Digital Master Planning.

A Digital Master Plan (DMP) provides a strategic framework and roadmap for solving complex technology challenges across diverse environments such as major events, high-performance facilities, or urban districts.
It defines how technology infrastructure, connectivity, data, and systems will be designed, sourced, integrated, and governed to meet operational, stakeholder, and business needs.

Our methodology aligns with structured delivery stages drawing on established frameworks such as the RIBA Plan of Work or PRINCE2 - while remaining flexible to suit different governance models, procurement paths, and delivery contexts.

For projects requiring a more focused approach, we offer Technology Blueprints, which are streamlined plans that focus on technology design, costing, sourcing, operating models, and implementation.

The implementation and ongoing operation of digital infrastructure are managed through our Delivery Assurance and Operations Centres services.

Our Core Focus Areas.

Every technology project has its own challenges, but our core focus areas help to provide a clear and effective approach to achieving project goals.

1. Strategy Development

Our process ensures that digital priorities such as connectivity, data infrastructure, and smart services are embedded in the early vision to avoid costly retrofits later.

  • Vision & Objectives: Define a target state with measurable goals that align with business objectives.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Identify and engage key stakeholders to ensure alignment and collaboration.
  • Design Principles: Develop overarching principles to steer technology decisions and align with strategic priorities.

2. Service Design & Architecture

Our approach ensures that digital services, integration requirements, and future scalability are considered from the outset, preventing digital silos in later stages.

  • Use Case Definition & Service Identification: Identify key digital services and their alignment with business goals.
  • Technology Architecture: Define the structure for critical technology services, including enterprise applications, telecommunications, and data & cloud.
  • Integration Planning: Ensure interoperability across various systems and platforms.
  • Scalability & Flexibility: Plan for future growth and adaptability of digital systems.

3. Budgeting

Our Budgeting process ensures that digital infrastructure is factored into early cost modelling and investment planning, avoiding unexpected financial burdens in later stages.

  • Cost Modelling: Establish cost estimates for implementation and ongoing operations.
  • Revenue Opportunities: Identify potential monetisation strategies for digital infrastructure.
  • Investment Planning: Align financial resources with project priorities.

4. Organisation & Governance

Our approach establishes the frameworks needed to oversee digital transformation alongside the built environment process, ensuring alignment between physical and digital decision-making.

  • Roles & Responsibilities: Outline the organisational model required to support digital initiatives.
  • Governance Frameworks: Define decision-making processes to ensure accountability.
  • Policy & Compliance: Ensure alignment with regulatory and operational requirements.

5. Sourcing Approach

As projects move from concept to technical design, procurement strategies must be clear. Our approach ensures that digital solutions are sourced effectively, with clear vendor selection criteria and procurement roadmaps.

  • In-House vs. Outsourcing: Determine the best sourcing model for key components.
  • Vendor Selection: Identify and engage technology partners that align with project goals.
  • Procurement Roadmap: Establish timelines and processes for sourcing activities.

6. Operating Methodology

Our approach ensures that the long-term operational needs of digital infrastructure are considered at the technical design stage, avoiding post-construction operational challenges. This operational framework is then implemented and managed through our Operations Centres services.

  • Operational Processes: Define workflows for managing and maintaining technology services.
  • Service Levels: Establish performance metrics and KPIs to ensure continuous improvement.
  • Support Models: Develop strategies for issue resolution and technical support.

7. Project Planning

Our structured project planning process ensures that digital infrastructure milestones are synchronised with the wider construction and spatial planning activities.

  • Task Prioritisation: Identify key milestones and dependencies.
  • Risk Management: Assess and mitigate potential project risks.
  • Quality Assurance: Ensure project deliverables meet defined standards.

8. Requirements Packages

Our approach ensures that digital components are fully specified and validated before procurement and deployment.

  • Functional & Technical Requirements: Define detailed specifications for technology components.
  • Vendor Evaluation: Assess and select solutions that meet business needs.
  • Proof-of-Concept: Conduct trials to validate solutions before full deployment.

This approach provides an actionable plan to help organisations navigate the complexities of digital infrastructure with confidence; whether building from the ground up, or modernising existing environments.

The Digital Master Plan lays the groundwork for successful implementation and long-term operation, which are further supported by our Technology Programme Assurance and Operations Centres capabilities.

Related Projects.

The Alkira team has worked closely with urban space owners, architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms, as well as major event organisers to design Digital Master Plans for some of the most ambitious projects.

Related Insights.

Check out our related insights, Alkira resources, and more below.