The Ultimate Guide to the Role of a Solutions Architect

The technology community is rapidly evolving especially with the incorporation of new realms. With that organizations feel it is necessary to adjust their operating methods and techniques to stay current with the ever-changing business challenges.

In simpler terms, businesses are required to perform their core operations through digital transformation. This is what transfers the core processes to software solutions.

The digital transformation transition is complicated, to say the least, and requires close attention to every little detail. This then requires every company to acquire an expert with a particular skill set for balancing the business needs, especially when there are different nuances of technology involved.

We know these experts as ‘a solutions architect’. They are one of the most skilled client-based roles within the IT industry, and the importance is often overlooked or even completely ignored by the companies on either end.

In order for a software solution to operate effectively, scale, and reach the business needs, it is required to have a well-planned architecture that accounts for several technical and customer implications. In short, this means that the long-term success of any IT project is reliant on the input of a solutions architect, who needs to have:

• Wide-ranging technical expertise

• Business analysis skills

• Project management skills, etc.

Now, what does a Solutions Architect do for a company?

They are responsible for developing a comprehensive architecture for a software solution, while also providing a strategic direction for the development process.

The solutions architect also needs to ensure that the new solution works well with the existing enterprise architecture from the technical, business, user, and other perspectives.

To do this, they will work together with every team that is involved in the development process and understand how every product and service work in the architecture. A solutions architect requires the knowledge to oversee a successful delivery of a quality end product to the end-user.

But what does a Solutions Architect do in general?

Having a clear understanding of a client’s project and business needs, the role of a solutions architect is to map out the parts that will constitute the software solution and how they are going to work together.

In summary, a solutions architect’s job begins in the early stages of a project because they are laying out what is to come. Their tasks usually start with choosing the correct technology for the business problem and then taking charge of the architectural concerns to ensure there are more productive and effective outcomes.

They are also responsible for the translation of a project vision to the development team. This plays a pivotal part throughout the entire systems development lifecycle.

Every job title comes with its own set of responsibilities, as a solutions architect you are primarily focused on solution-level decisions and evaluation of their impact on a client’s overall business objectives and their outcomes.

Here are the main responsibilities of a Solutions Architect:

• Create and run the process of integrating IT systems for them to meet an organization’s requirements

• Conducts a system architecture evaluation and collaborate with project management

• Evaluate the project constraints for new alternatives to alleviate risks and perform process re-engineering if required

• Update stakeholders on the status of product development and budgets

• Notify stakeholders about any issues that may have occurred

• Repair technical issues as they arise

• Analyze the business impact that certain technical choices may have on a client’s business process

• Monitor and guide the development teams

• Consistently research new technologies and propose changes to the existing architecture

In order to successfully design, create, and lead the development of a software solution, solutions architects not only need to pursue the above responsibilities, but they need to have a specific set of skills to help them do the job best.

The most important skills needed for a Solutions Architect include:

Excellent Communication

Having the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, project managers, developers, and software vendors involved with the development process is an extremely important asset for a solutions architect because you’ll be able to listen and understand all the problems and suggestions that may come up.

Project and Resource Management

A solutions architect is not directly related to the project development, it is still important they need to ensure that the resources are being utilized responsibly.

In-depth analysis

Software architecture and systems have the ability to have several details integrated for them to work together. With that, a solutions architect needs to pay close attention to those details, because anything overlooked could be a recipe for disaster and may hinder the development process.

Risk identification and management

A solutions architect must be able to analyze and identify potential short and long-term risks, that may cause technical issues and impede business operations for future projects.

Technical skills

A solutions architect must have a good technical education with hands-on experience in all major areas of the software development process, as well as hardware engineering expertise, for any software projects that rely on hardware.

Overall, a solutions architect is responsible for building and implementing IT systems architecture for a set business requirement. Their role works closely with the project specifics and the pre-existing systems.

We hope this gave you a better insight into the role of a solutions architect, and if you want more information on the topic, reach out to one of our experts at ISU Corp today!

The Ultimate Guide to Logistics Management

Technology is consistently growing and changing. While most of the changes are for the better, they do tend to be disruptive for the logistics and overall supply chain processes. However, logistics have become more efficient, which has adjusted the way materials, goods, freight, sales orders, inventory, and production are monitored.

Efficiency and speed quickly became the deciding factor for logistics to introduce a new approach to deal with the increased demand and complex processes. An applicable solution that manages the flow of the processes so that the correct product reaches the customer in a timely manner.

When incorporating the Logistics Software, the whole core of the logistical operations is shortened, which takes away from the headaches that may arise in the process. Organizations that research logistics management software statistically has seen better end results than organizations that have not. They have also noticed incredible improvements in process, operations, and delivery.

A Summary of Logistics Software

To be able to understand how the logistics software works, it is crucial to be knowledgeable about logistics management as well.

Logistics is the inclusion of the flow of things from the point of origin to the point of consumption, usually general customers or businesses. The choice of vendors, transportation, routes, and delivery methods reflect an important component of logistical operations.

Logistics Management takes part in the supply chain that is used for planning and implementation to store and delivering goods and services to the customer. It arranges many key components of the supply chain ranging from the development of products to being commercialized.

The Logistics Management System Consists Of:

• Inbound and outbound transportation management

• Warehouse management

• Fleet management

• Processing orders

• Inventory control

• Managing third-party logistics service providers

• Planning supply and demand

In short, Logistics Management is a complementing set of functions including production planning, sourcing, procurement, packaging, and dispatching.

It also includes searching for the correct way to deliver goods and services to the end customer. Inbound and outbound traffic is also crucial for logistics management. Inbound controls the overall flow of raw materials from each supplier to the warehouse and then eventually production. When products are transferred from the warehouse to production that is outbound logistics.

Negatives of Logistics Management

While there are many positives about logistics, however logistics is susceptible to several issues. Ironically most of the issues that occur are due to simple human errors or other factors, like weak decisions that could result in delayed delivery or transport of goods which then leads to dissatisfied customers.

On top of that, an additional negative that logistics usually face is safety in the transport of goods. This is because the goods can become damaged or faulty if they are not handled properly while in transit. The increase in fuel charges is also a big issue when it comes to logistics.

Now what are the positives of Logistics Software?

Refined transportation

Relying on logistics software will help control the various transportation means and leverage data. This allows for simpler analysis for a company to utilize while making relative decisions for maximum efficiency.

Quicker delivery

Logistics software will interfere with the production cycle of a product by choosing the correct shipping service mid-process, which will shorten any delays to a large extent.

Minimized chance for human errors

With logistics software, data can be processed easier without errors in less time. This is an easy push forward for the operations because there is zero chance for a delay.

Automated functions

Automation reduces excess paperwork, which assists in dealing with processes more efficiently.

Lower costs

Saving is a big part of logistics software. With the software, you are able to compare various shipping services, delivery agents, and transportation methods to find the one with the lowest cost. Logistics also helps with lowering the cost of expedited shipments.

With every logistics management software, there are crucial components that are a requirement for the best software configuration.

1. Compatible with Multi-Client Architecture

2. Forecasting

3. Finance integration

4. Inventory tracking

5. Customizable interface

6. CRM

7. Bill of Lading Creation

Logistics are being enforced to be at the beginning of business operations, which means that utilizing the correct technology is important. While also making your business compatible with the ever-changing environment.

Outsourcing to a software development vendor will assist with the deployment of scalable software for logistics management for your whole supply chain operation. A global software solution provider like ISU Corp can give you an advantage of custom logistics solutions tailored to your exact requirements.

Reach out to one of our experts at ISU to get started, or if you have any questions!

How To Choose The Ideal Cloud Service Model For Your Business

Over the years Cloud computing has evolved drastically and is becoming the primary source for computing. What this implies is the adaptability of your business to fit within the cloud model.

If you miss out on it, your business will be left behind, especially on the technology front. Today, technology is a necessity, and next to impossible to avoid getting involved in.

As soon as you register for a cloud service model like SaaS, IaaS, or Paas, you can increase the number of possibilities, bringing in flexibility and efficiency that encourages business growth. An overall cloud platform like InfinCE will always be useful especially when looking for a seamless approach of power when running an efficient business in a secure environment.

With a steady adoption of cloud services, businesses have had the opportunity to discover how to implement them into their entire range of operations. Application development with cloud computing is an extensive process, but it is a flexible and affordable way to incorporate the cloud service models.

Having said that, there are many additional leading programs and models within the information technology industry now in competition for cloud service delivery.

Alongside the incorporation of Cloud Adoption, there are 3 major advantages to it, and here they are:

1. Scalability

Each cloud service allows for efficient scaling up and down of the computing resources to allow for adjustments.

2. Affordability

You will pay significantly less for a cloud service because it eliminates extra costs that come with any upgrades or maintenance that may occur.

3. Security

By registering for a cloud service, you are agreeing to make your data more secure by using industry grade security protocols.

If you have ever thought about the future of your business and making it more compelling, then cloud is the way to go. The next question is, which cloud computing service will fit your specific business requirements?

The 3 types of cloud service models and their benefits are:

Each model has its own collection of benefits that will serve the requirements of multiple businesses. Making the choice of one, requires a solid understanding of each cloud model, evaluating your requirements, and knowing how the chosen model will deliver the specific set of workflows.

1. SaaS

Otherwise known as ‘Software as a Service’ is the model that is specific to quick access for cloud-based web applications. The vendor will control the whole computing stack, which is accessible through a web browser. All of these applications operate through the cloud on a paid licensed subscription or free limited access.

A few examples of SaaS include the Google G Suite, Microsoft Office 365, Dropbox, etc.  

Benefits of SaaS include affordability, it’s available anywhere and it’s ready to use immediately. You should opt-in for SaaS because transferring information and scheduling meetings are made easier. However, SaaS is more geared toward small-scale businesses that don’t necessarily have the resources to afford on-premises hardware.

2. IaaS

Known as ‘Infrastructure as a Service’ a model offering a virtual arrangement of computing resources on the cloud. An IaaS will provide you an array of computing infrastructures like storage, servers, networking hardware with maintenance, and support.

A few examples of IaaS include Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Compute Engine.

Benefits of IaaS include minimal costs, upgraded scalability, and easy deployment. Opting in to IaaS gives you the most flexibility out of all the cloud models, as well as it is the best option when it comes to IT hardware infrastructure. It is the correct option for you if your business requires control for the hardware infrastructure like in managing and customizing for your requirements.

The downside to IaaS is it is the most expensive of SaaS and PaaS.

 3. PaaS

Is known as ‘Platform as a Service’ a model that offers a cloud base where you can develop, test, and organize the various applications for your business.

By incorporating PaaS into your applications, it makes the process easier for enterprise software development. It allows for a virtual runtime environment for a preferred space when developing or testing applications.

A few examples of PaaS include Google App Engine, and AWS Elastic Beanstalk.

Benefits of PaaS include minimal development time, support for multiple programming languages, and increased collaboration. PaaS is the preferred option if your project requires multiple developers and vendors. Incorporating PaaS allows you to easily customize applications while it leases all the important computing and networking resources.

PaaS simplifies the process for app development, which then minimizes the organizational costs.

In short, every Cloud Service Model has their benefits, SaaS works best for cloud-based email, CRM, or productivity, IaaS works best if you want a virtual computing base, and PaaS is best for development and software testing.

If you have any additional questions or want to get started with cloud service models, reach out to one of our experts at ISU Corp!