For several large companies, the transition from Bizzdesign Alfabet 10 to Alfabet 11 presented an opportunity to improve their work with enterprise architecture data. ITM Consulting helped clients in the automotive and telecommunications industries identify the features they needed, make targeted use of the platform’s new capabilities, and streamline their portfolio management.
01 Background
More Than Just a Version Update
Alfabet 11 offers a redesigned user interface and new ways to work with portfolio data. Information can be organized more clearly and analyzed in a more targeted manner. Users can switch more quickly from the portfolio view to the underlying data and edit it directly.
To take advantage of these benefits, simply adopting the existing solution as-is is not enough. The user interface and configuration concepts differ significantly from Alfabet 10. Some existing elements can be migrated, while others require extensive customization or must be completely redesigned.
Large Alfabet environments often combine domain-specific knowledge and custom configurations developed over many years. Some elements support key business processes. Others duplicate standard functions, are based on outdated requirements, or are difficult to maintain. Anyone who recreates the entire system also inherits this complexity.
Therefore, the goal was not to reproduce Alfabet 10 in its entirety. The new environment was designed to include the necessary functions while also improving analysis, navigation, and data maintenance.
02 Procedure
Migration with Clear Decisions
Assess the existing environment
ITM Consulting reviewed the relevant configurations, integrations, and business processes. For each configuration element, a decision was made as to whether it should be migrated, rebuilt, or decommissioned. This resulted in a controlled scope without automatically carrying over obsolete functions.
Start with user needs
Existing use cases were compared with Alfabet 11's user model. The focus was on users' decisions, the data required to make those decisions, and the specific tasks involved in day-to-day operations. This ensured that the redesign remained practical.
Make Strategic Use of New Platform Features
Where Alfabet 11 offered a better standard feature, custom elements were replaced rather than copied. Analytics dashboards consolidated relevant metrics and views. Data workbenches enabled users to filter, analyze, and maintain portfolio data in one place. Context-sensitive help made it easier to access relevant information.
Conduct parallel testing before the go-live
The new environment was validated alongside the existing system. Interfaces, REST services, batch integrations, permissions, and key user journeys were tested prior to the migration. This reduced operational risk and gave the teams time to address any gaps without disrupting day-to-day operations.
A successful migration does not preserve every single feature. It ensures that the necessary capabilities are in place and improves their implementation.
03 In Practice
A portfolio view with direct access to the data
A dashboard for portfolio managers illustrates the benefits of this approach. Instead of working with multiple views and reports, managers and executives can view the application portfolio by business unit or domain in one place.
The dashboard links the portfolio view to the underlying applications and their key attributes. Missing or conflicting data is highlighted where users can edit it. Filters and workbenches take users directly from the overview to the relevant data records.
This results in more than just a static management report. Decision-makers can examine the current portfolio, assess the quality of the underlying data, and clarify outstanding issues with the relevant teams.
04 Result
A modern platform with fewer legacy issues
Companies in the automotive and telecommunications industries achieved more than just a technical version upgrade. They eliminated outdated configurations, leveraged relevant features of Alfabet 11, and created a clearer working environment for portfolio management.
At the same time, the migration laid a better foundation for future adjustments. A leaner configuration is easier to manage and maintain. Standard functions are used where appropriate. Custom configurations are reserved for requirements that create their own business value.
ITM Consulting supports Alfabet migrations from the initial assessment through configuration and integration testing to go-live. Discover our Bizzdesign Alfabet expertise or talk to us about your migration.