OCTA Digital
OCTA Digital
Phase 1

Conceptual Architecture Methodology

Define the strategic foundation by aligning business goals with high-level user needs and technology capabilities. Establish shared understanding across stakeholders and create the conceptual foundation for all subsequent architectural decisions.

Purpose & Objectives

Define the strategic foundation by aligning business goals with high-level user needs and technology capabilities. Establish shared understanding across stakeholders and create the conceptual foundation for all subsequent architectural decisions.

Key Activities

Activity 1.1: Business Context Analysis

2-3 weeks
3 participant groups

Participants

Executive sponsors
Business stakeholders
Enterprise architects

Process Steps

  1. 1Conduct stakeholder interviews and workshops
  2. 2Document current business challenges and opportunities
  3. 3Identify strategic business objectives and success metrics
  4. 4Analyse market context and competitive landscape
  5. 5Define transformation scope and constraints

Tools Used

  • Stakeholder Analysis Matrix - Identify influence and interest levels
  • Business Model Canvas - Visualise current and future business models
  • SWOT Analysis Template - Assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats
  • Context Diagram Template - Map business ecosystem and external forces

Activity 1.2: Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement

1-2 weeks
1 participant groups

Participants

All identified stakeholders

Process Steps

  1. 1Create comprehensive stakeholder inventory
  2. 2Analyse stakeholder influence, interest, and impact
  3. 3Develop stakeholder engagement strategy
  4. 4Establish communication protocols and governance
  5. 5Conduct initial alignment workshops

Tools Used

  • Stakeholder Register Template - Document all stakeholders with contact details and roles
  • Power/Interest Grid - Visualise stakeholder management approach
  • RACI Matrix Template - Define roles and responsibilities
  • Communication Plan Template - Structure ongoing stakeholder engagement

Activity 1.3: Business Capability Definition

3-4 weeks
3 participant groups

Participants

Business analysts
Process owners
Capability leads

Process Steps

  1. 1Identify and catalogue business capabilities
  2. 2Define capability hierarchy and relationships
  3. 3Assess current capability maturity levels
  4. 4Map capabilities to business value streams
  5. 5Prioritise capabilities for transformation

Tools Used

  • Business Capability Model Template - Structured capability taxonomy
  • Capability Maturity Assessment - Evaluate current state performance
  • Capability Heat Map - Visualise performance and transformation priority
  • Value Stream Canvas - Map capabilities to customer value delivery

Activity 1.4: Technology Landscape Assessment

2-3 weeks
3 participant groups

Participants

Enterprise architects
Technology leads
Vendors

Process Steps

  1. 1Inventory current technology landscape
  2. 2Assess technology alignment with business capabilities
  3. 3Identify emerging technology opportunities
  4. 4Evaluate technology constraints and dependencies
  5. 5Define high-level technology principles

Tools Used

  • Technology Inventory Template - Catalogue current technology assets
  • Technology-Capability Mapping Matrix - Align technology with business needs
  • Emerging Technology Radar - Track and assess new technologies
  • Technology Principles Template - Document guiding technology decisions

Activity 1.5: Conceptual Model Development

2-3 weeks
3 participant groups

Participants

Solution architects
Business analysts
Design leads

Process Steps

  1. 1Create high-level conceptual architecture diagrams
  2. 2Define key architectural concepts and relationships
  3. 3Establish architectural views and perspectives
  4. 4Validate conceptual model with stakeholders
  5. 5Document assumptions and architectural decisions

Tools Used

  • Conceptual Architecture Template - Standard diagramming approach
  • Architecture Decision Record (ADR) Template - Document key decisions
  • Conceptual Data Model Template - High-level data relationships
  • Integration Concept Diagram - System interaction overview

Deliverables

  • Business Context Document - Comprehensive business analysis and strategic context
  • Stakeholder Engagement Plan - Communication and governance framework
  • Business Capability Model - Complete capability taxonomy with maturity assessment
  • Technology Landscape Report - Current state and emerging technology analysis
  • Conceptual Architecture Package - High-level architectural vision and principles
  • Transformation Charter - Agreed scope, objectives, and success criteria

Success Criteria

  • All stakeholders aligned on business objectives and transformation scope
  • Business capabilities clearly defined and prioritised
  • Technology landscape understood and principles established
  • Conceptual architecture validated by key stakeholders
  • Foundation established for detailed architectural work