Solution designs are detailed plans created to address a specific business or technical problem. The solution can be a software, technology, process improvement, people solution or a combination of different types of them. A solution architect (solution designer) is responsible for whole process of solution design and deliver a set of solution design documents and additional information that provides a blueprint for stakeholders in solution design project lifecycle.

A solution designer provides a detailed set of design documents. This typically includes information such as the solution’s architecture, components, interfaces, and interactions. Additionally, it also includes any necessary diagrams, flowcharts, or data models for any type of stakeholders in the organization.

A good solution design is essential for ensuring that the designed solution meets the business requirements, goals and objectives, and that it can provide the value in optimal cost and other project scope elements. The output of solution architects tasks also serves as a reference for all stakeholders involved in the project, including the project manager, technical team, code writer, support service.

In software development methodology a solution architect produces a set of deliverables such as:

• A detailed project plan that determine the tasks, milestones, and timelines for the project managers.
• A list of hardware and software requirements for the end product.
• Outline how to test the end product, software or system during development and deployment phases with a detailed testing plan.
• Outline how to maintain and support the developed solution after it’s deployed with a maintenance plan.
• Educate users on how to use the solution with a set of user guidelines, training materials, and other documentation.

The output of the solution design is crucial to the success of the project as it lays the foundation for the implementation, testing, and maintenance of the solution. This ensures that the solution is aligned with the business requirements and goals and can be implemented and maintained effectively.

Lighthouse, as a managed service provider, plays a different role in solution design. We do not develop software systems or any end product. However, we determine the system components based on company needs. This includes both functional and non-functional requirements. We assist our customer by delivering a good solution design and assess vendors to find the best option.

Apply our methodology to any solution type. Here are a few examples of how we apply solution design in different types of businesses:

• E-commerce

Solution design services to meet the business needs in the development of online stores and e-commerce platforms.. This includes designing the user interface, integrating with payment, and shipping components, and ensuring the platform is secure and scalable.

• Manufacturing

Improve efficiency and productivity in a manufacturing company by using solution design. This may include designing automated software for tracking inventory and production or implementing advanced analytics to optimize production schedules.

• Healthcare

Solution design services create healthcare-specific software to improve patient care and streamline administrative processes. This may include designing electronic health records systems, telemedicine platforms, and patient engagement management.

• Financial Services

Use solution design to create financial software that meets the specific needs of the business. This may include designing accounting software, online banking platforms, and fraud detection systems.

• Supply Chain

Use solution design to optimize the supply chain process, from sourcing raw materials to delivering products to customers. This may include designing logistics systems, supply chain management software, and inventory management systems.

• Retail

Improve customer experience and optimize operations in a retail company by using solution design. This may include designing point-of-sale systems, inventory management systems, and customer relationship management systems.

Our solution design team follows a structured process to help organizations solve their business requirements. Our team of solution designers possess expertise in software architecture, business process management and technology integration. We can handle any challenge your business may face. We have extensive experience in various industries and a deep understanding of the latest technologies.

Our solution designers work closely with your organization to understand your company’s unique needs and goals. We design and implement a tailored solution that meets your specific requirements and creates value. Whether you need to improve efficiency, reduce costs, or increase revenue, our team has the skills and expertise to help you achieve your goals.

Our team dedicates to provide ongoing support and maintenance to ensure that your solution remains aligned with your business objectives over time. With our help, you can be assured that your solution will be designed and implemented with the highest level of quality and at optimal cost, meeting your business needs for years to come.

Lighthouse solution design PHASE and documentation includes the following steps:

Stating point for a solution designer, is to understand the customer’s business and define the scope of the project, which includes a visual representation of the problem or opportunity and determining the project’s deliverables and timelines.

Once the scope is defined, the solution architecture/solution designer works with the various stakeholders (clients and customers, regulators, technical, developers, test, data) to identify and create the business requirements document with different levels of details, from high level to low level requirements. This includes identifying the functional and non-functional requirements, as well as any constraints or limitations.

The solution architecture team then verifies and validates the technical specifications and requirements to determine that they are accurate and complete. This may include reviewing the functional requirements with stakeholders and subject matter experts, as well as non functional requirements with implementation subject matter experts or technical team.

When it comes to solution design, there are a variety of options available. Some common options include:

Custom code software development This option involves creating a completely new software system from scratch, tailored to the specific needs of the organization. This option has more cost, but it allows for complete flexibility in a functional perspective.

Off-the-shelf software: This option involves purchasing a pre-existing system that is already available on the market. This can be a more cost-effective option, but it may not offer the same level of customization as a custom solution.

Hybrid solution: This option involves a combination of custom system development and off-the-shelf software. This can be a good option for organizations that need some level of customization but also want to take advantage of pre-existing software.

In-house development: This option involves developing a solution within the organization. This can be a good option for organizations that have the resources and expertise to handle the system development in-house.

Outsourcing: This option involves hiring an external company to design and develop the solution. This can be a good option for organizations that want to take advantage of specialized expertise or want to outsource non-core activities.

Ultimately, the best solution design option will depend on the specific needs and resources of the organization. light house solution architecture team evaluates various design options and ideas, and provide you a blueprint of final design.

Define each solution as a combination of several elements working together based on business requirements, with general solution categories, for example;

IT Solutions that involve the use of technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase revenue. Examples include enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and data analytics platforms and other software solutions .

Business Process Solutions that involve the redesign of business processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase revenue. Examples include process automation, Six Sigma and Lean methodologies, and supply chain management.

Cloud Solutions that involve the use of cloud computing to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase revenue. Examples include Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Cyber Security that involve the use of technology to protect against cyber threats, such as hacking, phishing, and malware. Examples include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption.

Digital Transformation that involve the use of digital technologies to transform a business, such as creating a digital customer experience, digital marketing, digital operations, and digital products.

Industry-specific software solution design that are specific to a particular industry, such as healthcare, finance, or retail. Examples include electronic health records systems, online banking software, and point-of-sale systems.

Infrastructure Solutions that involve the design and implementation of the physical infrastructure of an organization such as network, servers, storage, and backup solutions.

It includes design decisions that involve evaluating different options and selects the most appropriate design option based on factors such as cost, functionality, scalability, and security and other criteria and guidelines. Solution architects are involved in reviewing system design, system specification, technical specification, test, technology and low-level design documents as part of the option assessment and selection process.

Documentation assists developers in the technical development. In cases that solutions are provided by other vendors, the solution design team provides services such as project management, implementation, integration, monitoring, maintenance, support, and optimization.

Maintenance and improvement is the process of continually updating and enhancing a developed solution to ensure it continues to deliver the expected value for organization and stakeholder.

Effective documentation ensure that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the proposed solution and can make informed decisions throughout the project. Two main categories of solution design documents and detail example is provided.

In solution design, technical documents are those that describe the technical aspects of the proposed solution, including the hardware, software, and infrastructure required to implement it. Examples of technical documents include:

Network diagrams: diagrams that show the connections and relationships between different network components, such as servers, switches, and routers.

Data flow diagrams: diagrams that show the flow of data through the proposed solution, including the various inputs, processes, and outputs involved.

Process flow diagrams: diagrams that show the flow of work through the proposed solution, including the various tasks, activities, and approvals required.

Hardware specifications: descriptions of the specific hardware components that will be used in the solution, including servers, storage devices, and network equipment.

Software specifications: blueprint of software components that will be used in the solution, including operating software, application software, and middleware.

Security design: Describes the security controls and measures that will be implemented to protect the solution and the data it processes and correspond technology.

Non-Technical Documents

On the other hand, non-technical documents are those that determine the non-technical aspects of the proposed solution, such as project management, processes, and user experience. Examples of non-technical documents include:

• Project charter: A document that outlines the project’s goals, objectives, guidelines, and stakeholders.
• Business process diagrams: diagrams that show the flow of work through the organization, including the various tasks, activities, and approvals required.
• User interface design: Present the solution to the users by creating a detailed description of it, including wireframes and mockups of the user interface.
• Project plan: A document that outlines the project schedule, timelines, and resource allocation in specified cost.
• Acceptance criteria: Assess the project, system or end product by using a list of criteria.
• Risk management plan: Describe the risks associated with the project and developed solution and the mitigation strategies that will be used to address them with a document.