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7 OKR examples for Systems Architect

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What are Systems Architect OKRs?

The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.

How you write your OKRs can make a huge difference on the impact that your team will have at the end of the quarter. But, it's not always easy to write a quarterly plan that focuses on outcomes instead of projects.

That's why we have created a list of OKRs examples for Systems Architect to help. You can use any of the templates below as a starting point to write your own goals.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

The best tools for writing perfect Systems Architect OKRs

Here are 2 tools that can help you draft your OKRs in no time.

Tability AI: to generate OKRs based on a prompt

Tability AI allows you to describe your goals in a prompt, and generate a fully editable OKR template in seconds.

Watch the video below to see it in action 👇

Tability Feedback: to improve existing OKRs

You can use Tability's AI feedback to improve your OKRs if you already have existing goals.

AI feedback for OKRs in Tability

Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.

Systems Architect OKRs examples

You will find in the next section many different Systems Architect Objectives and Key Results. We've included strategic initiatives in our templates to give you a better idea of the different between the key results (how we measure progress), and the initiatives (what we do to achieve the results).

Hope you'll find this helpful!

OKRs to consolidate and streamline server infrastructure

  • ObjectiveConsolidate and streamline server infrastructure
  • KRCreate comprehensive upgrade plan for remaining servers
  • TaskAnalyze necessary improvements for each server
  • TaskIdentify all servers that require an upgrade
  • TaskSketch a detailed upgrade timeline
  • KRImplement updated server technology in 40% of systems
  • TaskIdentify the systems suitable for updated server technology
  • TaskCommence 40% system upgrade with updated server technology
  • TaskPrepare servers for technology upgrades in chosen systems
  • KRReduce active servers by 15% without impacting performance
  • TaskExecute server consolidation without affecting user experience
  • TaskIdentify least-occupied servers and potential consolidation opportunities
  • TaskMonitor server performance regularly post-consolidation

OKRs to optimize and enhance the existing system architecture

  • ObjectiveOptimize and enhance the existing system architecture
  • KRFinalize an assessment of current system architecture within two weeks
  • TaskEvaluate performance and compatibility issues
  • TaskIdentify existing system architecture components
  • TaskCompile a final assessment report for review
  • KREnsure zero system downtime for two weeks post-implementation of changes
  • TaskSchedule regular system checks to identify possible issues
  • TaskTrain staff on change management procedures
  • TaskEstablish a rapid-response troubleshooting team
  • KRDevelop and implement an upgrade plan for at least 20% performance increase
  • TaskDeploy upgrade and evaluate performance changes
  • TaskIdentify performance-impinging areas in the current system
  • TaskDesign a technology upgrade that targets these areas

OKRs to develop a scalable architecture for a video streaming platform

  • ObjectiveDevelop a scalable architecture for a video streaming platform
  • KRIntegrate a monitoring system to ensure 99.99% platform availability and uptime
  • KRAchieve an average video load time of 3 seconds or less for 95% of users
  • KRIncrease platform's streaming capacity by 30% to accommodate higher user traffic
  • TaskConduct load testing and identify performance bottlenecks to optimize streaming capacity
  • TaskImplement content delivery network (CDN) to distribute traffic and reduce latency
  • TaskOptimize server configurations to increase platform's streaming capacity by 30%
  • TaskUpgrade network infrastructure for improved bandwidth and faster streaming capabilities
  • KRImplement a distributed storage solution to reduce data retrieval time by 20%
  • TaskDesign and develop a robust distributed storage architecture
  • TaskImplement and thoroughly test the chosen distributed storage solution
  • TaskResearch and identify suitable distributed storage solutions
  • TaskConduct a thorough analysis of the current storage system

OKRs to enhance application design by solution architect review

  • ObjectiveEnhance application design by solution architect review
  • KRConduct in-depth analysis of current application design flaws
  • TaskAnalyze identified flaws and their impacts on user experience
  • TaskIdentify potential areas of improvement in the application design
  • TaskDevelop a plan to address and fix noted design flaws
  • KRCollaborate with development team to propose and implement design improvements
  • TaskDraft proposed design improvements for team review
  • TaskOversee implementation of agreed-upon design changes
  • TaskOrganize meeting with development team to discuss design enhancements
  • KRTrack and evaluate impact of design changes on overall system performance
  • TaskAnalyze and document performance variations tied to design changes
  • TaskMonitor system performance before and after design changes implementation
  • TaskRun system testing for evaluating design modifications' effectiveness

OKRs to externalize authorization models from monolith

  • ObjectiveExternalize authorization models from monolith
  • KRIdentify and list all authorization models by Week 2
  • TaskFinalize and submit the list by Week 2
  • TaskResearch various types of authorization models
  • TaskCatalogue each identified authorization model in a list
  • KRSuccessfully migrate at least 90% of authorization models to the external component by Week 10
  • TaskMap current authorization models to the external component
  • TaskDevelop a detailed migration plan
  • TaskExecute migration and verify success rate
  • KRDesign and develop a separate external component for authorization models by Week 6
  • TaskIdentify necessary features for authorization component
  • TaskDesign a prototype of the authorization component
  • TaskDevelop and test the authorization component

OKRs to implement efficient cloud automation systems

  • ObjectiveImplement efficient cloud automation systems
  • KRAchieve 90% successful automation tests by the final month
  • TaskRegularly review and improve test automation scripts
  • TaskImplement efficient testing tools and procedures
  • TaskDevelop clear, precise automated testing criteria
  • KRDevelop and implement at least two cloud automation tools or software by end of quarter
  • TaskImplement and test cloud automation tools
  • TaskSelect two optimal automation tools for implementation
  • TaskResearch various cloud automation tools suitable for business needs
  • KRReduce manual cloud configuration tasks by 60% through automation implementation
  • TaskDevelop suitable automated processes for identified tasks
  • TaskImplement and test automated processes
  • TaskIdentify repetitive, manual cloud configuration procedures

OKRs to execute effective decoupling of legacy monolith system

  • ObjectiveExecute effective decoupling of legacy monolith system
  • KRReduce number of monolithic components by 30% using microservices architecture
  • TaskIdentify monolithic components viable for redesign into microservices
  • TaskImplement and test newly created microservices
  • TaskDevelop microservices replacing identified monolithic components
  • KRAchieve 90% functionality in new services, ensuring business continuity without interruptions
  • TaskImplement regular maintenance and updates schedule
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive testing procedures for new services
  • TaskInitiate contingency planning for potential disruptions
  • KRTrain 75% of the software team in modular programming languages for maintenance
  • TaskSchedule and implement comprehensive training sessions
  • TaskEvaluate and measure progress after training
  • TaskIdentify team members lacking modular programming skills

Systems Architect OKR best practices

Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

Having too many OKRs is the #1 mistake that teams make when adopting the framework. The problem with tracking too many competing goals is that it will be hard for your team to know what really matters.

We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

Setting good goals can be challenging, but without regular check-ins, your team will struggle to make progress. We recommend that you track your OKRs weekly to get the full benefits from the framework.

Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

Save hours with automated OKR dashboards

AI feedback for OKRs in Tability

The rules of OKRs are simple. Quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly, and yearly OKRs should be tracked monthly. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use Tability to save time with automated OKR dashboards, data connectors, and actionable insights.

How to get Tability dashboards:

That's it! Tability will instantly get access to 10+ dashboards to monitor progress, visualise trends, and identify risks early.

More Systems Architect OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

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