ict-system-architect/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — ICT system architect

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 15-1299.08 (Computer Systems Engineers/Architects).

Task statements

• [Core] Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
• [Core] Provide advice on project costs, design concepts, or design changes.
• [Core] Document design specifications, installation instructions, and other system-related information.
• [Core] Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture.
• [Core] Collaborate with engineers or software developers to select appropriate design solutions or ensure the compatibility of system components.
• [Core] Evaluate current or emerging technologies to consider factors such as cost, portability, compatibility, or usability.
• [Core] Provide technical guidance or support for the development or troubleshooting of systems.
• [Core] Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.
• [Core] Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
• [Core] Monitor system operation to detect potential problems.
• [Core] Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
• [Core] Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use.
• [Core] Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations, including installing or upgrading hardware or software.
• [Core] Configure servers to meet functional specifications.
• [Core] Develop or approve project plans, schedules, or budgets.
• [Core] Define and analyze objectives, scope, issues, or organizational impact of information systems.
• [Core] Develop system engineering, software engineering, system integration, or distributed system architectures.
• [Core] Design and conduct hardware or software tests.
• [Core] Establish functional or system standards to address operational requirements, quality requirements, and design constraints.
• [Core] Evaluate existing systems to determine effectiveness, and suggest changes to meet organizational requirements.
• [Core] Research, test, or verify proper functioning of software patches and fixes.
• [Core] Communicate project information through presentations, technical reports, or white papers.
• [Core] Complete models and simulations, using manual or automated tools, to analyze or predict system performance under different operating conditions.
• [Core] Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.
• [Core] Train system users in system operation or maintenance.
• [Core] Perform security analyses of developed or packaged software components.
• [Core] Develop efficient and effective system controllers.
• [Supplemental] Develop application-specific software.

Detailed work activities

• Analyze security of systems, network, or data.
• Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
• Communicate project information to others.
• Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
• Configure computer networks.
• Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.
• Coordinate software or hardware installation.
• Design computer modeling or simulation programs.
• Design integrated computer systems.
• Design software applications.
• Develop detailed project plans.
• Develop guidelines for system implementation.
• Develop models of information or communications systems.
• Develop organizational goals or objectives.
• Develop performance metrics or standards related to information technology.
• Document technical specifications or requirements.
• Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies.
• Identify information technology project resource requirements.
• Install computer hardware.
• Install computer software.
• Maintain computer hardware.
• Manage information technology projects or system activities.
• Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.
• Prepare analytical reports.
• Provide technical support for software maintenance or use.
• Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.
• Test computer hardware performance.
• Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
• Test software performance.
• Train others in computer interface or software use.