EA as a service
- a few days a month typical starting capacity
- monthly retainer predictable capacity
- short notice period no long-term commitment
EA as a service is not for a single situation. In some companies a full-time enterprise architect would not pay off, yet the decisions still need the knowledge. Elsewhere the architects are there, but the capacity is short or uneven. Sometimes a greenfield ERP or SAP implementation calls for extra capacity for a while; sometimes one capability is missing in house; and sometimes what is needed is the outside eye: an independent view, free of internal interests.
EA as a service provides the architect capacity and knowledge as a service, in a monthly retainer. In a regular rhythm we prepare decisions, maintain the capability map and the architecture map, review project plans, and answer executive questions as they arise. The architecture knowledge stays with the company: with an owner, and with continuity.
One team, on a flexible frame
We slot into your team: the retainer brings the missing capacity or capability, scales up for a transformation, then back down.
When do you need us?
No architect in house, and hiring one would not pay off
At the company's size a full-time enterprise architect does not pay for itself, yet the decisions still call for architecture knowledge.
Capacity is short, or a large transformation is ahead
The architects are there, but parallel projects eat the capacity; and a greenfield ERP or SAP implementation calls for more capacity, and different experience, for a while.
A capability is missing, or you need the outside eye
The knowledge of one area is not in house, and building it up for a single task would not pay off; and internal debates benefit from an independent view, free of internal interests.
Our process
Regular rhythm
We work in a monthly retainer at an agreed cadence: regular sessions, predictable capacity, continuous presence at the important decisions.
Decision preparation
For executive and IT decisions we provide architecture-based analysis: impacts, dependencies, alternatives, grounded in facts.
Map maintenance
We keep the capability map and the architecture map up to date, so every decision builds on a current picture, not on memory.
Reviews and ad hoc questions
We review the plans of running projects from an architecture perspective, and answer executive questions as they arise, within the retainer.
Let's see what this would give you.
Book a free 30-minute consultationWhat you get
- Architecture-based decision preparation: impacts, dependencies, alternatives, grounded in facts
- Capability map and architecture map kept up to date
- Vendor-independent architecture reviews of running project plans
- Ad hoc executive questions answered as they arise, within the retainer
What it gives you
- Architecture knowledge and capacity behind the decisions: as often and to the extent you need
- Continuous presence at the important decisions, with predictable capacity
- Executive and IT decisions built on a current picture, not on memory
- Architecture knowledge that stays with the company, with an owner and continuity
What it looks like in practice
Covering the SCM domain in a greenfield SAP transformation
The challenge
The greenfield SAP S/4HANA private cloud programme touched the whole company, but the internal EA team's capacity did not stretch to covering the supply chain (SCM) domain. The domain that a manufacturer's operation depends on most would have been left without an owner.
What we did
We carried the enterprise architect role for the SCM domain from preparation to the start of implementation: we provided the target architecture for the domain together with the connected processes and systems, aligned with the internal EA and SCM teams, middle and senior management, and the vendors, and maintained the EA tool repository.
What came out of it
- The SCM target architecture was ready on time, together with the connected process and system picture
- The missing EA coverage filled, relieving the internal team
- The EA repository kept up to date throughout the programme
- Implementation could start with an agreed architecture and clarified dependencies
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from a full-time architect?
It is the same role, in flexible capacity. Where a full-time architect would not pay off, a few days a month is enough to put architecture knowledge behind the decisions. Where a team exists, the retainer evens out the capacity, or brings in the capability you do not have in house.
How much capacity does this mean in practice?
A flexible retainer, typically starting from a few days a month. We set the rhythm together, and it can be adjusted as needed: scaled up for the duration of a larger implementation or transformation, then back down.
Does it work alongside a large implementation or transformation?
Yes, that is one of the most common situations: for a greenfield ERP or SAP implementation the retainer scales up for the duration of the transformation. Where the client side also needs independent oversight of the vendor's plans, we combine it with our Independent implementation oversight service.
How does this relate to EA governance?
Our EA governance service establishes the framework: forums, roles, decision rules. Within EA as a service we can also operate that governance: we carry the architecture role in the forums.
Whose side are you on in vendor decisions?
Yours. Our reviews are fact-based, and we always measure against your business goal, not against the vendor's proposal.
What happens if we want to terminate?
The retainer can be ended with a short notice period, without long-term commitment. The maps and the documentation are your property, and we hand them over up to date.
How we can work together
Fix Scope
Scope and fee are agreed together at the start. For well-defined work this is the most predictable form; the business capability map, for example, typically runs this way.
Time & Material
Effort-based billing with a flexible scope. It works best when the task takes shape along the way and quick changes of direction matter.
Architect as a Service
An ongoing arrangement: architect capacity without hiring a full-time specialist. It can be fixed-price and predictable, or ad-hoc involvement; it scales up or down as needs change.
Book a free 30-minute consultation
Tell us briefly about your situation. We'll get back to you and start with a free, no-obligation 30-minute consultation.
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