For Solution Architects

FSAM Overview for Solution Architects

"Implement" is the third phase of the Performance Improvement Lifecycle (architect > invest > implement). Accordingly, there is a natural relationship between FSAM, which supports the "Architect" phase of the lifecycle, and the solution architects who support the "Implement" phase of the lifecycle. The FSAM has been designed with outputs that are useful for articulating the segment architecture and are also useful for solution architects to deliver their next layer of architecture. Specifically, the FSAM includes outputs such as the conceptual solution architecture which should be key inputs to the creation of a solution level architecture.

Why should Solution Architects use the FSAM?

Solution architects should be active participants during the FSAM process to ensure that the FSAM outputs are constructed to be useful inputs to the solution architecture processes. Solution architects can be part of key review points and can be key subject matter contributors during the conceptual solution activities within FSAM. Specifically, the solution architects can leverage FSAM outputs to speed the implementation phase of the Performance Improvement Lifecycle and the system development life cycle (SDLC).

What information is relevant?

Solution architects have not historically had an active role during the development of segment architectures. This deficiency can be resolved by active participation of solution architects throughout the FSAM at key review points and, when appropriate, as aids to the core team. Specifically the solution architects can be key contributors to process step 4 in the FSAM, especially in the analysis of the as-is and target state conceptual solution environments. This analysis can be done in parallel with segment architects and will include analysis of technologies, services, systems, and data.

Many of the outputs from FSAM are either core or support existing mandatory requirements and management processes. Listed below are the FSAM outputs that are core to the solution architects and the FSAM outputs that could support the SDLC processes. These outputs will be valuable for solution architects as a segue between the "Architect" phase of the Performance Improvement Lifecycle and the "Implement" phase that initiates once the segment architecture is complete and approved.

FSAM Outputs that are core to Solution Architects:

  • Target Business Function Model — Activity 3.3 (core FSAM output)
  • Target Conceptual Data Model — Activity 3.3 (core FSAM output)
  • Target Data Steward Assignments — Activity 3.3 (core FSAM output)
  • As-Is Conceptual Solution Architecture — Activity 4.1 (core FSAM output)
  • Target Conceptual Solution Architecture — Activity 4.2 (core FSAM output)
  • Target Service Component Architecture — Activity 4.2 (core FSAM output)
  • Target Technical Architecture — Activity 4.2 (core FSAM output)
  • Strategic Systems Migration/Sequencing Overview — Activity 5.2 (core FSAM output)
  • Segment Architecture Blueprint Document (incl. Sequencing Plan) — Activity 5.2 (core FSAM output)
  • Transition Plan Milestones — Activity 5.2 (core FSAM output)

FSAM Outputs that support Solution Architects:

  • Risks and Impacts — Activity 2.2
  • Performance Gaps — Activity 2.2 (core FSAM output)
  • Strategic Improvement Opportunities — Activities 2.2 (core FSAM output)
  • Segment Performance Goals and Objectives — Activity 2.3 (core FSAM output)
  • Performance Scorecard — Activity 2.3 (core FSAM output)
  • As-Is Business Value Chain — Activity 3.1
  • As-Is Business Function Model — Activity 3.1 (core FSAM output)
  • As-Is Key Business Process Model — Activity 3.1
  • As-Is Business Process Swim Lane Diagram — Activity 3.1
  • As-Is Key Information Sources and Qualitative Assessment — Activity 3.1
  • Business and Data Architecture Adjustment Profiles — Activity 3.2
  • Target Business Value Chain Diagram — Activity 3.3
  • Target Key Business Process Model — Activity 3.3
  • Target Business Process Swim Lane Diagram — Activity 3.3
  • Target Business Data Mapped to Key Business Processes (CRUD) — Activity 3.3
  • Target Information Sharing Matrix — Activity 3.3 (core FSAM output)
  • Target Information Flow Diagram — Activity 3.3 (core FSAM output)
  • As-Is System and Services Scoring — Activity 4.1
  • Integrated Service Component and Technology Model — Activity 4.2
  • Transition Recommendation Profile — Activity 4.3
  • Transition Recommendation Sequencing Diagram — Activity 4.3
  • Analysis of Cost, Value and Risk for Transition Options — Activity 5.1
  • Proposed Implementation Recommendations — Activity 5.1
  • Recommendation Implementation Sequencing Plan — Activity 5.1

Graphic showing where solution architecture professionals are involved in the five FSAM process steps.