Early Validation using Architectural Overviews (A3AO) a Case Study in an IoT Consultancy

This paper focuses on the use of A3 Architectural Overviews (A3AO) for early validation of stakeholder needs and system concept as part of a tender proposal in an IoT consultancy. Tender proposals are an essential part of communication between most companies working in the engineering field. Often with hightech companies, a technical knowledge gap exists between the different stakeholders reading tender proposals. This knowledge gap increases the risk of miscommunication and wasteful work. A real-life case from an IoT consultancy tendering an IoT concept for a processing facility forms the basis for the research. Applying an action research approach, the researchers tailored the A3AO framework to fit within the consultancy's work flow and developed an A3AO describing the tendered system concept. The customer received and later accepted the tender proposal including the A3AO containing the stakeholders' problems and needs, a concept solution, and a roadmap detailing further work. In this study, we collected data from observations, semi-structured interviews, surveys, and a follow-up questionnaire to the customer. The study found that the A3AO functions as a tool for early validation and that it helped bridge the knowledge gap between the consultancy and customer. The study also raises questions and criticism regarding cost and complexity. The consultancy later decided to implement A3AOs in future proceedings.