling cost and risk, and creating measurable results. However, tackling today’s IT challenges requires innovation.
Organisations can’t thrive if they continue to do what they’ve always done before. Technology is changing at an unfathomable pace and business needs to get ahead of the crowd.
Today’s Chief Architect can no longer expect to integrate vertically. They must create an outward-facing community and collaborate for success.
Innovation Requires Clarity
Often times, the biggest obstacle the Chief Architect faces is how they can maintain clarity of purpose and execution when they innovate. New technologies abound, but they aren’t necessarily good choices unless they address organizational pain points.
Additionally, the CA and their team may struggle to find the time and resources needed to identify and test suitable technologies. By partnering, they can move this process outside of their IT silo, when necessary.
Creating an Innovation Roadmap
The Chief Architect can connect with a good partner to create an innovation roadmap leading to organisational goals. Experts identify organisational needs and pinpoint potentially beneficial technologies, instead of burdening in-house professionals.
Afterwards, it is a matter of finding suitable technologies to achieve the desired end results. Once identified, it is possible to frame and test hypotheses and execute them in the most rapid and precise method possible. The Chief Architect can draw conclusions from evidence and make informed decisions.
Connecting to Talent, Tools, & Expertise
Connecting with the right partner also ensures the Chief Architect has the right pipeline of talent, tools, and expertise they need to succeed. A well-developed innovation ecosystem is an important resource that bridges the gap from idea to actualisation.
As mentioned, it can be difficult to maintain innovation clarity of purpose and execution. Innovation must be well-defined and targeted. Otherwise, it wastes valuable resources. Fortunately, Chief Architects can overcome these challenges through a strong partnership.
Accelerating Innovation
EarlyBirds open innovation ecosystem can assist in the development of new technology in business applications. It can also help the Chief Architect enhance IT infrastructure.
Furthermore, Subject Matter Experts can provide the expertise needed for beneficial collaboration. They are well-versed in new and disruptive technologies and have considerable, applicable experience. This can fast track innovation and offer cost-effectiveness.
Additionally, unique programs offer assistance for ad hoc or supplementary needs, as well as ongoing transformational support. These resources offer Chief Architects what they need in whatever manner suits their goals.
EarlyBirds Innovation Ecosytem
The EarlyBirds Innovation Ecosystem is a Business-to-Business portal that connects Chief Architects and their team with new and disruptive technologies.
The Ecosystem has a data pool of over 4 million global innovations that may already address your organisational challenges. Alternatively, Chief Architects can list their challenges and request solutions from innovators.
EarlyBirds Explorer Program
The Explorer Program is tailored towards those who need innovation as a service to supplement existing innovation programs, or to conduct innovation projects when required.
EarlyBirds Challenger Program
The Challenger Program focuses on a single organisational or technical challenge. It looks for the most relevant innovators that meet your organisational, technical, and risk requirements.
The program is run by an EarlyBirds Subject Matter Expert who collects organisational requirements. The SME then searches the data pool to identify and curate options for further evaluation. The most suitable option is chosen and SME drafts a roadmap of next steps, POC, trial, or implementation.
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EarlyBirds can provide direction and expertise if your organisation needs to accelerate innovation. We can find innovative solutions and connect your organisation to appropriate disruptive technology.
Register at https://earlybirds.io/, or contact us to discuss your needs. We can help you find direction and accelerate your innovation, both within your organisational silo and through external collaboration.
We’re highly-experienced in many sectors including Operations & Maintenance, Energy, Education, Healthcare, the Public Sector, and more.