Processes & Governance
Overview
This section documents the processes, workflows, and governance mechanisms that enable the Solution Architecture Practice to operate effectively and maintain quality standards.
Contents
Core Processes
- Engagement Model - How to engage with architecture team
- Architecture Review Board (ARB) - Formal review process
- Architecture Decision Process - How decisions are made
- Service Request Process - Requesting architecture services
Governance
- Architecture Governance Framework - Comprehensive governance structure
- Standards & Compliance - Architecture standards
- Technology Evaluation Process - Assessing new technologies
- Exception Management - Handling exceptions to standards
Delivery Processes
- Solution Design Lifecycle - End-to-end design process
- Architecture Review Checklist - What we review
- Quality Gates - Architecture quality checkpoints
- Documentation Standards - Documentation requirements
Change Management
- Architecture Change Management - Managing architecture changes
- Technical Debt Management - Tracking and reducing debt
- Deprecation Process - Retiring systems and technologies
Communication
- Communication Plan - How we communicate
- Stakeholder Management - Engaging stakeholders
- Architecture Forums - Regular meetings and events
Quick Reference
I Need To…
| Need | Process | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Get architecture guidance | Engagement Model | Same day - 3 days |
| Submit for ARB review | ARB Process | 1-2 weeks |
| Evaluate new technology | Technology Evaluation | 2-8 weeks |
| Request an exception | Exception Management | 1-2 weeks |
| Get help with design | Engagement Model | 3 days - ongoing |
| Understand standards | Standards & Compliance | Reference doc |
Common Workflows
Starting a New Project
- Review Engagement Model
- Submit architecture service request
- Initial architecture consultation
- Follow Solution Design Lifecycle
- Submit to ARB for review
- Implement with architecture support
Making a Significant Architecture Decision
- Document options and trade-offs
- Create ADR
- Get peer architect review
- Present to ARB if required
- Communicate decision to stakeholders
Adopting New Technology
- Follow Technology Evaluation Process
- Create evaluation document
- Run proof of concept
- Present findings to Architecture Council
- Get approval for adoption
- Document in technology radar
Process Principles
Keep It Simple
- Processes should enable, not impede
- Minimize bureaucracy
- Focus on value-added activities
Be Flexible
- Tailor process to project size and risk
- Allow for expedited reviews when appropriate
- Adapt based on feedback
Maintain Quality
- Don’t compromise on critical reviews
- Ensure adequate peer review
- Document decisions thoroughly
Be Transparent
- Clear criteria and expectations
- Visible status and timelines
- Open communication
Continuous Improvement
- Regular process retrospectives
- Collect and act on feedback
- Benchmark against industry practices
- Evolve processes based on learnings
Process Ownership
Architecture Review Board (ARB)
- Owner: Director of Solution Architecture
- Members: Principal Architects, Domain Experts
- Cadence: Weekly
- Purpose: Review and approve significant architecture decisions
Architecture Council
- Owner: Director of Solution Architecture
- Members: All architects
- Cadence: Monthly
- Purpose: Knowledge sharing, standards review, community building
Technology Evaluation Committee
- Owner: Principal Architects
- Members: Domain experts, interested architects
- Cadence: As needed
- Purpose: Evaluate and approve new technologies
Standards Working Group
- Owner: Rotating Principal Architect
- Members: Architects from each domain
- Cadence: Quarterly
- Purpose: Review and update architecture standards
Process Metrics
We measure process effectiveness through:
Cycle Time
- Time from request to initial response
- Time from submission to ARB decision
- Time for technology evaluations
Quality
- Defect rates in architecture-reviewed systems
- Technical debt in new systems
- Security findings in reviewed systems
Satisfaction
- Stakeholder satisfaction with process
- Architecture team satisfaction
- Process compliance rate
Efficiency
- Process overhead (% of project time)
- Review meeting efficiency
- Documentation completeness
Getting Help with Processes
Questions About Processes
- Slack: #architecture-processes
- Email: solution-architecture@company.com
- Office Hours: Daily architecture office hours
Process Improvement Suggestions
- Submit via Architecture Council
- Email to practice leadership
- Discuss in retrospectives
Training on Processes
- New architect onboarding covers all processes
- Quarterly process refresher training
- Self-paced process guides (this documentation)