I’ve tried this metaphor on several client calls recently, so let me inflict it on you too.
Cactus
via Flickr, the cc licence of Rodolfo Cartas thanks.
In this architecture, everything is from one vendor, and integration with third party applications is rather difficult. Typical ERP /HRMS pitch of the mid-nineties. Why do you need other software? We can do everything.
Sunflower
via Flickr, the cc licence of C.S. 2.0 Thanks
Big core system, running most of the processes, with a series of smaller, tactical solutions interfaced around the edges. Typical HR IT architecture of many ERP-Centric organizations today. ERP runs the core transactions, with bits of SaaS tacked on around on the edges.
Daisy
via Flickr, the cc licence of law_keven Thanks
Small core system on premise, but most of the action takes place in the systems around the edges. Increasingly common as SaaS vendors continue to deliver richer functionality. Some challenges with integration, as there are many applications trying to connect to the core.
Rose
via Flickr, the cc licence of Gertrud K. Thanks
No significant core system, SaaS petals dominate. Still very rare, but we expect to see more of these, challenging the traditional core and peripheral model.
What sort of flower does your architecture represent?
8 responses so far ↓
1 Flowers and HCM systems architecture. ERP1 // Sep 28, 2009 at 1:15 pm
[...] Read the original post: Flowers and HCM systems architecture. [...]
2 Flowers and HCM systems architecture. ERP Terms // Sep 28, 2009 at 1:47 pm
[...] Read the original here: Flowers and HCM systems architecture. [...]
3 Flowers and HCM systems architecture. // Sep 28, 2009 at 8:35 pm
[...] Original post: Flowers and HCM systems architecture. [...]
4 Tweets that mention Flowers and HCM systems architecture. -- Topsy.com // Sep 28, 2009 at 9:23 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Thomas Otter. Thomas Otter said: blog post. flowers and HR architecture http://bit.ly/13brW7 [...]
5 Flowers and HCM systems architecture. | Museum And Art // Sep 28, 2009 at 10:29 pm
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6 michael jakob // Sep 29, 2009 at 2:57 am
hi thomas,
I think the comparison of an HR-IT system with a flower is a valid idea. I was thinking about the whole in total and I like to compare the issue with getting a baby and becoming parents. HR IT needs a strategy and it takes time to grow, sometimes more than 40 weeks. Finally the strategy has to be born which is connected with pain. The baby has everything you need to stay alive, Processes and a data model (feet) you cab stay on. Arms and fingers to run the processes. A Heart and organs to get everything alive and to digest e.g. mergers and acquisitions. A to make it unique it has it’s own brain to direct (e.g. for governance issues).
Finally you need the parents (governance) and grant parents (sponsors, top management) to keep it alive.
Coming back to your metaphor, which flower the baby holts in it’s hands is not so important, more important is, does it makes the baby happy and does it fits the needs – both extremes the cactus and the rose can injure.
7 Flowers and HCM systems architecture. | CloudAve // Sep 29, 2009 at 11:44 am
[...] sort of flower does your architecture represent? (Cross-posted @ the Gartner Blogs) Posted Under : Enterprise Tags SaaS HR ERP software design software industry HCM [...]
8 Jordi Gili // Sep 29, 2009 at 11:58 am
Great Post! I love the analogy.
Thanks for sharing
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