The Physical Domain contains the tangible assets of the system: devices, machines, locations, and connectivity. It provides the foundational infrastructure required to host digital platforms and facilitate physical operations across the **Transformation Dimensions**.
The Physical Domain roots the GEAR system in real-world constraints, environmental factors, and hardware assets.
Architects use FORGE to reconcile digital designs with physical reality.
| Stage | Architect's Focus | Key Artifacts |
|---|---|---|
| Find | Identify remote sites, legacy hardware nodes, and physical security gaps. | Site Survey, Hardware Inventory |
| Observe | Analyze environmental conditions (heat, vibration), power usage, and site access logs. | Site Constraint Analysis |
| Reconcile | Align physical site constraints with digital performance and security requirements. | Physical-Digital Mapping |
| Ground | Root the infrastructure plan in existing power grids, cabling, and geographic locations. | Deployment Readiness Report |
| Enhance | Augment the mission via edge gateways, sensor density, and ruggedized compute nodes. | Tactical Edge Blueprint |
How the Four Dimensions are anchored within the Physical Domain.
| Dimension | Physical Play | Example Check |
|---|---|---|
| People | Field safety, physical access control, and onsite operations. | Do remote operators have safe access to the hardware? |
| Process | Logistics, site maintenance, and hardware rotation lifecycles. | Is our hardware replacement process "just-in-time" or reactive? |
| Policy | Environmental regulations, zoning, and physical security mandates. | Does this site meet national environmental standards? |
| Technology | Hardware assets, sensors, Edge nodes, and physical cabling. | Are our sensors high-fidelity enough for the AI models? |
Architect's checklist for aligning execution pillars with the Physical Domain.
| Pillar | Physical Requirement | Verification Point |
|---|---|---|
| AI | Provision specialized NPUs and GPUs at the site level. | Verify power/cooling for onsite AI accelerators. |
| Cyber | Utilize hardware-based Root of Trust (TPM/Secure Boot). | Check physical tamper-evidence on remote nodes. |
| Data | Manage local storage and high-speed data acquisition. | Ensure physical storage media meets retention mandates. |
| Edge | Deploy ruggedized nodes in constrained environments. | Verify environmental ratings (IP67, Temp range). |
| Computing | Account for heterogeneous CPU/NPU architectures. | Check hardware compatibility for the abstraction layer. |
| Comms | Ensure physical path diversity (Fiber, Satellite, Cellular). | Verify signal reach and interference at remote sites. |
This list will populate as DTA episodes are published and tagged to this domain.
Use the Six Pillars as a common language between business leaders, architects, and operators. From here you can dive into pillar pages, listen to interviews, or explore ODXA in depth.
Explore the foundational technical capabilities that enable digital transformation, from AI to advanced communications.
Navigate the structural layers of the enterprise to align strategy, people, processes, and technology.
Map Domain StructureUnderstand how to balance the critical dimensions of People, Process, Policy, and Technology in every initiative.
Understand DimensionsApply our active methodology to Find, Observe, Reconcile, Ground, and Enhance your transformation efforts.
Apply the PracticeBrowse all DTA episodes organized by aspect to see architectural guidance in practice.