At APG, we distinguish between Solution (or Software) Architects, who focus on the optimal design within IT systems, and Enterprise Architects, who take a broader view across entire value streams, and sometimes even beyond.
Whether you're looking at a single application or an entire business unit or value stream, what unites the dozens of architects at APG is their forward-thinking mindset. They create options for the future. Because the decisions you make as an architect - once made - are difficult to reverse. And those decisions often extend beyond APG’s boundaries. The world around us is changing. Do we want to be dependent on a single vendor in the future? Or do we choose a multi-vendor strategy? What does the new pension agreement require from the design of our systems?
As an architect, you ensure a well-structured digital landscape and keep the IT environment manageable. To do this, you're actively involved in the development of IT solutions. You collaborate with other architects to create synergy, advise business owners, and engage with DevOps teams. Collaboration and communication are crucial to being a successful architect.
How do you ensure that our many IT systems work well together? How do you make sure old and new systems can integrate? As an architect, you know how to translate business goals into the right IT solutions. Sometimes you're a director, a guide, or an advisor—but always the one who safeguards the coherence.