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ArcKit Workflow

ArcKit guides you through a systematic 16-phase workflow for enterprise architecture governance, from initial planning through documentation publishing. This structured approach ensures nothing is forgotten and maintains complete traceability from stakeholder needs to final deliverables.

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Workflow Overview

The ArcKit workflow follows a dependency-driven sequence where each phase builds upon the outputs of previous phases:

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The 16 Phases

Command: /arckit.planCreate a comprehensive project plan with:
  • GDS Agile Delivery phases (Discovery → Alpha → Beta → Live)
  • Mermaid Gantt chart with timeline, dependencies, and milestones
  • Workflow diagram showing gates and decision points
  • Tailored timeline based on project complexity (Small/Medium/Large)
  • Integration of all ArcKit commands into schedule
  • Gate approval criteria for governance
Outputs: ARC-{PID}-PLAN-v1.0.mdWhen to use: At project kick-off to visualize the entire delivery timeline
Command: /arckit.principlesDefine your organization’s architecture standards:
  • Cloud strategy (AWS/Azure/GCP)
  • Security frameworks (Zero Trust, compliance)
  • Technology standards
  • FinOps and cost governance
  • Data governance and privacy
Outputs: ARC-000-PRIN-v1.0.md (global principles in projects/000-global/)Dependencies: None (foundation command)Note: All downstream design reviews and compliance assessments validate against these principles
Command: /arckit.stakeholdersDo this BEFORE business case to understand who cares about the project and why:
  • Identify all stakeholders (internal and external)
  • Document underlying drivers (strategic, operational, financial, compliance, risk, personal)
  • Map drivers to SMART goals
  • Map goals to measurable outcomes
  • Create Stakeholder → Driver → Goal → Outcome traceability
  • Identify conflicts and synergies
  • Define engagement and communication strategies
Outputs: ARC-{PID}-STKE-v1.0.mdDependencies: Principles (recommended)Critical: This analysis feeds into the business case and ensures all design decisions map back to stakeholder needs
Command: /arckit.riskDo this BEFORE business case to identify and assess risks systematically:
  • Follow HM Treasury Orange Book 2023 framework
  • Identify risks across 6 categories (Strategic, Operational, Financial, Compliance, Reputational, Technology)
  • Assess inherent risk (before controls) and residual risk (after controls)
  • Apply 4Ts response framework (Tolerate, Treat, Transfer, Terminate)
  • Link every risk to stakeholder from RACI matrix
  • Monitor risk appetite compliance
  • Feed into SOBC Management Case Part E
Outputs: ARC-{PID}-RISK-v1.0.mdDependencies: Stakeholders (mandatory), Principles (recommended)
Command: /arckit.sobcDo this BEFORE requirements to justify investment and secure approval:
  • Use HM Treasury Green Book 5-case model (Strategic, Economic, Commercial, Financial, Management)
  • Analyze strategic options (Do Nothing, Minimal, Balanced, Comprehensive)
  • Map benefits to stakeholder goals (complete traceability)
  • Provide high-level cost estimates (Rough Order of Magnitude)
  • Economic appraisal (ROI range, payback period)
  • Procurement and funding strategy
  • Governance and risk management (uses risk register)
  • Enable go/no-go decision BEFORE detailed requirements work
Outputs: ARC-{PID}-SOBC-v1.0.mdDependencies: Stakeholders (mandatory), Risk (recommended), Principles (recommended)
Command: /arckit.requirementsCreate detailed requirements informed by stakeholder goals (if SOBC approved):
  • Business requirements with rationale
  • Functional requirements with acceptance criteria
  • Non-functional requirements (performance, security, scalability, compliance)
  • Integration requirements (upstream/downstream systems)
  • Data requirements (DR-xxx)
  • Success criteria and KPIs
Outputs: ARC-{PID}-REQ-v1.0.mdDependencies: Stakeholders (recommended), SOBC (recommended), Principles (recommended)Note: This is the central artifact - 38 downstream commands depend on requirements
Command: /arckit.platform-designUse this phase when designing ecosystem-based platforms (Government as a Platform, marketplaces, data platforms):
  • Ecosystem Canvas: Map supply side, demand side, supporting entities
  • Entity-Role Portraits: Deep dive into 3-5 key entities
  • Motivations Matrix: Identify synergies and conflicts across entities
  • Transactions Board: Design 10-20 transactions with cost reduction analysis
  • Learning Engine Canvas: Services that help participants improve
  • Platform Experience Canvas: Journey maps with business model
  • MVP Canvas: Liquidity bootstrapping strategy
  • Platform Design Canvas: Synthesize all canvases into cohesive strategy
Outputs: ARC-{PID}-PLAT-v1.0.mdDependencies: Principles (mandatory), Requirements (recommended), Stakeholders (recommended)Use Cases: NHS appointment booking, local authority data marketplaces, training procurement platforms
Command: /arckit.data-modelCreate data model based on Data Requirements (DR-xxx):
  • Visual Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD) using Mermaid
  • Detailed entity catalog with attributes, types, validation rules
  • PII identification and GDPR/DPA 2018 compliance
  • Data governance matrix (business owners, stewards, custodians)
  • CRUD matrix showing component access patterns
  • Data integration mapping (upstream sources, downstream consumers)
  • Data quality framework with measurable metrics
  • Requirements traceability (DR-xxx → Entity → Attribute)
Outputs: ARC-{PID}-DATA-v1.0.mdDependencies: Requirements (mandatory)
Command: /arckit.dpiaMANDATORY for high-risk processing - assess privacy risks before technology selection:
  • ICO 9-criteria automated screening (sensitive data, large scale, vulnerable subjects, AI/ML)
  • Auto-populated from data model (entities, PII, special category data, lawful basis)
  • Risk assessment focused on impact on individuals (privacy harm, discrimination)
  • Data subject rights implementation checklist (SAR, deletion, portability)
  • Children’s data assessment (age verification, parental consent)
  • AI/ML algorithmic processing assessment (bias, explainability, human oversight)
  • ICO prior consultation flagging for high residual risks
  • International transfer safeguards (SCCs, BCRs, adequacy decisions)
Outputs: ARC-{PID}-DPIA-v1.0.mdDependencies: Data Model (mandatory), Requirements (mandatory)
Command: /arckit.datascoutDiscover and evaluate external data sources to fulfil project data requirements:
  • Data needs extraction from DR/FR/INT/NFR requirements
  • UK Government open data portals (data.gov.uk, ONS, NHS Digital, Companies House)
  • Commercial API providers and data marketplaces
  • Free/freemium APIs and open source datasets
  • Weighted evaluation scoring (Requirements Fit, Data Quality, License & Cost, API Quality)
  • Gap analysis for unmet data needs
  • Data model impact assessment (new entities, attributes, sync strategy)
  • Requirements traceability (every DR-xxx mapped to a source or flagged as gap)
Outputs: ARC-{PID}-DSCOUT-v1.0.mdDependencies: Requirements (mandatory), Data Model (optional but recommended)
Command: /arckit.researchResearch available solutions to meet requirements with build vs buy analysis:
  • Dynamic category detection from requirements (authentication, payments, databases)
  • Commercial SaaS options with pricing, reviews, and ratings
  • Open source alternatives with GitHub stats and community maturity
  • UK Government GOV.UK platforms (One Login, Pay, Notify, Forms)
  • Digital Marketplace suppliers (G-Cloud, DOS)
  • Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) comparison (3-year)
  • Build vs Buy vs Adopt recommendations
  • Vendor shortlisting for deeper evaluation
Outputs: ARC-{PID}-RSCH-v1.0.mdDependencies: Requirements (mandatory)Cloud-specific research: Use /arckit.aws-research, /arckit.azure-research, or /arckit.gcp-research for authoritative cloud service documentation via MCP servers
Commands: /arckit.wardley, /arckit.roadmap, /arckit.strategy, /arckit.adrVisualize strategic positioning and create long-term roadmaps:Wardley Maps (/arckit.wardley):
  • Component evolution analysis (Genesis → Custom → Product → Commodity)
  • Build vs Buy decision framework
  • Vendor comparison and procurement strategy
  • Evolution predictions and strategic gameplay
Strategic Roadmap (/arckit.roadmap):
  • 3-5 year roadmap with Mermaid Gantt chart
  • Strategic themes (Cloud migration, data modernization, security)
  • Capability evolution (L1 Initial → L5 Optimized)
  • Investment planning (CAPEX/OPEX budget by financial year)
  • Governance framework and Service Standard gates
Architecture Strategy (/arckit.strategy):
  • Synthesize multiple strategic artifacts into executive-level document
  • Strategic vision, drivers, principles, current/target state
  • Technology evolution (Build vs Buy, Technology Radar)
  • Delivery roadmap summary and investment overview
Architecture Decision Records (/arckit.adr):
  • Document significant architectural decisions using MADR v4.0 format
  • Y-Statement structured justification
  • Options analysis with pros/cons and UK Government compliance impact
Outputs: wardley-maps/ARC-{PID}-WARD-{NUM}-v1.0.md, ARC-{PID}-ROAD-v1.0.md, ARC-{PID}-STRAT-v1.0.md, decisions/ADR-{NUM}.mdDependencies: Requirements (recommended), Principles (recommended)
Commands: /arckit.sow, /arckit.dos, /arckit.gcloud-search, /arckit.gcloud-clarify, /arckit.evaluateCreate RFP-ready documents and evaluate vendors:Statement of Work (/arckit.sow):
  • Scope of work and deliverables
  • Technical requirements
  • Vendor qualifications
  • Evaluation criteria
  • Contract terms
Digital Outcomes and Specialists (/arckit.dos) 🇬🇧:
  • DOS-compliant procurement documentation for UK Digital Marketplace
  • Essential vs desirable skills from requirements
  • Evaluation framework (40% Technical, 30% Team, 20% Quality, 10% Value)
G-Cloud Service Search (/arckit.gcloud-search) 🇬🇧:
  • Live Digital Marketplace search using WebSearch
  • Find actual services with suppliers, prices, features
  • Service comparison table with recommendations
G-Cloud Service Validation (/arckit.gcloud-clarify) 🇬🇧:
  • Systematic gap analysis (MUST/SHOULD requirements vs service descriptions)
  • Generate prioritized clarification questions for suppliers
  • Risk assessment matrix for each service
Vendor Evaluation (/arckit.evaluate):
  • Create systematic scoring framework (100 points)
  • Side-by-side proposal comparison
  • Cost evaluation methodology
  • Reference check templates
Outputs: ARC-{PID}-SOW-v1.0.md, ARC-{PID}-DOS-v1.0.md, ARC-{PID}-GCLD-v1.0.md, ARC-{PID}-GCFY-v1.0.md, ARC-{PID}-EVAL-v1.0.mdDependencies: Requirements (mandatory)
Commands: /arckit.hld-review, /arckit.dld-review, /arckit.diagramValidate designs against architecture principles and requirements:High-Level Design Review (/arckit.hld-review):
  • Architecture principles compliance
  • Requirements coverage
  • Security and compliance
  • Scalability and resilience
  • Operational readiness
Detailed Design Review (/arckit.dld-review):
  • Component specifications
  • API contracts (OpenAPI)
  • Database schemas
  • Security implementation
  • Test strategy
Architecture Diagrams (/arckit.diagram):
  • Generate visual architecture diagrams using Mermaid
  • C4 model (Context, Container, Component, Code)
  • Deployment diagrams
  • Network diagrams
  • Data flow diagrams
Outputs: ARC-{PID}-HLDR-v1.0.md, ARC-{PID}-DLDR-v1.0.md, diagrams/ARC-{PID}-DIAG-{NUM}-v1.0.mdDependencies: Requirements (mandatory), Principles (mandatory), HLD/DLD (external documents)
Commands: /arckit.backlog, /arckit.trelloTransform requirements into sprint-ready user stories:Product Backlog (/arckit.backlog):
  • Convert requirements (BR/FR/NFR/INT/DR) to GDS-format user stories
  • Multi-factor prioritization (MoSCoW + risk + value + dependencies)
  • Organize into sprint plan with capacity balancing
  • Generate traceability matrix (requirements → stories → sprints)
  • Export to Jira/Azure DevOps (CSV) or custom tools (JSON)
Trello Export (/arckit.trello):
  • Push backlog to Trello board with sprint-based lists
  • Cards with priority labels, story points, acceptance criteria checklists
  • Colour-coded labels by MoSCoW priority
Outputs: ARC-{PID}-BKLG-v1.0.md, ARC-{PID}-BKLG-v1.0.json, ARC-{PID}-BKLG-v1.0.csvDependencies: Requirements (mandatory), HLD (mandatory)Time savings: 75%+ (4-6 weeks → 3-5 days)
Command: /arckit.servicenowBridge architecture to operations:
  • CMDB design (derived from architecture diagrams)
  • SLA definitions (derived from NFRs)
  • Incident management design
  • Change management plan
  • Monitoring and alerting plan
  • Service transition plan
Outputs: ARC-{PID}-SNOW-v1.0.mdDependencies: Requirements (mandatory), Diagram (mandatory)
Command: /arckit.traceabilityEnsure complete coverage:
  • Requirements → Design mapping
  • Design → Test mapping
  • Gap analysis and orphan detection
  • Change impact tracking
  • Bidirectional traceability matrix
Outputs: ARC-{PID}-TRAC-v1.0.mdDependencies: Requirements (mandatory), HLD (mandatory), DLD (mandatory)
Command: /arckit.analyzePeriodically assess governance quality across all artifacts:
  • Architecture principles compliance
  • Requirements coverage and traceability
  • Stakeholder alignment verification
  • Risk management completeness
  • Design review quality
  • Documentation completeness and quality
  • Gap identification and recommendations
Outputs: ARC-{PID}-ANLZ-v1.0.mdDependencies: Principles (mandatory), all other artifacts (optional)When to use: Run periodically before milestones, design reviews, or procurement decisions
Commands: /arckit.service-assessment, /arckit.tcop, /arckit.secure, /arckit.ai-playbook, /arckit.atrs, /arckit.mod-secure, /arckit.jsp-936For UK Government and public sector projects:GDS Service Standard Assessment (/arckit.service-assessment):
  • Analyze evidence against all 14 Service Standard points
  • Identify gaps for alpha, beta, or live assessments
  • Generate RAG ratings and overall readiness score
Technology Code of Practice (/arckit.tcop):
  • Assess compliance with all 13 TCoP points
  • Cloud first, open standards, data sharing, responsible AI
Secure by Design (/arckit.secure):
  • NCSC Cloud Security Principles
  • NCSC Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF)
  • Cyber Essentials / Cyber Essentials Plus
  • UK GDPR and DPA 2018 compliance
AI Playbook (/arckit.ai-playbook) [for AI systems]:
  • AI ethics principles
  • Transparency and explainability
  • Fairness and bias mitigation
ATRS (/arckit.atrs) [for algorithmic systems]:
  • Algorithm details and logic
  • Purpose and use case
  • Data sources and quality
  • Performance metrics and monitoring
MOD Secure by Design (/arckit.mod-secure) [for MOD projects]:
  • JSP 440, IAMM, security clearances
  • STRAP classification handling
JSP 936 (/arckit.jsp-936) [for MOD AI projects]:
  • 5 Ethical Principles
  • 5 Risk Classification Levels
  • 8 AI Lifecycle Phases
  • Approval pathways
Outputs: Various compliance reportsDependencies: Requirements (mandatory), Principles (recommended), multiple artifacts (optional)
Commands: /arckit.story, /arckit.presentationCreate narrative historical record and presentations:Project Story (/arckit.story):
  • Timeline Analysis (4 visualization types)
  • 8 Narrative Chapters (Foundation → Compliance)
  • Traceability Demonstration (end-to-end chains with Mermaid)
  • Governance Achievements (TCoP, Service Standard, NCSC CAF)
  • Lessons Learned (pacing analysis, timeline deviations)
MARP Presentation (/arckit.presentation):
  • Markdown-based slides with --- separators
  • Focus Modes (Executive, Technical, Stakeholder, Procurement)
  • Artifact-Driven (reads all available project artifacts)
  • Mermaid diagrams embedded natively
Outputs: ARC-{PID}-STORY-v1.0.md, ARC-{PID}-PRES-v1.0.mdDependencies: Principles (recommended), all other artifacts (recommended)When to use: At project milestones or completion for stakeholder communication
Command: /arckit.pagesPublish all project documentation as an interactive website:
  • Static site generation (docs/index.html and docs/manifest.json)
  • Mermaid diagram rendering inline with mermaid.js
  • Project navigation with collapsible tree
  • GOV.UK styling
  • Document index for programmatic access
Outputs: docs/index.html, docs/manifest.jsonDeployment: GitHub Pages, Netlify, Vercel, S3, etc.When to use: When sharing project documentation with stakeholders via web interface

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Critical Paths

ArcKit supports different project types with optimized workflows:

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Standard Project Path

plan → principles → stakeholders → risk → sobc → requirements → research → 
wardley → sow/evaluate → hld-review → backlog → servicenow → devops → 
operationalize → traceability → principles-compliance → conformance → 
analyze → story

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UK Government Project Path

plan → principles → stakeholders → risk → sobc → requirements → datascout → 
data-model → research → wardley → gcloud-search → gcloud-clarify → evaluate → 
hld-review → dld-review → backlog → servicenow → devops → operationalize → 
traceability → tcop → secure → principles-compliance → conformance → 
analyze → service-assessment → story

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UK Government AI Project Path

plan → principles → stakeholders → risk → sobc → requirements → datascout → 
data-model → research → wardley → gcloud-search → evaluate → hld-review → 
dld-review → backlog → servicenow → devops → mlops → operationalize → 
traceability → tcop → ai-playbook → atrs → secure → principles-compliance → 
conformance → analyze → service-assessment → story

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MOD Defence AI Project Path

plan → principles → stakeholders → risk → sobc → requirements → datascout → 
data-model → research → wardley → dos → evaluate → hld-review → dld-review → 
backlog → servicenow → devops → mlops → operationalize → traceability → 
tcop → mod-secure → jsp-936 → principles-compliance → conformance → 
analyze → service-assessment → story

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Key Workflow Principles

Dependency-Driven

Each phase builds on outputs from previous phases. Requirements is the central artifact - 38 commands depend on it.

Strategic Order

Stakeholders → Risk → SOBC → Requirements ensures business justification before technical work.

Quality Gates

Analyze and Service Assessment can run iteratively - early to identify gaps, late to validate completeness.

Complete Traceability

Every artifact maintains bidirectional links: Stakeholder → Driver → Goal → Outcome → Requirement → Design → Story → Sprint.

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Next Steps

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