Case Study: A Multichannel Retailer Boosts Standards Compliance With Architecture Review 


When a large multichannel retailer decided to improve consistency across its IT solutions, it turned to an improved architecture review process to drive project teams to comply with established technology standards. Applying the best practices of mixed formal and informal authority, a process tied to project phases, and regular communication, this company was able to significantly improve compliance. In the first two years, it realized an estimated $3 million by avoiding costs associated with implementing nonstandard project team solutions in areas that already have standard solutions in place. Longer term, the retailer has significantly reduced the number of exceptions to EA guiding principles it grants to project teams; it now grants fewer than five exceptions per year.