Information Architecture

Definition:

DecisionPath defines Information Architecture as a business-driven, technically-effective arrangement of the business information that is generated by and used by the core management, customer-oriented, and operating processes of a business. Business information is typically generated and used by transactional systems and management systems, and is sometimes purchased from third parties. This information must be made available to various business users for various business purposes, and thus it must be stored in appropriate, technically efficient and effective ways. The Information Architecture defines how the business information will be processed, stored, managed, and made available for its various uses.

Purposes:

1. Identify the current arrangement of the business information that is generated by and used by the core management, customer-oriented, and operating processes of the business.
2. Identify weaknesses of the current information architecture in relation to the ability to efficiently, effectively, and reliably enable opportunities to leverage BI for such purposes as reducing costs, acquiring and retaining profitable customers, achieving operational excellence, increasing campaign effectiveness, meeting regulatory mandates, delivering more robust management and financial information, improving strategic performance, reducing reporting costs, and driving top-line growth.
3. Identify weaknesses of the current information architecture in relation to BI and data warehousing best practices.
4. Identify the content, structure, quality, and accessibility of the business information that is generated by and used by the core management, customer-oriented, and operating processes of a business.
5. Define a target state Information Architecture and associated migration path that is cost-effective and risk-appropriate in relation to the BI Requirements Portfolio.

Benefits:

1. Provides a fundamentally sound, risk-appropriate basis for technical planning and risk management within the broader BI Roadmap.
2. Ensures that realization of BI-driven business improvement opportunities is not impeded by an inappropriate information architecture or by issues related to access to business information maintained within transactional systems.