Introduction

The Solutionist creates value by providing alignment in three areas:

• Solution Process
• Enterprise Architecture
• Business Domain Areas

A Solution Process is the set of standards and methodologies used by the enterprise to ensure business ideas ultimately lead to solutions that create long term value.  

• The CoBIT (Control Objectives for Information and related Technology governance framework is often implemented to assure overall control.  
• The ITIL (IT Service Management) framework is often used as an approach to standardized practices.  

Agreeing the solution process is important because it creates a common language for the entire team.
  
A framework for the Enterprise Architecture aligns technology areas to be addressed for all solutions including integrations across multiple solutions.  All solutions address each layer, special care is given to the integrations and dependencies required across solutions.

• Business process
• Data
• Applications
• Technology

Business Domain Areas provide functional opportunities for the solution.  This is a broad topic controlled by the nature of the enterprise, such as its size, industry, and maturity. 


Solutions are selected and sized based on the long term value provided to the enterprise.

For purposes of this article, business domains have been grouped into four areas.  Note:  this is not an indication of organization or system implementation but rather a grouping of functions for illustrative purposes.


Executive, Business Intelligence, Public Relations

• Executive Team, Board of Directors 
• Communication and Public Relations 
• Economics, Politics, Society and Culture, International Relations 
• Risk Management and Disaster Planning 
• Social Responsibility, Environmental Impacts and Hazards 
• Information and Knowledge Management, Business Intelligence 

Business Development, Commercial Team, Customers

• Business Development 
• Marketing and Brand Management 
• Creative and Advertising 
• Innovation & Strategy 
• Research, Product Development and Engineering 
• Sales, Customer Management, Customer Experience 

Operations

• Strategic sourcing 
• Manufacturing, Distribution, Logistics, Customs 
• Customer Service 
• Quality Control, Standards, Methodologies, Continuous Improvement 

Administrative

• Legal, Intellectual Property, Agreements, Contracts, Insurance, Negotiations, Conflicts 
• Administration, People, Human Resources 
• Learning Management and Employee Training 
• Accounting and Finance 
• Compliance 
• Security & Safety 
• Information Technology & Telecommunications 
• Records Management, Documentation