Architecture Field Notes
Short notes on the boundaries, trade-offs and controls that determine whether architecture remains useful through delivery.
Identity architecture · Shared platforms
A field note on the identity architecture challenge of supporting a shared HR platform across two companies while preserving employer identity, access boundaries and governed staff mobility.
Platform strategy · Outcome-driven architecture
Why strategic platforms need explicit purpose and capability boundaries—and why rationalisation should pursue the minimum necessary complexity rather than the minimum possible application count.
Integration boundaries
An HR platform is only one part of the employee-data ecosystem. The difficult design work often sits between HR, payroll, identity, workforce management and operations.
Identity architecture
Source-of-truth design requires attribute-level authority, correlation, timing and exception decisions—not simply naming one system authoritative.
Architecture governance
Governance is useful when it clarifies decisions, ownership, escalation and review points while remaining connected to delivery.
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