Analytics and BI Reference Architecture (PDF)

BENEFITS OF THIS PDF DOCUMENT

1. Provides a comprehensive reference
2. allows for capability growth and strategy in analytics
3. Provides granular definitions and comprehensive views

ANALYTICS PDF DESCRIPTION

Editor Summary A 6-page PDF Analytics and BI Reference Architecture by R Bradley Consulting presenting a compact technical architecture blueprint. Read more Includes 6 views: Reference (component elements), Service (Execution, Development, Operational services), Realisation approach (implementation/growth sketch), Capabilities definitions, an Information value chain modeled on Porter, and CoE thoughts. Targeted at analytics architects, BI managers, data leaders, CIOs, and analytics CoE leads for designing or maturing analytics/BI capability. Sold as a digital download on Flevy with immediate digital download.

Use this reference architecture when an organization needs to define or mature its Analytics and BI technical landscape, establish an analytics CoE, or plan phased implementation and capability development.

  Analytics architects mapping component elements to a target technical architecture and vendor landscape using the Reference view.
  BI managers defining operational, development, and execution services from the Service framework.
  Data leaders sequencing implementation and growth via the Realisation approach sketch.
  CoE leads specifying required roles and capabilities using the Capabilities definitions and CoE thoughts.

The multi-view breakdown (reference, service, realisation, capabilities, value chain, CoE) reflects a structured, consulting-style architecture approach.

A reference architecture for Analytics and BI. Consisting of the following comprehensive views
1 – Reference – showing the component elements that make up a comprehensive technical architecture
2 – Service – A framework of Execution, Development and Operational services
3 – Realisation approach – a sketch of how organisations can begin implementation/growth
4 – Capabilities definitions – descriptions of the various capabilities required to deliver advanced analytics/BI
5 – An information value chain a la Porters value chain model
6 – CoE thoughts – some sketched ideas on the formation of a CoE for analytics

TOPIC FAQ

What component views should I expect in an Analytics and BI reference architecture?

A typical Analytics and BI reference architecture organizes material into multiple perspectives to cover technical, operational, and organizational aspects. The Analytics and BI Reference Architecture lists 6 specific views: Reference, Service, Realisation approach, Capabilities definitions, Information value chain, and CoE thoughts — 6 views.

How is a service framework for Analytics and BI usually structured?

A service framework separates how capabilities are delivered into categories that describe who does what and how. The referenced product frames services across 3 areas: Execution services, Development services, and Operational services, providing a service taxonomy to map responsibilities and processes to those 3 service types.

What does an "information value chain" mean in BI architecture?

An information value chain adapts Porter's value chain concept to data and analytics, mapping upstream data activities through transformation to downstream value-generating uses. The Analytics and BI Reference Architecture explicitly includes an information value chain modeled a la Porter's value chain model.

How can organizations start implementing an Analytics and BI architecture?

Implementation typically begins with a scoped realisation approach that sketches phased growth, prioritization and practical starting points. The document provides a "Realisation approach" that sketches how organizations can begin implementation and plan incremental growth using that realisation approach sketch.

What should I check when buying an Analytics and BI reference architecture template?

Buyers should confirm the template covers both technical component mapping and organizational/service concerns, includes implementation guidance and capability definitions, and is consumable by their team. The Analytics and BI Reference Architecture is a 6-page PDF that includes reference, service, realisation, capabilities, value-chain, and CoE views — 6 pages in PDF.

How quickly can a small team adapt a reference architecture to our environment?

Adaptation time depends on scope and existing artifacts; a compact reference can accelerate scoping and alignment. The Analytics and BI Reference Architecture is presented as a concise 6-page PDF intended to inform scoping discussions and initial design choices, with the document length being 6 pages.

I need to form an analytics CoE after centralizing reporting; what architecture topics should I address first?

When forming a CoE, prioritize defining required capabilities, service operating model, and how the CoE links to the information value chain and implementation roadmap. The reference includes a dedicated "CoE thoughts" section alongside capabilities definitions and the service framework to address these areas, labeled as CoE thoughts.

How can I define and benchmark BI capabilities across teams?

Start by enumerating capability areas (data ingestion, modelling, governance, analytics delivery, operations) and map current vs. target maturity. The Analytics and BI Reference Architecture contains a "Capabilities definitions" view that describes the various capabilities required to deliver advanced analytics/BI, referenced as capabilities definitions.

Source: Best Practices in Analytics PDF: Analytics and BI Reference Architecture PDF (PDF) Document, R Bradley Consulting