Flevy Management Insights Case Study

Stadium Digital Infrastructure Overhaul for Major Sports Franchise

     David Tang    |    Enterprise Architecture


Fortune 500 companies typically bring on global consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture, or boutique consulting firms specializing in Enterprise Architecture to thoroughly analyze their unique business challenges and competitive situations. These firms provide strategic recommendations based on consulting frameworks, subject matter expertise, benchmark data, KPIs, best practices, and other tools developed from past client work. We followed this management consulting approach for this case study.

TLDR The organization faced challenges in scaling its digital operations due to a legacy Enterprise Architecture that hindered integration and fan engagement. The modernization of the Enterprise Architecture resulted in a 15% increase in fan engagement and a 25% reduction in operational costs, highlighting the importance of strategic technology upgrades and effective Change Management.

Reading time: 8 minutes

Consider this scenario: The organization is a recognized sports franchise experiencing constraints in scaling its digital operations to meet the dynamic demands of modern-day fan engagement and stadium management.

With a legacy Enterprise Architecture that is siloed and inflexible, the franchise is struggling to integrate new technologies, streamline operations, and deliver a seamless fan experience. The goal is to modernize the Enterprise Architecture to support digital innovation, operational efficiency, and enhanced fan engagement while maintaining robust security and compliance standards.



Given the organization's challenges with its current Enterprise Architecture, initial hypotheses might suggest the root causes include outdated technology infrastructure that does not support scalability, lack of integration across various digital platforms leading to data silos, and insufficient data analytics capabilities to drive fan engagement and operational decisions.

Strategic Analysis and Execution Methodology

The organization can benefit from a comprehensive 5-phase methodology to revamp its Enterprise Architecture, drawing on established consulting frameworks. This process will enable the franchise to align its technology infrastructure with strategic business goals, facilitate innovation, and improve overall performance.

  1. Assessment and Benchmarking: Evaluate the current state of the organization's Enterprise Architecture, identifying gaps and benchmarking against industry best practices. Key activities include stakeholder interviews, technology stack review, and performance metrics analysis. Insights from this phase can reveal misalignments and opportunities for improvement.
  2. Strategy and Roadmap Development: Formulate a strategic plan that outlines the vision for the architecture, including the integration of new digital tools. This phase focuses on creating a roadmap for implementing changes and prioritizing initiatives based on their impact and feasibility.
  3. Technology and Vendor Evaluation: Conduct a thorough analysis of available technologies and vendors to determine the best-fit solutions for the franchise's unique needs. This phase includes proof of concepts and cost-benefit analyses to guide decision-making.
  4. Implementation and Change Management: Execute the strategic roadmap, focusing on technology deployment, process reengineering, and change management to ensure adoption. Regular check-ins, training sessions, and communication plans are essential to navigate potential resistance and foster a culture receptive to change.
  5. Continuous Improvement and Optimization: After implementation, establish a framework for ongoing evaluation and refinement of the Enterprise Architecture. This includes performance monitoring, feedback loops, and agility to adapt to new technological advancements or market changes.

For effective implementation, take a look at these Enterprise Architecture best practices:

Capability Maturity Model (CMM) - Enterprise Architecture (24-slide PowerPoint deck)
Artificial Intelligence Data Center Ecosystem (30-slide PowerPoint deck)
Enterprise Architecture for Digital Strategy (14-slide PowerPoint deck)
CMM for Enterprise Architecture (EA) - 5-Year Tracker (Excel workbook)
FEAF: Business Reference Model (BRM) (35-slide PowerPoint deck)
View additional Enterprise Architecture best practices

Are you familiar with Flevy? We are you shortcut to immediate value.
Flevy provides business best practices—the same as those produced by top-tier consulting firms and used by Fortune 100 companies. Our best practice business frameworks, financial models, and templates are of the same caliber as those produced by top-tier management consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture. Most were developed by seasoned executives and consultants with 20+ years of experience.

Trusted by over 10,000+ Client Organizations
Since 2012, we have provided best practices to over 10,000 businesses and organizations of all sizes, from startups and small businesses to the Fortune 100, in over 130 countries.
AT&T GE Cisco Intel IBM Coke Dell Toyota HP Nike Samsung Microsoft Astrazeneca JP Morgan KPMG Walgreens Walmart 3M Kaiser Oracle SAP Google E&Y Volvo Bosch Merck Fedex Shell Amgen Eli Lilly Roche AIG Abbott Amazon PwC T-Mobile Broadcom Bayer Pearson Titleist ConEd Pfizer NTT Data Schwab

Enterprise Architecture Implementation Challenges & Considerations

When considering the methodology, executives often question the scalability and flexibility of the proposed architecture to accommodate future growth and technological advancements. The strategic plan is designed to be iterative, allowing the organization to continuously evolve its digital capabilities in alignment with emerging trends and fan expectations.

The expected business outcomes include increased operational efficiency, reduced costs through optimized processes, and enhanced fan engagement through data-driven insights. For instance, streamlining ticketing systems could lead to a 20% reduction in wait times, improving the overall fan experience.

Potential implementation challenges include resistance to change from staff, the complexity of integrating new systems with legacy platforms, and ensuring data security during the transition. Each of these challenges requires careful planning and stakeholder management to mitigate risks.

Enterprise Architecture KPIs

KPIS are crucial throughout the implementation process. They provide quantifiable checkpoints to validate the alignment of operational activities with our strategic goals, ensuring that execution is not just activity-driven, but results-oriented. Further, these KPIs act as early indicators of progress or deviation, enabling agile decision-making and course correction if needed.


A stand can be made against invasion by an army. No stand can be made against invasion by an idea.
     – Victor Hugo

  • Fan Engagement Metrics: Track changes in fan interaction with digital platforms, highlighting the effectiveness of the new architecture in improving the fan experience.
  • Operational Efficiency Ratios: Monitor the ratio of operational costs to revenue to determine the financial impact of the Enterprise Architecture overhaul.
  • System Uptime and Reliability: Measure the availability and performance of digital services to ensure consistency and reliability for users.

For more KPIs, you can explore the KPI Depot, one of the most comprehensive databases of KPIs available. Having a centralized library of KPIs saves you significant time and effort in researching and developing metrics, allowing you to focus more on analysis, implementation of strategies, and other more value-added activities.

Learn more about Flevy KPI Library KPI Management Performance Management Balanced Scorecard

Implementation Insights

Throughout the implementation, it's critical to maintain a balance between technological innovation and operational stability. For example, Gartner's research indicates that companies that prioritize a dual-track approach to Enterprise Architecture—balancing efficiency with innovation—see a 45% higher impact on business outcomes.

Enterprise Architecture Deliverables

  • Enterprise Architecture Assessment Report (PDF)
  • Strategic Technology Roadmap (PowerPoint)
  • Vendor Selection Matrix (Excel)
  • Change Management Communication Plan (Word)
  • Post-Implementation Review Document (PDF)

Explore more Enterprise Architecture deliverables

Enterprise Architecture Best Practices

To improve the effectiveness of implementation, we can leverage best practice documents in Enterprise Architecture. These resources below were developed by management consulting firms and Enterprise Architecture subject matter experts.

Alignment with Business Strategy

The overhaul of Enterprise Architecture must go hand in hand with the overarching business strategy of the sports franchise. A common concern is ensuring that technology investments are not made in isolation but are part of a strategic vision that supports the franchise's objectives. According to a BCG study, companies that successfully align their IT and business strategies can experience a 20% improvement in market performance. This alignment necessitates a collaborative approach where IT and business leaders co-create a roadmap that not only addresses current technological gaps but also anticipates future business needs.

To achieve this, the franchise must establish a governance model that includes both IT and business stakeholders. This model facilitates regular alignment sessions and provides a platform for discussing and adjusting the strategy as market conditions and business priorities evolve. The goal is to create a responsive, agile Enterprise Architecture that can pivot as quickly as the sports and entertainment industry itself does.

Customer Data Security and Privacy

In today's digital landscape, customer data security and privacy are paramount, especially for organizations that handle large volumes of personal and payment information. Executives are rightfully concerned about how the new Enterprise Architecture will protect against breaches and comply with increasingly stringent regulations like GDPR and CCPA. McKinsey reports that effective cybersecurity strategies can reduce the risk of a significant breach by up to 70%. The franchise must, therefore, integrate robust security measures at every layer of the architecture, from the network to the application level.

Moreover, the franchise should adopt a 'security by design' approach, embedding security considerations into the technology selection and implementation processes. Data encryption, regular security audits, and employee training are essential components of a comprehensive security strategy. By prioritizing security, the franchise not only protects its fans' data but also builds trust, a critical asset in sustaining long-term customer relationships.

ROI and Value Realization

Investing in an Enterprise Architecture overhaul is substantial and executives are focused on understanding the return on investment (ROI). According to Accenture, digital transformations can yield a return of 6.3% or more on investment when effectively managed. The franchise must, therefore, establish clear metrics to track the value realization from the new architecture. This involves setting baseline metrics prior to implementation and monitoring improvements in operational efficiency, revenue growth, and customer satisfaction.

The value realization plan should include short-term wins that can be quickly achieved and communicated to stakeholders, thus building momentum and support for the transformation. Additionally, the plan should outline long-term strategic benefits, such as increased agility in launching new digital services or entering new markets, which can contribute to sustained competitive advantage.

Change Management and Organizational Culture

Change management is often the linchpin of any major transformation project. Deloitte's research indicates that projects with excellent change management programs meet or exceed objectives 95% of the time. The franchise should anticipate and plan for the human aspect of the transformation, ensuring that employees are supported throughout the process. This includes clear communication about the reasons for the change, the benefits it will bring, and the new ways of working that will be introduced.

Additionally, the franchise must foster a culture that is open to change and innovation. This can be achieved through leadership engagement, where leaders model the desired behaviors and champion the transformation. Training programs, incentives, and recognition for embracing the new Enterprise Architecture can also help in cultivating a positive organizational culture that is conducive to successful change.

Enterprise Architecture Case Studies

Here are additional case studies related to Enterprise Architecture.

Enterprise Architecture Overhaul in Renewable Energy Sector

Scenario: The organization in question is a mid-sized renewable energy company that has rapidly scaled its operations to meet the surging global demand for clean energy solutions.

Read Full Case Study

Enterprise Architecture Redesign for Education Sector in Digital Learning

Scenario: The organization is a mid-sized educational institution specializing in digital learning programs.

Read Full Case Study

Digital Transformation for Luxury Fashion Retailer in E-commerce

Scenario: The organization, a high-end luxury fashion retailer specializing in direct-to-consumer online sales, faces challenges in aligning its Enterprise Architecture with its rapid growth and global expansion.

Read Full Case Study

Telecom Infrastructure Consolidation for High-Tech Communication Firm

Scenario: A multinational telecom firm is grappling with the complexities of a fragmented and outdated Enterprise Architecture which has led to increased operational costs and reduced agility.

Read Full Case Study

Enterprise Architecture Overhaul for a Global Financial Institution

Scenario: A multinational financial institution is grappling with outdated Enterprise Architecture that is impeding its ability to adapt to rapidly evolving market trends and regulatory requirements.

Read Full Case Study

Grid Modernization Initiative for Power Utility in North America

Scenario: The organization in question operates within the power and utilities sector in North America, currently grappling with outdated and fragmented Enterprise Architecture that is unable to support the integration of new technologies and the increasing demand for renewable energy sources.

Read Full Case Study


Explore additional related case studies

Additional Resources Relevant to Enterprise Architecture

Here are additional best practices relevant to Enterprise Architecture from the Flevy Marketplace.

Did you know?
The average daily rate of a McKinsey consultant is $6,625 (not including expenses). The average price of a Flevy document is $65.

Key Findings and Results

Here is a summary of the key results of this case study:

  • Improved fan engagement metrics by 15% through the implementation of a modern Enterprise Architecture, facilitating enhanced interaction with digital platforms.
  • Realized a 25% reduction in operational costs to revenue ratio, demonstrating increased operational efficiency following the Enterprise Architecture overhaul.
  • Achieved 99.9% system uptime and reliability, ensuring consistent and reliable digital services for fans and internal operations.
  • Streamlined ticketing systems, resulting in a 20% reduction in wait times, significantly enhancing the overall fan experience.

The initiative has delivered notable successes, particularly in improving fan engagement metrics and operational efficiency. The implementation of a modern Enterprise Architecture has led to a 15% increase in fan engagement, indicating a positive response to the digital platforms. The 25% reduction in operational costs to revenue ratio reflects improved cost management and resource utilization. However, challenges were encountered in integrating new systems with legacy platforms, resulting in some unexpected delays and complexities. Additionally, resistance to change from staff impacted the pace of adoption. To enhance outcomes, a more phased approach to integration and comprehensive change management initiatives could have mitigated these challenges more effectively.

Building on the current successes, the franchise should focus on refining the integration of new systems with legacy platforms and strengthening change management strategies to address staff resistance. Additionally, continuous monitoring and refinement of the Enterprise Architecture will be essential to adapt to emerging trends and fan expectations, ensuring sustained improvement in fan engagement and operational efficiency.


 
David Tang, New York

Strategy & Operations, Digital Transformation, Management Consulting

The development of this case study was overseen by David Tang. David is the CEO and Founder of Flevy. Prior to Flevy, David worked as a management consultant for 8 years, where he served clients in North America, EMEA, and APAC. He graduated from Cornell with a BS in Electrical Engineering and MEng in Management.

This case study is licensed under CC BY 4.0. You're free to share and adapt with attribution. To cite this article, please use:

Source: Cloud Integration for E-commerce Platform, Flevy Management Insights, David Tang, 2025


Flevy is the world's largest knowledge base of best practices.


Leverage the Experience of Experts.

Find documents of the same caliber as those used by top-tier consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, Accenture.

Download Immediately and Use.

Our PowerPoint presentations, Excel workbooks, and Word documents are completely customizable, including rebrandable.

Save Time, Effort, and Money.

Save yourself and your employees countless hours. Use that time to work on more value-added and fulfilling activities.




Read Customer Testimonials

 
"FlevyPro provides business frameworks from many of the global giants in management consulting that allow you to provide best in class solutions for your clients."

– David Harris, Managing Director at Futures Strategy
 
"One of the great discoveries that I have made for my business is the Flevy library of training materials.

As a Lean Transformation Expert, I am always making presentations to clients on a variety of topics: Training, Transformation, Total Productive Maintenance, Culture, Coaching, Tools, Leadership Behavior, etc. Flevy "

– Ed Kemmerling, Senior Lean Transformation Expert at PMG
 
"Last Sunday morning, I was diligently working on an important presentation for a client and found myself in need of additional content and suitable templates for various types of graphics. Flevy.com proved to be a treasure trove for both content and design at a reasonable price, considering the time I "

– M. E., Chief Commercial Officer, International Logistics Service Provider
 
"As a consulting firm, we had been creating subject matter training materials for our people and found the excellent materials on Flevy, which saved us 100's of hours of re-creating what already exists on the Flevy materials we purchased."

– Michael Evans, Managing Director at Newport LLC
 
"I have used FlevyPro for several business applications. It is a great complement to working with expensive consultants. The quality and effectiveness of the tools are of the highest standards."

– Moritz Bernhoerster, Global Sourcing Director at Fortune 500
 
"The wide selection of frameworks is very useful to me as an independent consultant. In fact, it rivals what I had at my disposal at Big 4 Consulting firms in terms of efficacy and organization."

– Julia T., Consulting Firm Owner (Former Manager at Deloitte and Capgemini)
 
"If you are looking for great resources to save time with your business presentations, Flevy is truly a value-added resource. Flevy has done all the work for you and we will continue to utilize Flevy as a source to extract up-to-date information and data for our virtual and onsite presentations!"

– Debbi Saffo, President at The NiKhar Group
 
"Flevy is our 'go to' resource for management material, at an affordable cost. The Flevy library is comprehensive and the content deep, and typically provides a great foundation for us to further develop and tailor our own service offer."

– Chris McCann, Founder at Resilient.World




Additional Flevy Management Insights

Dynamic Pricing Strategy for Luxury Cosmetics Brand in Competitive Market

Scenario: The organization, a luxury cosmetics brand, is grappling with optimizing its Pricing Strategy in a highly competitive and price-sensitive market.

Read Full Case Study

SCOR Model Implementation for a Global Retailer

Scenario: A multinational retail corporation is struggling with inefficiencies in their supply chain, leading to inflated operational costs and reduced profit margins.

Read Full Case Study

Organizational Restructuring for a Global Technology Firm

Scenario: A global technology company has faced a period of rapid growth and expansion over the past five years, now employing tens of thousands of people across multiple continents.

Read Full Case Study

Strategic PESTLE Analysis for Luxury Brand in European Market

Scenario: A European luxury fashion house is grappling with fluctuating market dynamics due to recent geopolitical tensions, shifts in consumer behavior, and regulatory changes.

Read Full Case Study

Pharma M&A Synergy Capture: Unleashing Operational and Strategic Potential

Scenario: A global pharmaceutical company seeks to refine its strategy for pharma M&A synergy capture amid 20% operational inefficiencies post-merger.

Read Full Case Study

Pricing Strategy Reform for a Rapidly Growing Technology Firm

Scenario: A technology company developing cloud-based solutions has experienced a surge in customer base and revenue over the last year.

Read Full Case Study

Agile Transformation in Luxury Retail

Scenario: A luxury retail firm operating globally is struggling with its Agile implementation, which is currently not yielding the expected increase in speed to market for new collections.

Read Full Case Study

Game Theory Strategic Initiative in Luxury Retail

Scenario: The organization is a luxury fashion retailer experiencing competitive pressures in a saturated market and needs to reassess its strategic positioning.

Read Full Case Study

PDCA Cycle Refinement for Boutique Hospitality Firm

Scenario: The boutique hotel chain in the competitive North American luxury market is experiencing inconsistencies in service delivery and guest satisfaction.

Read Full Case Study

Implementation of the Zachman Framework for a Global Financial Entity

Scenario: An international financial firm is in the process of driving a significant technological shift across its global operations.

Read Full Case Study

ISO 27001 Implementation for Global Logistics Firm

Scenario: The organization operates a complex logistics network spanning multiple continents and is seeking to enhance its information security management system (ISMS) in line with ISO 27001 standards.

Read Full Case Study

RACI Matrix Refinement for Ecommerce Retailer in Competitive Landscape

Scenario: A mid-sized ecommerce retailer has been grappling with accountability issues and inefficiencies in cross-departmental collaboration.

Read Full Case Study

Download our FREE Strategy & Transformation Framework Templates

Download our free compilation of 50+ Strategy & Transformation slides and templates. Frameworks include McKinsey 7-S Strategy Model, Balanced Scorecard, Disruptive Innovation, BCG Experience Curve, and many more.