The options given below from the ICMG Rating Platform offer a comprehensive way to evaluate architecture. Depending on the focus area, organizations can pinpoint where gaps exist—from strategic project alignment to technical implementation.

Following are the 5 different configurations of the Architecture Rating Platform:

1. Strategy-Process Navigator: Could be useful to ensure Business Processes align with broader business goals, highlighting any gaps process mapping.

2. System Specs Tracker: Might fit well with the Systems, ensuring the system specs align with project goals for smoother implementation.

3. Component Specs & Implementation: Perfect for deep dive into specific components of systems, making sure each component functions optimally and integrates efficiently.

4. Strategy & Operations: Useful for identifying misalignments between strategic objectives (Business and Technology) and day-to-day operations (Business and IT).

5. 6 Synthesis: Provides an integrated view of Project Strategy, Systems, components and implementation, great for large-scale projects or enterprise-wide initiatives, ensuring that all parts are interconnected and cohesive.

In today’s rapidly evolving business and technology environment, it’s no longer enough

to simply deliver products or complete projects on time. Organizations must ensure that their systems and components are architecturally sound, scalable, and aligned with enterprise goals. This is where the ICMG Rating Platform steps in, offering a suite of powerful evaluation tools designed to benchmark and optimize architecture.

One standout feature of this platform is the System Specs Tracker—an assessment method designed to bring precision and clarity to Systems, Subsystems, components and their interworking. In this blog, we’ll explore how the System Specs Tracker works, why it’s essential for modern enterprises developing products and projects.

What is the System Specs Tracker?

The System Specs Tracker is a dedicated version of the ICMG Rating Platform that evaluates systems and subsystems across six critical variables, while also assessing the component specifications of elements within these subsystems. This dual focus ensures that both the big picture and granular details are addressed, providing a comprehensive architectural assessment.

The evaluation focuses on six key variables (Six Subsystems which are Data Subsystems, Rule Subsystems, Functional Subsystem, Event / Timing Subsystems, Network/Deployment Subsystems, UI/Channel Subsystems) ), ensuring that no critical dependencies are overlooked:

Key Focus Areas:

Phase 1 .Systems Architecture Assessment: Evaluates the overall structure of systems and subsystems highlighting incompleteness and inconsistencies.

Review and Categorise various subsyetms which are Data Subsystems, Rule Subsystems, Functional Subsystem, Event / Timing Subsystems, Network/Deployment Subsystems, UI/Channel Subsystems.
Integration among Systems of the same category
Integration among 6 categories of Subsystems

Phase 2: Component Specifications Assessment

Review and categorise various Component Specifications related to Data Components, Rule Components, Functional Component, Event / Timing Components, Network/Deployment Components, UI/Channel Components.
Integration among Components of the same category
Integration among 6 categories of components

Phase 3: Review the interconnection and linkages

Review Linkages between 6 categories of subsystems with component specifications supporting it

Phase 4: Review Implementation Readiness:

Identifies potential bottlenecks in system deployment, ensuring that architecture supports smooth execution.
Review linkages of component specifications with Component Implementation Task
Review Linkages of component specifications with component implementation tools
Review linkages of component specifications with Tasks to be done by Application (System) Users)

Why Does System Specs Matter?

In many organizations, technical specifications are often treated as a checkbox exercise—something that’s done to move projects forward rather than as a critical component of architectural integrity. However, incomplete or poorly defined specs can lead to:

System Inefficiencies: Poor architecture can cause performance bottlenecks, scalability issues, and security vulnerabilities.
Integration Challenges: Without clear system specs, integrating new technologies or systems can become a nightmare, leading to project delays and cost overruns.
Misalignment with Business Goals: If the technical architecture doesn’t align with the broader strategic objectives, even the best-executed projects can fall short of delivering value.

The System Specs Tracker addresses these challenges by providing a structured, rigorous evaluation of system architecture and technical component specifications.

How Does the System Specs Tracker Work?

The System Specs Tracker is part of the broader ICMG Rating Platform but hones in on the technical layers of projects and enterprise systems. Here’s how it functions:

1. Structured Evaluation Templates

Project team members including architects are guided through structured templates that capture essential details about system architecture, component specifications, and integration points. These templates ensure no critical aspect is overlooked.

2. Precision Evaluation

Using sound architecture principles, the System Specs Tracker is used to evaluate the collected data for Architecture consistency, completeness and value. This helps organizations identify gaps, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.

3. Interconnected Analysis

It is not just about evaluation of systems in isolation—it also involves examination of how different systems interact within the enterprise architecture. This interconnected analysis is key to identifying hidden dependencies or integration challenges that could derail projects.

4. Actionable Recommendations

Based on the evaluation, detailed reports are generated highlighting strengths and weaknesses and offering practical, tailored recommendations to optimize the architecture.

Benefits of the System Specs Tracker

1. Enhanced System Reliability: By rigorously evaluating technical specifications, organizations can ensure their systems are reliable, secure, and efficient.

2. Improved Integration: The tracker identifies potential integration challenges early, allowing teams to address them before they become major roadblocks.

3. Alignment with Business Strategy: The tool ensures that technical architecture isn’t developed in a vacuum—it aligns with broader business objectives and enterprise goals.

4. Future-Proofing: With a focus on scalability and adaptability, the System Specs Tracker helps organizations build systems that can evolve with changing business needs.

Is the System Specs Tracker Right for You?

If your organization is grappling with complex projects, struggling with system inefficiencies, or facing integration challenges, the System Specs Tracker could be a game-changer. It’s particularly valuable for:

Product Managers looking to ensure their products are architecturally sound and market ready.
CIOs and CTOs who need to align technology investments with business goals.
Enterprise Architects focused on building scalable, future-proof systems.
Project Managers seeking to identify and address technical bottlenecks before they derail timelines.

Elevate Your Architecture with ICMG

The ICMG Rating Platform, with evaluation platforms like the System Specs Tracker by providing a detailed, structured evaluation of system architecture and technical