This course is designed to explore the hard and soft skills necessary for the role of solution architects. Typically identified by technology companies, these skills are necessary in all modern companies. For the use of technologies in all businesses has becomes dynamic and prolific. In some companies, these are stand-alone tools siloed between departments. However, in larger corporations, these technologies are integrated enterprise wide. This includes technologies such as accounting systems or large Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) database systems that generally include inputs from accounting, human resources, manufacturing, marketing, sales, supply chain and other departments. Going a step further, major corporations often use large Vendor management Systems (VMS) that must integrate all these technologies or ERP systems. Large VMS systems are used for purchasing goods and services, in particular, staffing as well as learning and development management solutions.

There are key knowledge areas and top leadership skills needed for solutions architects that should be required within business development aka sales. In particular, when completing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or their other iterations of Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Quotes (RFQs). While there is supposed to be a natural progression between these different requests, that is not always how companies uses them when seeking new suppliers. However, each of the different requests require understanding a prospective client’s pain points and needs in order to propose solutions. For your company is competing with both larger and smaller companies all equally hungry for new business.

This course will cover the various skills including, but not limited to, Systems Thinking and Architectural Design, Technical Proficiency and Innovation, Business Acumen and Strategy Alignment, Communication and Stakeholder Management as well as Project Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration. These skills for Solution Architects will be explored as required for entry-level, mid-level and senior solutions architects.

Again, these are top management skills used for operational management within companies. However, these skills are critical for sales solution architects as they require this knowledge to win new business because they can see these business underpinnings. While they see these are necessary when quoting to win new business, they are equally important when crafting the solution for a company. This means how a company will support the client as part of the solution as a corporate account business model. This may include internal solutions to strategically place strategic resources at the client locations or at the company location. What makes this solutioning profitable is how sales solution architects propose using dedicated or designated resources to support proposed client locations.

Importantly, these solution architects are very involved in the developed implementation process for new business. While implementation processes are a systemic project management model, there are phases depending on the size and scope of the proposed client’s solution. Implementations are critical not just in managing them after the sale but in explaining them to the proposed client. For in client RFPs, there are often large sections dedicated to implementations and change management including dedicated resources and the strategic plan.

Overall, this course will address all these skills and scenarios that impact solutions architects, specifically sales solutions architects to win new business and profitably manage new business. (525)

Areas Covered

Course Level- Basic/Fundamental, Intermediate

Who Should Attend    

Why Should You Attend

Solutions architects are pivotal in the realm of business, especially when technology is involved. They bridge the gap between complex systems and strategic goals. These individuals combine technical and collaborative skills, as well as visionary thinking. They are able to successfully design organizational blueprints that integrate systems, departments and people. These roles are found in top leadership positions but also in sales leadership when it is required to craft solutions that solve potential client needs and problems.

It is important to recognize the critical hard and soft skills needed for those who have an interest in becoming a solutions architect or those seeking this type of individual. Within an organizational structure, there is top management, middle managers, front-line managers, and non-managerial personnel. The skills for solutions architects typically reside in top management who are tasked with making decisions for the long-term. However, lower-level managers and personnel can also see long-term solutions.

In today’s global economic climate, the need for efficiency and effectiveness has never been more in demand. It is necessary as the need for profitability increases for small businesses but also large organizations.

This is why it is critical to learn how to identify workers with these skills and place them in positions that will benefit an organization’s growth. This course covers the professional growth and development skills required for this critical role in business for sales leadership. In particular, the research and knowledge required needed by solutions architects in the Request for Proposal generation process. (247)