"Foundation for Execution" is a phrase from [[Enterprise Architecture as a Strategy]] that essentially refers to the capabilities to execute the little things _(from a business perspective)_ **well** and without need for thought. This is achieved through **digital systems that enable employees executing routine processes to do so reliably, repeatably, and without trouble**. This is the foundation on which the business grows. It's enabled by [[Enterprise Architecture]]. See [[UPS Example Foundation for Execution]]. This relies on [[Qualities of Good Data]]. It relies on good and obvious business processes supported by [[Paved Roads]]. Like those that would function like a [[Pit of Success]]. This is the "[[Routine Frees the Mind]]" equivalent for businesses. You can't make effective changes to your swim gear if you're spending all your time fighting for air. > [!success] Good Foundations > Good Foundations for Execution are the result of IT capabilities that are well-aligned to business objectives. This means the objectives themselves must be clear. # Warning Signs If you've got a bad foundation for execution you might tick these boxes: - [ ] Different parts of the business would give different answers using different techniques to the same questions - [ ] IT is a bottleneck & everyone knows it - [ ] There are different ways to do the same types of fundamental things, depending on where you are - [ ] Information needed to make decisions is not readily available, it needs mined and transformed - [ ] There is no process to handle changes, each new initiative feels like "starting from scratch" # Ask Yourself - What processes are digitized end-to-end? Are they mission-critical? - What data are easily accessible to your employees & customers? Is this the data they need to make decisions? - What strengths and weaknesses do you see in your foundation? **** ## Source - [[Enterprise Architecture as a Strategy]] ## Related - [[P-PC Balance]]