CS CoE Reference Architecture
The CS CoE Reference Architecture defines a focused and pragmatic implementation scope for the xRED digital landscape. Given the breadth and complexity of the current environment, the initiative concentrates on a set of high-value architecture domains where tangible progress can be achieved by year-end and where outcomes can directly support decision-making, simplification, and modernization.
The reference architecture provides a shared blueprint for aligning business capabilities, data, applications, and technology across xRED. It is intended to create a common understanding of the current and target architecture, identify areas of duplication or complexity, and guide investment decisions toward a more integrated, scalable, and sustainable digital ecosystem.
Scope
The scope is structured across four key domains:
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xRED Business Architecture establishes a business capability taxonomy for xRED, maps capabilities to supporting systems, and enables dashboard-based insights to support data-driven investment and portfolio decisions.
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xRED Data Architecture Simplification aligns terminology, data objects, systems, and target data stack principles. It includes the definition of common data terminology, a pre-clinical data model, data architecture stewardship capabilities, and use-case-driven simplification measures to reduce architectural complexity.
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Landscape Modernization focuses on rationalizing the application and technology estate, reducing redundancy, complexity, and cost while strengthening the foundations for future scalability and maintainability.
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Reference Architecture Governance and Adoption ensures that the reference architecture is embedded into planning, delivery, and decision-making processes. This includes defining ownership, stewardship, adoption mechanisms, and practical guidance for teams applying the architecture in transformation initiatives.