How can you manage system architecture and design artifacts?

1 Identify your stakeholders

The first step to manage your system architecture and design artifacts is to identify your stakeholders, their roles, and their expectations. Stakeholders are the people or organizations that have an interest or influence in your system, such as customers, users, developers, testers, regulators, and managers. You need to understand their needs, concerns, and preferences, and how they will use your artifacts. For example, some stakeholders may need high-level overviews, while others may need detailed technical information. Some stakeholders may prefer graphical models, while others may prefer textual documents.

2 Define your standards and formats

The next step to manage your system architecture and design artifacts is to define your standards and formats. Standards are the rules and conventions that govern how you create, organize, and present your artifacts. Formats are the types and structures of your artifacts, such as documents, models, diagrams, and specifications. You need to choose standards and formats that are appropriate for your system domain, project scope, and stakeholder needs. For example, you may use ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010 for system architecture description, UML for system modeling, SysML for system engineering, and XML for data exchange.

3 Use a repository and version control

The third step to manage your system architecture and design artifacts is to use a repository and version control. A repository is a central place where you store, access, and share your artifacts. Version control is a system that tracks the changes and history of your artifacts. You need to use a repository and version control to ensure the security, availability, and integrity of your artifacts. For example, you may use a cloud-based service, such as GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket, to host your repository and version control.

4 Establish traceability and consistency

The fourth step to manage your system architecture and design artifacts is to establish traceability and consistency. Traceability is the ability to link your artifacts to each other and to the system requirements, objectives, and rationale. Consistency is the degree of agreement and alignment among your artifacts. You need to establish traceability and consistency to ensure the completeness, correctness, and coherence of your system development. For example, you may use a traceability matrix, a traceability tool, or a traceability diagram to show the relationships among your artifacts.

5 Review and validate your artifacts

The fifth step to manage your system architecture and design artifacts is to review and validate your artifacts. Review is the process of examining and evaluating your artifacts for quality, accuracy, and completeness. Validation is the process of verifying that your artifacts meet the stakeholder needs and expectations. You need to review and validate your artifacts to ensure the reliability, usability, and acceptability of your system. For example, you may use peer reviews, inspections, walkthroughs, or checklists to review your artifacts, and use simulations, prototypes, tests, or demonstrations to validate your artifacts.

6 Update and maintain your artifacts

The sixth and final step to manage your system architecture and design artifacts is to update and maintain your artifacts. Update is the process of modifying and improving your artifacts based on feedback, changes, and lessons learned. Maintain is the process of keeping your artifacts current, relevant, and accessible. You need to update and maintain your artifacts to ensure the adaptability, sustainability, and evolution of your system. For example, you may use a change management system, a configuration management system, or a document management system to update and maintain your artifacts.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?