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Data Architecture
Data architecture describes which data your company holds, where it originates, how it flows between systems, and who is accountable for it.
It turns scattered data stores into one coherent system that decisions and AI can rely on. You receive a data map, a target architecture for your data, and metrics for data quality.
45 minutes, free of charge, by video.
How ready is your initiative for a decision? Find out in 3 minutes.
What it is about
Knowing where data originates and where it flows
Almost every company has more data than clarity about it. Customer data sits in the CRM, in the ERP, and in several spreadsheets, each maintained slightly differently. KPIs are calculated differently in different places. When the monthly report shows three numbers for the same revenue, the cause usually lies in the data architecture.
We record your data landscape as it really is today: which systems produce which data, through which interfaces it is passed on, and where it is copied or maintained by hand. The result is a data map that can be read without a technical background.
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On this basis, we design the target architecture. It defines which system is the system of record for which data, how data should flow, and who is accountable for its quality. Existing systems stay wherever they do their job. Our guiding principle is Zero Friction Data Flow: data is captured cleanly once and is available wherever it is needed.
A clear data architecture is also the precondition for any sensible use of AI. A model is only as reliable as the data it works on.
What you gain
Reliable figures, without manual reconciliation
One number for every KPI
Every core KPI has a defined source and a defined calculation. Meetings revolve around decisions instead of which number is right.
Less manual work
The data map shows where data is copied, reconciled, and patched by hand today. The target architecture tackles the causes and removes this work for good.
Clear ownership of data quality
Every data set has a system of record and an accountable person. Errors are fixed where they arise, not over and over in every report.
Ready for analytics and AI
Clean data flows are the precondition for analytics and AI applications to deliver reliable results. Fragmented system landscapes deliver fragmented results.
What we analyze
The full picture
- Data sources and systems
- Data flows and interfaces
- Master, transactional, and reference data
- Data quality and data lineage
- Accountability for data (data owners)
What you receive
Results that belong to you
- A data map of your company
- Target architecture for your data
- Reconciliation rules and data quality metrics
How we work
Four steps, each with a result
- Step 1
Capture the sources
We record systems, data stores, and interfaces, including the spreadsheets that live alongside the systems.
Result: An inventory of sources and interfaces.
- Step 2
Trace the flows
We follow selected KPIs from the report back to the source system.
Result: The path of selected metrics back to the source system.
- Step 3
Measure quality
We check completeness, timeliness, and contradictions and make them visible with metrics.
Result: Metrics for completeness, timeliness, and contradictions.
- Step 4
Design the target
We define systems of record, data flows, and accountability and agree on them with you.
Result: The target data architecture with systems of record.
In practice
Two revenue figures for the same quarter
Sales and finance report different revenue figures for the same quarter. Each number is correctly calculated in its own right, but they come from different systems with different cut-off dates. We trace both numbers back to the source systems, agree on a binding definition with you, and determine the system of record. From then on, the monthly report shows one number, and the time spent on reconciliation is freed up.
A typical scenario as we encounter it in engagements, not a single client case.
Tested in the SIMOSphere AI Lab
What we recommend, we test first. Field reports from our lab on simosphereai.com:
When it pays off
Typical triggers
- Three reports, three different numbers
- Before a migration or system replacement
- Before AI is meant to work on your data
How it fits your path. Runs from Understand (on-site current state) to Architect (target state). In the BEIA enterprise assessment, data is a layer of its own; in the BISA baseline assessment, data flows, interfaces, cloud, and SaaS are among the areas examined. It always starts with a free 45-minute initial call.
Questions executives ask
Questions executives ask about it
Do I have to replace systems for this?
No. We connect the systems you already have. Only what is demonstrably redundant is switched off, and only after a period of parallel operation with reconciliations.
What is data lineage?
The traceable path of a figure from the source system to the report. For audits, for example under BCBS 239 or DORA, it is a central piece of evidence.
Who from our company does data architecture need?
The people in the business units and in IT who know the systems, reports, and data stores. We capture sources and flows together with them and agree on systems of record and accountability with you.
Where does data architecture start?
With a free 45-minute initial call by video. The on-site start usually follows: in the BISA baseline assessment, data flows, interfaces, cloud, and SaaS are among the areas examined; in the BEIA enterprise assessment, data is a layer of its own.
Why SIMO
Advice that is on your side
Independent
We are not tied to any vendor. Our recommendation follows the outcome of the engagement.
As peers
Every engagement is led personally by one Managing Partner, from the initial call to handover: Thomas Wassum or Andreas O. Schwan.
Results-driven
Every phase delivers a result that stands on its own. No lock-in, no obligation to continue.
Sovereign
“Ihre Daten bleiben Ihre Daten.” Your data stays under your control. For sovereignty-critical data, we do not recommend US hyperscalers.
Read on
How do you create reliable data flows?
Read the answer: How do you create reliable data flows?
Your next step
45 minutes, and you will know whether it fits.
The initial call is free of charge and without obligation. You speak directly with one of our two Managing Partners, by video.
45 minutes, free of charge, by video.
Prefer to assess your position first? Twelve questions, about 3 minutes.
Prefer to call? +49 6021 625 63 40
Note: the 3D visualizations on this page were created with AI.