Enterprise IT has overseen the implementation of an array of data services with overlapping functionality...

Information architecture (IA) is the process of guiding users through the site by organising and arranging all the relevant content in a clear, intuitive way. It also ensures consistency throughout a product’s design by standardising labelling conventions such as menu names, link titles, and button labels across all pages1. If enterprise IT has overseen the implementation of an array of data services with overlapping functionality, it may indicate that they have not followed a coherent and effective IA strategy. This can lead to business inefficiencies, such as duplication of efforts, confusion among users, and difficulty in finding and accessing information. According to one of the web search results2, “Application rationalization is a simple first step to analyze the current architecture to determine redundant applications, overlapping functionality, and software that is not exactly current. As more companies move into a service-oriented architecture implementation, this analysis is a cost-effective way to ensure that the IT resources are utilized in the most efficient manner.” Ineffective project management, an outdated service level agreement (SLA), and an incomplete cost-benefit analysis are not the most likely causes of this situation. They are more related to the planning, execution, and evaluation of individual projects, rather than the overall design and organisation of information systems. References := What is information architecture? - UX Design Institute, Staying Current And Supporting Systems With Overlapping Functionality