TechnologyOne Well-Architected Framework

1 Overview
2 Core Principles
3 The Five Pillars
4 Implementation Methodology
5 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
6 TechnologyOne-Specific Considerations
7 Governance Model
8 Conclusion
9 Appendix: Architectural Diagrams
10 Appendix: PlantUML Diagram Syntax

Overview

The TechnologyOne Well-Architected Framework provides a comprehensive set of design principles, architectural patterns, and best practices for building robust, scalable, and maintainable solutions on the TechnologyOne platform. This framework ensures that implementations deliver maximum business value while maintaining operational excellence.

Core Principles

1. Citizen-Centric Design

Design solutions that prioritize the citizen/customer experience
Ensure accessibility and usability across all touchpoints
Maintain consistent user experiences across modules

2. Data-Driven Decision Making

Leverage TechnologyOne's analytics and reporting capabilities
Implement comprehensive data governance practices
Ensure data quality and consistency across the platform

3. Continuous Evolution

Design for adaptability and future growth
Embrace platform updates and new capabilities
Plan for organizational change and scaling

The Five Pillars

The TechnologyOne Well-Architected Framework is built upon five foundational pillars that work together to ensure comprehensive architectural excellence. Each pillar addresses a critical aspect of system design and operation, providing specific guidance, best practices, and measurable outcomes. These pillars are not independent silos but interconnected dimensions that must be balanced to achieve optimal results.

Organizations should evaluate their TechnologyOne implementations against all five pillars simultaneously, as improvements in one area often enable or enhance capabilities in others. For example, better security practices (Pillar 2) can improve operational reliability (Pillar 3), while performance optimizations (Pillar 4) can lead to cost savings (Pillar 5). The framework provides a structured approach to assess current state, identify improvement opportunities, and track progress over time.

Each pillar includes design principles that guide decision-making, key focus areas that define the scope of consideration, and specific best practices tailored to TechnologyOne's platform capabilities. Regular assessment against these pillars helps organizations maintain architectural discipline while adapting to changing business requirements and technological evolution.

See Appendix A: TechnologyOne Well-Architected Framework Overview Diagram for a visual representation of how the five pillars interact with TechnologyOne's platform capabilities and deliver business outcomes.

Pillar 1: Operational Excellence

Definition: The ability to run and monitor systems to deliver business value and continuously improve supporting processes and procedures.

Design Principles

Automate Everything: Leverage TechnologyOne's workflow automation capabilities
Monitor Continuously: Implement comprehensive monitoring and alerting
Document Thoroughly: Maintain clear documentation for all configurations and customizations
Learn from Failures: Establish post-incident review processes

Key Focus Areas

Change Management: Utilize TechnologyOne's built-in change management workflows
Monitoring & Alerting: Configure system health monitoring and business process alerts
Backup & Recovery: Implement robust backup strategies and disaster recovery procedures
Performance Management: Regular performance reviews and optimization cycles

Best Practices

Use TechnologyOne's native workflow engine for process automation
Implement standardized naming conventions across all modules
Establish regular system health checks and maintenance windows
Create comprehensive runbooks for common operational tasks

Pillar 2: Security & Compliance

Definition: The ability to protect information, systems, and assets while delivering business value through risk assessments and mitigation strategies.

Design Principles

Defense in Depth: Implement multiple layers of security controls
Least Privilege Access: Grant minimum necessary permissions
Data Classification: Classify and protect data according to sensitivity
Audit Everything: Maintain comprehensive audit trails

Key Focus Areas

Identity & Access Management: Leverage TechnologyOne's role-based security model
Data Protection: Implement encryption for data at rest and in transit
Compliance Management: Ensure adherence to relevant regulations (GDPR, SOX, etc.)
Vulnerability Management: Regular security assessments and patch management

Best Practices

Configure single sign-on (SSO) integration where available
Implement data retention and disposal policies
Use TechnologyOne's built-in audit logging capabilities
Establish regular security reviews and access certifications
Implement data masking for non-production environments

Pillar 3: Reliability & Resilience

Definition: The ability of a system to recover from infrastructure or service disruptions and dynamically scale to meet demand.

Design Principles

Plan for Failure: Design systems that can handle component failures gracefully
Automate Recovery: Implement automated failover and recovery procedures
Scale Horizontally: Design for horizontal scaling where possible
Test Resilience: Regularly test disaster recovery procedures

Key Focus Areas

High Availability: Configure redundancy and failover capabilities
Disaster Recovery: Implement comprehensive DR strategies
Capacity Planning: Plan for growth and peak usage scenarios
Integration Resilience: Design fault-tolerant integrations

Best Practices

Implement database clustering and replication strategies
Use TechnologyOne's native load balancing capabilities
Establish RTO/RPO targets and regularly test recovery procedures
Design integrations with circuit breaker patterns
Implement comprehensive backup verification procedures

Pillar 4: Performance Efficiency

Definition: The ability to use computing resources efficiently to meet system requirements and maintain efficiency as demand changes.

Design Principles

Right-Size Resources: Match resources to actual requirements
Optimize Continuously: Regular performance monitoring and tuning
Leverage Platform Features: Use native TechnologyOne optimization features
Design for Scale: Build solutions that can handle growth

Key Focus Areas

Database Optimization: Efficient database design and query optimization
Integration Performance: Optimize data flows and API calls
User Experience: Ensure responsive user interfaces
Resource Utilization: Monitor and optimize system resource usage

Best Practices

Implement database indexing strategies aligned with usage patterns
Use TechnologyOne's caching mechanisms effectively
Optimize batch processing schedules
Monitor query performance and optimize slow-running processes
Implement efficient data archiving strategies

Pillar 5: Cost Optimization

Definition: The ability to achieve business outcomes at the lowest price point while maintaining quality and performance standards.

Design Principles

Measure & Monitor: Track costs and usage patterns
Optimize Licensing: Align licensing with actual usage
Automate Cost Management: Use automated tools for cost optimization
Design for Efficiency: Build cost-effective solutions

Key Focus Areas

License Optimization: Right-size user licenses and module usage
Resource Efficiency: Optimize infrastructure and cloud resources
Process Automation: Reduce manual effort through automation
Vendor Management: Optimize third-party integrations and costs

Best Practices

Regularly review user license assignments and usage
Implement automated data lifecycle management
Optimize storage usage through archiving and compression
Use TechnologyOne's built-in reporting to identify cost optimization opportunities
Establish regular cost review cycles

Implementation Methodology

Adopting the TechnologyOne Well-Architected Framework requires a systematic, phased approach that balances organizational readiness with technical implementation. This methodology has been designed specifically for TechnologyOne environments, considering the platform's integrated nature, SaaS delivery model, and typical organizational contexts including government, education, and corporate enterprises.

The three-phase approach ensures that organizations build a solid foundation before attempting more complex improvements, while maintaining operational continuity throughout the transformation. Each phase includes specific deliverables, success criteria, and transition gates that help organizations measure progress and adjust their approach as needed.

This methodology recognizes that Well-Architected adoption is not a one-time project but an ongoing organizational capability. The framework embeds continuous improvement processes that help organizations maintain architectural excellence as their TechnologyOne implementation evolves and scales. Success depends not only on technical implementation but also on organizational change management, stakeholder engagement, and the development of internal capabilities.

See Appendix B: Implementation Methodology Process Flow for a detailed visualization of the three-phase implementation approach.

Phase 1: Assessment & Planning

Current State Analysis: Evaluate existing TechnologyOne implementation
Gap Analysis: Identify areas for improvement against Well-Architected principles
Roadmap Development: Create prioritized improvement roadmap
Stakeholder Alignment: Ensure organizational buy-in and support

Phase 2: Foundation Building

Governance Framework: Establish architectural governance processes
Standards Definition: Create organizational standards and guidelines
Tool Implementation: Deploy monitoring and management tools
Team Training: Educate teams on Well-Architected principles

Phase 3: Iterative Improvement

Pilot Projects: Implement improvements in controlled environments
Continuous Monitoring: Track progress against Well-Architected metrics
Regular Reviews: Conduct periodic architecture reviews
Knowledge Sharing: Share lessons learned across the organization

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Operational Excellence

Mean Time to Resolution (MTTR)
Change Success Rate
Automation Coverage Percentage
Documentation Completeness Score

Security & Compliance

Security Incident Count
Compliance Audit Score
Access Review Completion Rate
Data Breach Prevention Metrics

Reliability & Resilience

System Uptime Percentage
Recovery Time Objective (RTO) Achievement
Recovery Point Objective (RPO) Achievement
Integration Failure Rate

Performance Efficiency

Response Time Metrics
Throughput Metrics
Resource Utilization Rates
User Satisfaction Scores

Cost Optimization

Cost per Transaction
License Utilization Rate
Infrastructure Cost Trends
ROI Metrics

TechnologyOne-Specific Considerations

TechnologyOne's unique architecture and platform characteristics require specific adaptations to general Well-Architected principles. Unlike traditional enterprise software that often requires extensive customization and integration, TechnologyOne's integrated suite approach offers both opportunities and constraints that must be carefully considered in architectural decisions.

The platform's strength lies in its comprehensive, pre-integrated modules that span financial management, human resources, student management, asset management, and citizen services. This integration reduces the complexity typically associated with multi-vendor environments but requires architects to think holistically about how changes in one module impact others. The SaaS delivery model means that organizations benefit from continuous platform improvements but must also adapt their architectural practices to work within TechnologyOne's update and release cycles.

Understanding these platform-specific characteristics is crucial for making informed architectural decisions. The considerations outlined below help organizations leverage TechnologyOne's strengths while avoiding common pitfalls that can compromise long-term flexibility and performance. This section provides practical guidance for working within TechnologyOne's architectural paradigms while maintaining alignment with Well-Architected principles.

See Appendix C: TechnologyOne Integration Architecture Pattern for a comprehensive view of how TechnologyOne modules should integrate with external systems while maintaining Well-Architected principles.

Platform Strengths to Leverage

Integrated Suite: Utilize the fully integrated nature of TechnologyOne modules
SaaS Architecture: Leverage cloud-native capabilities and automatic updates
Workflow Engine: Maximize use of built-in business process automation
Reporting & Analytics: Utilize comprehensive reporting and dashboard capabilities

Common Anti-Patterns to Avoid

Over-customization that creates upgrade complexity
Bypassing native TechnologyOne workflows
Creating data silos between modules
Implementing complex integrations where native functionality exists

Integration Patterns

API-First: Use TechnologyOne's REST APIs for integrations
Event-Driven: Leverage event-driven architectures where supported
Batch Processing: Optimize batch job schedules and data flows
Real-Time Sync: Implement real-time data synchronization where required

Governance Model

Successful implementation and ongoing adherence to the TechnologyOne Well-Architected Framework requires a robust governance structure that balances architectural discipline with business agility. This governance model provides the organizational framework necessary to embed Well-Architected principles into daily operations, decision-making processes, and strategic planning.

The governance model recognizes that architectural excellence is not achieved through rigid compliance but through informed decision-making that considers trade-offs between competing priorities. It establishes clear roles, responsibilities, and processes while maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing business requirements and technological evolution.

Effective governance creates a culture of continuous improvement where architectural considerations are naturally integrated into project planning, solution design, and operational management. The model provides mechanisms for knowledge sharing, decision documentation, and learning from both successes and failures. This approach ensures that architectural capability grows organically within the organization rather than being imposed through external oversight.

Architecture Review Board (ARB)

Composition: Technical architects, business stakeholders, security representatives
Responsibilities: Review architectural decisions, ensure compliance with framework
Meeting Cadence: Monthly reviews with ad-hoc sessions for major decisions

Continuous Improvement Process

Quarterly Reviews: Assess progress against Well-Architected principles
Annual Assessment: Comprehensive review of entire TechnologyOne implementation
Feedback Loops: Regular collection and incorporation of user feedback

Conclusion

The TechnologyOne Well-Architected Framework provides a structured approach to building and maintaining robust, efficient, and secure solutions on the TechnologyOne platform. By following these principles and practices, organizations can maximize their return on investment while ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

Regular application of this framework, combined with continuous monitoring and improvement, will result in TechnologyOne implementations that deliver exceptional business value while maintaining operational excellence.

Appendix: Architectural Diagrams

The following PlantUML diagrams illustrate key architectural concepts and relationships within the TechnologyOne Well-Architected Framework. These diagrams serve as visual references for enterprise, solution, and business architects to understand and communicate architectural decisions.

Appendix A: TechnologyOne Well-Architected Framework Overview

This diagram shows the relationship between the five pillars and how they interact with TechnologyOne's platform capabilities to deliver business outcomes.

Appendix B: Implementation Methodology Process Flow

This diagram illustrates the three-phase implementation approach with key activities, deliverables, and decision points within each phase.

Appendix C: TechnologyOne Integration Architecture Pattern

This diagram demonstrates recommended integration patterns that align with Well-Architected principles, showing how TechnologyOne modules should connect with external systems through a secure, scalable integration layer.

Appendix: PlantUML Diagram Syntax

Diagram 1

@startuml TechnologyOne_Well_Architected_Overview
!theme plain
skinparam backgroundColor #FFFFFF
skinparam rectangle {
    BackgroundColor #E8F4FD
    BorderColor #2E86AB
    FontSize 11
}
skinparam note {
    BackgroundColor #FFF2CC
    BorderColor #D6B656
    FontSize 10
}

rectangle "TechnologyOne Platform" as Platform {
    rectangle "Integrated Suite" as Suite {
        rectangle "Financial Management" as Finance
        rectangle "Human Resources" as HR
        rectangle "Student Management" as Student
        rectangle "Asset Management" as Asset
        rectangle "Citizen Services" as Citizen
    }
    rectangle "SaaS Infrastructure" as SaaS {
    rectangle "Multi-Tenant Architecture" as MultiTenant
    rectangle "Automatic Updates" as Updates
    rectangle "Cloud-Native Services" as CloudNative
}
}

rectangle "Well-Architected Framework" as Framework {
    rectangle "Operational Excellence" as OpEx #FFE6CC {
        note right : Automate workflows\nMonitor continuously\nDocument thoroughly
    }
rectangle "Security & Compliance" as Security #E1D5E7 {
    note right : Defense in depth\\nLeast privilege\\nData classification
}

rectangle "Reliability & Resilience" as Reliability #D5E8D4 {
    note right : Plan for failure\\nAutomate recovery\\nScale horizontally
}

rectangle "Performance Efficiency" as Performance #FFF2CC {
    note right : Right-size resources\\nOptimize continuously\\nDesign for scale
}

rectangle "Cost Optimization" as Cost #F8CECC {
    note right : Measure & monitor\\nOptimize licensing\\nAutomate cost management
}
}

rectangle "Business Outcomes" as Outcomes {
    rectangle "Citizen Experience" as CitizenExp
    rectangle "Operational Efficiency" as OpEfficiency
    rectangle "Risk Management" as Risk
    rectangle "Innovation Enablement" as Innovation
}

Platform --> Framework : "Guided by"
Framework --> Outcomes : "Delivers"

OpEx --> Suite : "Automates"
Security --> SaaS : "Protects"
Reliability --> MultiTenant : "Ensures"
Performance --> CloudNative : "Optimizes"
Cost --> Updates : "Leverages"

@enduml

Diagram 2

@startuml TechnologyOne_Implementation_Methodology
!theme plain
skinparam backgroundColor #FFFFFF

skinparam activity {
    BackgroundColor #E8F4FD
    BorderColor #2E86AB
    FontSize 11
}

skinparam note {
    BackgroundColor #FFF2CC
    BorderColor #D6B656
    FontSize 10
}

start

partition "Phase 1: Assessment & Planning" {
    :Current State Analysis;
    note right : Evaluate existing\nTechnologyOne implementation
:Gap Analysis;
note right : Identify improvement areas\\nagainst Well-Architected principles

:Roadmap Development;
note right : Create prioritized\\nimprovement roadmap

:Stakeholder Alignment;
note right : Ensure organizational\\nbuy-in and support
partition "Phase 2: Foundation Building" {
    :Governance Framework;
    note right : Establish architectural\ngovernance processes
    :Standards Definition;
note right : Create organizational\\nstandards and guidelines

:Tool Implementation;
note right : Deploy monitoring\\nand management tools

:Team Training;
note right : Educate teams on\\nWell-Architected principles
}

partition "Phase 3: Iterative Improvement" {
    :Pilot Projects;
    note right : Implement improvements\nin controlled environments
    :Continuous Monitoring;
note right : Track progress against\\nWell-Architected metrics

:Regular Reviews;
note right : Conduct periodic\\narchitecture reviews

:Knowledge Sharing;
note right : Share lessons learned\\nacross organization
:Well-Architected\nTechnologyOne Implementation;

note bottom : Continuous cycle of\nassessment and improvement

stop

@enduml

Diagram 3

@startuml TechnologyOne_Integration_Architecture
!theme plain
skinparam backgroundColor #FFFFFF
skinparam component {
    BackgroundColor #E8F4FD
    BorderColor #2E86AB
    FontSize 11
}

skinparam cloud {
    BackgroundColor #D5E8D4
    BorderColor #82B366
}

skinparam database {
    BackgroundColor #F8CECC
    BorderColor #B85450
}

skinparam rectangle {
    BackgroundColor #FFF2CC
    BorderColor #D6B656
}

cloud "TechnologyOne SaaS Platform" as T1Platform {
    component "Financial Management" as T1Finance
    component "Human Resources" as T1HR
    component "Student Management" as T1Student
    component "Asset Management" as T1Asset
    component "Citizen Services" as T1Citizen

component "TechnologyOne APIs" as T1APIs
component "Workflow Engine" as Workflow
component "Reporting & Analytics" as Reporting

}

rectangle "Integration Layer" as IntegrationLayer {
    component "API Gateway" as APIGateway
    component "Event Bus" as EventBus
    component "Data Sync Engine" as DataSync
    component "Security Proxy" as SecurityProxy
}

rectangle "External Systems" as External {
    component "Bank Systems" as Bank
    component "Payroll Systems" as Payroll
    component "Document Management" as DocMgmt
    component "GIS Systems" as GIS
    component "Web Portals" as WebPortals
}

database "Data Warehouse" as DW
database "Audit Store" as Audit

' TechnologyOne internal connections
T1Finance <--> T1APIs
T1HR <--> T1APIs
T1Student <--> T1APIs
T1Asset <--> T1APIs
T1Citizen <--> T1APIs

T1APIs <--> Workflow
Workflow <--> Reporting

' Integration Layer connections
T1APIs <--> APIGateway : "REST APIs"
Workflow --> EventBus : "Business Events"
Reporting --> DataSync : "Data Export"

APIGateway <--> SecurityProxy : "Authenticated Requests"
EventBus <--> SecurityProxy : "Event Notifications"

' External system connections
SecurityProxy <--> Bank : "HTTPS/SFTP"
SecurityProxy <--> Payroll : "HTTPS/File Transfer"
SecurityProxy <--> DocMgmt : "HTTPS/WebDAV"
SecurityProxy <--> GIS : "HTTPS/REST"
SecurityProxy <--> WebPortals : "HTTPS/SAML SSO"

' Data flows
DataSync --> DW : "ETL Processes"
SecurityProxy --> Audit : "All Transactions"
EventBus --> Audit : "Business Events"

note top of IntegrationLayer : Well-Architected Integration Principles:\n• API-First Design\n• Event-Driven Architecture\n• Security by Design\n• Comprehensive Auditing\n• Fault Tolerance

note bottom of T1Platform : Native TechnologyOne\nIntegrated Suite

note bottom of External : Third-Party Systems\nand Legacy Applications

@enduml