Imagine you’re driving a sleek, modern car on a winding road at night. The car represents your company’s technical infrastructure, and the headlights symbolise the principles of just-in-time (JIT) technical architecture. Your headlights light up the way ahead, but of course you can only see as far as the lights shine – so what key factors need to be considered in order to keep your journey as efficient as possible? Read on to find out!
Velocity: The Speedometer of Innovation
In the world of JIT technical architecture, the speed at which you drive represents how quickly your company is able to deliver new features, updates, and improvements. Just as driving faster allows you to reach your destination quicker, a JIT approach enables rapid development cycles.
However, just like on the road, maintaining high velocity requires balance. Speeding excessively without considering the road conditions can lead to accidents. Similarly, in JIT technical architecture, accelerating development without proper checks can introduce bugs and technical debt. The key is to maintain a pace that maximises productivity while ensuring safety, just like a well-calibrated speedometer helps you keep an optimal speed.
Risk: Navigating with Confidence
Driving at night involves a certain level of risk. It is difficult to see everything ahead, and unexpected obstacles might appear. Here, the headlights of your car are crucial—they provide just enough illumination to navigate safely without blinding you with too much information. In JIT technical architecture, risk management works similarly.
The goal is to mitigate risks by making informed decisions based on real-time data and immediate needs. By focusing on what’s directly in front of you and adjusting your digital strategy as you go, you can avoid potential pitfalls. This approach helps in dealing with uncertainties and ensures that the architecture remains flexible and adaptive, much like how headlights guide you through unforeseen twists and turns on the road.
Direction: Steering Towards Success
What strategic decisions will guide the overall development process of your digital transformation project? Setting clear objectives and being ready to pivot as needed is key here.
A well-defined direction ensures that every development effort aligns with the broader goals of the organisation. Just as a skilled driver makes subtle adjustments to stay on course, a robust JIT architecture allows for agile responses to changes in market demands or technological advancements. This proactive steering ensures that you’re always headed towards success, even if the route changes unexpectedly.
Ensuring a Smooth Ride
When these three levers—velocity, risk, and direction—are managed effectively, your journey on the digital highway becomes smooth and efficient. Your car, guided by the strategic illumination of its headlights, navigates through the night with confidence.
By embracing the principles of JIT technical architecture, your company can drive innovation forward, adapt to changes swiftly, and maintain a clear focus on its goals. So, the next time you think about your technical strategy, imagine yourself behind the wheel of a well-equipped car, headlights cutting through the darkness, guiding you towards a successful and agile future.
Here at BML we are experts in our field. We are used to navigating complex digital transformation projects, and have the very best resource available to support you in your journey. View some examples of work or get in touch for a chat over coffee.
In the meantime, happy driving!
