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Your First Architecture Session

This guide walks you through conducting a comprehensive architecture discovery session with Archy. By the end, you'll have documented your first system and understand how to make the most of your AI architecture consultant.

Before You Start​

What You'll Need​

  • 30-45 minutes of uninterrupted time
  • Information about one business system you want to document
  • Access to system documentation (optional but helpful)

Choose Your System​

Pick a system that is:

  • ✅ Important to your business operations
  • ✅ Well-known to you (you understand its purpose and users)
  • ✅ Connected to other systems (shows integration patterns)
  • ❌ Not too complex for your first session (save the enterprise monoliths for later!)

Good first choices:

  • Customer relationship management (CRM) system
  • Human resources information system (HRIS)
  • E-commerce platform
  • Project management tool

Starting Your Session​

1. Launch the Meeting​

  1. From your Archy dashboard, click "Start Meeting with Archy"
  2. Ensure your camera and microphone are working
  3. Wait for Archy to appear and greet you

2. Set the Context​

Begin with this type of introduction:

"Hi Archy, I'd like to document our [system name]. It's a [brief description] that our [team/department] uses for [primary purpose]. This is my first detailed architecture session, so please guide me through the process."

Archy will acknowledge your request and begin asking structured questions.

The Discovery Process​

Archy will guide you through several key areas. Here's what to expect:

System Overview​

Archy might ask:

  • "What is the primary business purpose of this system?"
  • "Who are the main users or user groups?"
  • "How critical is this system to your daily operations?"

Be prepared to discuss:

  • Business functions the system supports
  • Different types of users (employees, customers, partners)
  • What happens if the system goes down

Technical Details​

Archy might ask:

  • "What technology platform is this built on?"
  • "Where is it hosted (cloud, on-premises, hybrid)?"
  • "What's the current version and when was it last updated?"

Helpful information:

  • Programming languages or frameworks
  • Database technology
  • Hosting provider (AWS, Azure, on-premises)
  • Vendor information if it's a purchased solution

Data and Information​

Archy might ask:

  • "What types of data does this system store?"
  • "How sensitive is this data?"
  • "What are your data retention requirements?"

Think about:

  • Customer data, financial data, operational data
  • Data classification levels (public, internal, confidential)
  • Compliance requirements (GDPR, HIPAA, SOX, etc.)

System Integrations​

Archy might ask:

  • "What other systems does this connect to?"
  • "How does data flow between systems?"
  • "Are there any integration challenges?"

Consider:

  • Systems that send data TO this system
  • Systems that receive data FROM this system
  • Integration methods (APIs, file transfers, database connections)

Business Processes​

Archy might ask:

  • "What are the main workflows that use this system?"
  • "How do users typically interact with it?"
  • "What business processes would be affected if this system failed?"

Map out:

  • Step-by-step user workflows
  • Dependencies on other systems or manual processes
  • Business impact of system unavailability

Making the Most of Your Session​

Ask Follow-up Questions​

Don't just answer Archy's questions - engage in conversation:

  • "Archy, what other information would be helpful to capture?"
  • "Are there any integration patterns you'd recommend exploring?"
  • "What architectural risks should I be concerned about?"
  • "How does this system compare to similar ones you've seen?"

Request Specific Analysis​

Ask Archy to help with:

  • "Can you create a simple architecture diagram for this system?"
  • "What documentation should I prioritize next?"
  • "Are there any obvious optimization opportunities?"
  • "What questions should I ask the system vendor?"

Dive Deeper on Complex Areas​

If something is complicated, let Archy help:

"Archy, the integration with our ERP system is pretty complex. Can you help me break down how to document that properly?"

After the Session​

Review Generated Content​

Check what Archy created for you:

  1. System Record - Core system information and metadata
  2. Integration Records - Documented connections to other systems
  3. Business Process Notes - Workflow information captured
  4. Meeting Summary - Key insights and recommendations

Clean Up and Enhance​

Take a few minutes to:

  • Review the auto-generated content for accuracy
  • Add any additional details you thought of after the session
  • Correct any misunderstandings from the conversation

Plan Next Steps​

Based on Archy's recommendations, consider:

  • Which related systems to document next
  • Integration deep-dives that would be valuable
  • Business processes that need more detailed mapping
  • Team members who should be involved in future sessions

Sample Session Flow​

Here's how a typical 30-minute session might unfold:

Minutes 1-5: Introduction and Context Setting

  • Introduce the system and your goals
  • Archy asks clarifying questions about the system's role

Minutes 6-15: Core System Documentation

  • Technical details, hosting, and architecture
  • Data types and classification
  • User groups and access patterns

Minutes 16-25: Integration and Process Mapping

  • Connected systems and data flows
  • Key business processes and workflows
  • Dependencies and failure impacts

Minutes 26-30: Analysis and Next Steps

  • Archy provides insights and recommendations
  • Discussion of documentation priorities
  • Planning follow-up sessions

Tips for Success​

Do:​

✅ Be conversational - Talk to Archy like a knowledgeable colleague
✅ Ask questions - Archy has extensive architecture knowledge
✅ Provide context - Explain the "why" behind systems and processes
✅ Take notes - Jot down follow-up items and additional questions

Don't:​

❌ Rush - Take time to think through complex areas
❌ Assume knowledge - Explain acronyms and internal terminology
❌ Skip details - Small details often reveal important patterns
❌ Worry about perfection - You can always refine documentation later

What's Next?​

After your first successful architecture session:

🎯 Document related systems - Map out the connected systems Archy identified
📊 Create visual diagrams - Use Archy's diagramming tools to visualize your architecture
👥 Involve your team - Invite colleagues to review and enhance your documentation
🔄 Establish a rhythm - Schedule regular sessions to keep your architecture current

Next recommended reading:

Congratulations on completing your first architecture session! You're well on your way to building a comprehensive, AI-assisted view of your enterprise architecture. 🎉