Enterprise Architecture principles
2. Standardisation
- Last reviewed
- 8 June 2026
- Owner
- Head of Architecture
Adhere to DfE standards and patterns, to promote consistency, simplify the landscape and minimise technical debt.
Rationale
Use of consistent technologies and platforms facilitates interoperability, reduces complexity and simplifies maintenance.
Quicker onboarding of suppliers, with reduced time and cost on evaluating technology options.
It becomes easier to reallocate resources between deliveries, to optimise deliveries and accommodate changing priorities.
Consistent technology choices reduce technical debt and proliferation of technology within the department.
Streamlined processes, easier integration and cost savings through economies of scale.
Implications
Productivity of individuals and teams may reduce as they transition to standard tools and platforms - expect some retraining requirements.
Pragmatism means one tool or platform may not be desirable or achievable - need to link to use cases and allow exceptions for unusual scenarios.
Standards need developing and managing across all areas of DDT (digital, data and technology).
Standards need processes and governance to adapt to changing needs and modern technologies.
Need the flexibility to experiment with modern technologies to evaluate usefulness.