Gas, water, and electricity are the basics of a good living experience. Because even if your kitchen is stylish and your HomeLiving system is modern, these elements are of little use if they are missing. Does that sound logical? Then consider your IT architecture in the same way because the core of your IT is just as essential as the gas, water, and electricity in your home. And although it won't set you apart, it plays a massive role in achieving your business objectives.
Our vision
The core of your IT, the core of your business
If we are to believe Gartner's pace-layered model (and as IT professionals, we do), your architecture consists of three layers: systems of record, systems of differentiation, and systems of innovation. While the last two allow for unique processes and innovation, your systems of record revolve around the core of your IT: your core system, processes, and master data. This is where you lay the foundation for everything else.
It may not be the place to go crazy, but it is the place to build a robust and reliable foundation to excel in the other two layers. If you don't do this, you'll lose out.
Keep the core clean
Growth and scaling are only possible when the core of your IT is stable. And if you don't have to constantly rely on all your developers to keep it running. How do you get to that point? By setting up a well-functioning, frictionless architecture in the cloud - once and for all. With a core system and processes that perfectly align with your needs. And by perfectly, we mean 100% perfectly.
You don't need to add all sorts of add-ons or customizations to achieve that 100%. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for your core IT. Even though the major software vendors would like you to believe otherwise. Therefore, avoid off-the-shelf packages and create a clean, powerful foundation yourself. Once you've accomplished that, it becomes the driving force behind your systems of differentiation and innovation, where it’s possible to differentiate yourself.
The advantage of a new IT architecture?
The alternative to such a powerful core is a (legacy) core system that works sluggishly, is outdated, and difficult to maintain. It requires constant updates that only function as a new coat of paint. And your developers spend a lot of time on it. What a waste! Meanwhile, automation, synthetic data, and artificial intelligence innovations are rapidly approaching our doorstep. If you want to seize those opportunities for your business, this is how we approach it with you.
Our approach
The core of your needs
Do you want to establish a solid IT house with gas, water, and electricity in the right places? Then you need to start with the basics. That's why we begin by mapping out your business objectives and underlying processes. Once we know what you need, we will create an architecture that aligns with it. We employ a loosely coupled and composable architecture consisting of a robust core system and perfectly fitting applications that allow you to swap elements when necessary.
Low-code core IT development
How we go about it entirely depends on your tech stack and tech needs. It could mean developing an application in a well-known high-code programming language like Java or .NET. Or perhaps it's high time to move your on-premise core to the cloud. Or even better? Building a new, agile core system once and for all using low-code (which you'll never have to replace).
The principle of best-of-breed
Once your core system does what it's meant to do, you can easily add solutions that serve your business objectives and truly add value. Think of portals and applications for employees, customers, or chain partners that you quickly set up with low-code. Or revamp your organization's unstructured data and documents with a content services platform. Do all of this based on the best-of-breed principle: for every IT need, find a solution that perfectly aligns with it.
The result
If you approach your IT architecture from this perspective, watch how smoothly your processes run and how data flows freely throughout your company. This way, your core IT truly propels your business forward. You will no longer adapt processes to fit your systems but ensure that your systems serve your needs.
We did the same for Sanquin; the Sanquin Portal offers exactly what the employees and blood donors need.
