Enterprise Architecture Governance & Vendor Procurement Toolkit

Build better enterprise architecture through structured governance, vendor procurement, and design review workflows.

ArcKit is a toolkit for enterprise architects that transforms architecture governance from scattered documents into a systematic, AI-assisted workflow for:

• 🏛️ Establishing and enforcing architecture principles
• 👥 Analyzing stakeholder drivers, goals, and outcomes
• 🛡️ Risk management (HM Treasury Orange Book)
• 💼 Business case justification (HM Treasury Green Book SOBC)
• 📋 Creating comprehensive requirements documents
• 🗄️ Data modeling with ERD, GDPR compliance, and data governance
• 🔬 Technology research with build vs buy analysis (web search powered)
• ☁️ Azure-specific research using Microsoft Learn MCP for authoritative documentation
• 🗺️ Strategic planning with Wardley Mapping
• 📊 Generating visual architecture diagrams (Mermaid)
• 🤝 Managing vendor RFP and selection processes
• ✅ Conducting formal design reviews (HLD/DLD)
• 🔧 ServiceNow service management design
• 🔗 Maintaining requirements traceability
• 📎 Citation traceability for external documents (inline [DOC-CN] markers with source quotes)

Claude Code (premier experience) — install the ArcKit plugin (requires v2.1.112+):

/plugin marketplace add tractorjuice/arc-kit

Then install from the Discover tab. Claude Code is the primary development platform for ArcKit and provides the most complete experience: all 68 commands, 10 autonomous research agents, 5 automation hooks (session init, project context injection, filename enforcement, output validation, impact scan), bundled MCP servers (AWS Knowledge, Microsoft Learn, Google Developer Knowledge, govreposcrape), and automatic updates via the marketplace. See Why Claude Code? below.

Why v2.1.112? This version unlocks the xhigh effort tier on Claude Opus 4.7 (used by ArcKit's deep-research agents and synthesis commands), enables Auto mode without --enable-auto-mode, restores Opus 4.7 availability for Auto mode, and ships read-only bash glob patterns without permission prompts (reduces friction for ArcKit helper scripts). It also carries forward the v2.1.97 fixes: claude plugin update correctly detects new commits for git-based plugins (critical for ArcKit distribution), MCP HTTP/SSE memory leak fix (~50 MB/hr, affects ArcKit's 5 bundled servers), proper 429 exponential backoff (benefits 10 research agents), Stop/SubagentStop hooks no longer fail on long sessions (affects session-learner), and subagent working directory leak fix.

Gemini CLI — install the ArcKit extension:

gemini extensions install https://github.com/tractorjuice/arckit-gemini

Zero-config: all 68 commands, templates, scripts, and bundled MCP servers (AWS Knowledge, Microsoft Learn). Updates via gemini extensions update arckit.

GitHub Copilot (VS Code) — install the ArcKit CLI and scaffold prompt files:

# Install with pip
pip install git+https://github.com/tractorjuice/arc-kit.git

# Scaffold a project with Copilot prompt files
arckit init my-project --ai copilot

Creates .github/prompts/arckit-*.prompt.md (68 prompt files), .github/agents/arckit-*.agent.md (10 custom agents), and .github/copilot-instructions.md (repo-wide context). Invoke commands in Copilot Chat as /arckit-requirements, /arckit-stakeholders, etc.

Codex CLI — install the ArcKit CLI:

# Install with pip
pip install git+https://github.com/tractorjuice/arc-kit.git

# Or with uv
uv tool install arckit-cli --from git+https://github.com/tractorjuice/arc-kit.git

# Or run without installing
uvx --from git+https://github.com/tractorjuice/arc-kit.git arckit init my-project

Latest Release: v4.6.12

Windows users: The Claude Code plugin, Gemini CLI extension, and GitHub Copilot prompt files work natively on all platforms. For Codex CLI / OpenCode CLI on native Windows (without WSL), some commands containing inline bash snippets may require Git Bash or WSL2. We recommend WSL2 for the best experience.

Claude Code: No initialization needed — the plugin provides everything.

GitHub Copilot (VS Code):

# Create a new architecture governance project
arckit init payment-modernization --ai copilot

# Or initialize in current directory
arckit init . --ai copilot

OpenCode CLI:

# Create a new architecture governance project
arckit init payment-modernization --ai opencode

# Or initialize in current directory
arckit init . --ai opencode

Codex CLI:

# Create a new architecture governance project
arckit init payment-modernization --ai codex

# Minimal install (skip docs and guides)
arckit init payment-modernization --ai codex --minimal

# Or initialize in current directory
arckit init . --ai codex

# GitHub Copilot (VS Code)
cd payment-modernization && code .
# In Copilot Chat, use ArcKit commands:
/arckit-principles Create principles for a financial services company
/arckit-requirements Build a payment processing system...

# Codex CLI
cd payment-modernization
codex
# Inside your AI assistant, use ArcKit commands:
/arckit.principles Create principles for a financial services company
/arckit.requirements Build a payment processing system...
/arckit.sow Generate RFP for vendor selection

Claude Code plugin: Updates are automatic via the marketplace — no action needed.

Gemini CLI extension: Updates via gemini extensions update arckit.

GitHub Copilot: Re-run arckit init --here --ai copilot to update prompt files, agents, and instructions.

Codex CLI:

# Step 1: Upgrade the CLI tool
pip install --upgrade git+https://github.com/tractorjuice/arc-kit.git
# Or with uv:
uv tool upgrade arckit-cli --from git+https://github.com/tractorjuice/arc-kit.git

# Step 2: Update your existing project (re-run init in place)
cd /path/to/your-existing-project
arckit init --here --ai codex

This updates commands, templates, scripts, and agents while preserving your project data (projects/) and custom templates (.arckit/templates-custom/).

If upgrading from v0.x, you may also need to migrate legacy filenames — see the upgrading guide for full details.

Public demonstration repositories showcase complete ArcKit deliverables:

• NHS Appointment Booking — arckit-test-project-v7-nhs-appointment: Digital health platform with NHS Spine integration and GDPR safeguards.
• M365 GCC-H Migration — arckit-test-project-v1-m365: Government cloud migration with compliance mapping and change management.
• HMRC Tax Assistant — arckit-test-project-v2-hmrc-chatbot: Conversational AI service covering PII protection and bilingual support.
• Windows 11 Deployment — arckit-test-project-v3-windows11: Enterprise OS rollout with policy migration and security baselines.
• Patent Application System — arckit-test-project-v6-patent-system: Intellectual property workflow automation using GOV.UK Pay and Notify.
• ONS Data Platform — arckit-test-project-v8-ons-data-platform: Official statistics analytics environment with Five Safes governance.
• Cabinet Office GenAI Platform — arckit-test-project-v9-cabinet-office-genai: Cross-government GenAI platform with responsible AI guardrails.
• UK Government Training Marketplace — arckit-test-project-v10-training-marketplace: AI training procurement platform with multi-sided marketplace design.
• National Highways Data Architecture — arckit-test-project-v11-national-highways-data: Strategic road network data platform modernization.
• Scottish Courts GenAI — arckit-test-project-v14-scottish-courts: Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service GenAI strategy with comprehensive MLOps and FinOps.
• Doctors Appointment System — arckit-test-project-v16-doctors-appointment: Online appointment booking system with NHS integration.
• UK Fuel Price Transparency — arckit-test-project-v17-fuel-prices: UK Government fuel price transparency service with real-time pricing data.
• Smart Meter Consumer App — arckit-test-project-v18-smart-meter: UK Smart Meter data consumer mobile app with DCC/SMIP integration.
• UK Government API Aggregator — arckit-test-project-v19-gov-api-aggregator: Unified access to 240+ UK Government APIs across 34+ departments.

Traditional enterprise architecture suffers from:

• ❌ Scattered documents across tools (Word, Confluence, PowerPoint)
• ❌ Inconsistent governance enforcement
• ❌ Manual vendor evaluation with bias
• ❌ Lost traceability between requirements and design
• ❌ Stale documentation that doesn't match reality

ArcKit provides:

• ✅ Template-Driven Quality: Comprehensive templates ensure nothing is forgotten
• ✅ Systematic Workflows: Clear processes from requirements → procurement → design review
• ✅ AI Assistance: Let AI handle document generation, you focus on decisions
• ✅ Enforced Traceability: Automatic gap detection and coverage analysis
• ✅ Version Control: Git-based workflow for all architecture artifacts

ArcKit includes dedicated commands for UK public sector delivery:

• /arckit.tcop — Assess all 13 Technology Code of Practice points across delivery phases.
• /arckit.ai-playbook — Produce responsible AI assessments aligned to the UK Government AI Playbook and ATRS.
• /arckit.secure — Generate Secure by Design artefacts covering NCSC CAF, Cyber Essentials, and UK GDPR controls.
• /arckit.mod-secure — Map MOD Secure by Design requirements (JSP 440, IAMM, clearance pathways).
• /arckit.jsp-936 — Deliver JSP 936 AI assurance packs for defence AI systems.

See the demo repositories for end-to-end examples, especially arckit-test-project-v7-nhs-appointment (civilian services) and arckit-test-project-v9-cabinet-office-genai (AI governance).

ArcKit guides you through the enterprise architecture lifecycle:

/arckit.plan → Create project plan with timeline, phases, and gates

Visualize your entire project delivery:

• GDS Agile Delivery phases (Discovery → Alpha → Beta → Live)
• Mermaid Gantt chart with timeline, dependencies, and milestones
• Workflow diagram showing gates and decision points
• Tailored timeline based on project complexity
• Integration of all ArcKit commands into schedule
• Gate approval criteria for governance

/arckit.principles → Create enterprise architecture principles

Define your organisation's architecture standards:

• Cloud strategy (AWS/Azure/GCP)
• Security frameworks (Zero Trust, compliance)
• Technology standards
• FinOps and cost governance

/arckit.stakeholders → Analyze stakeholder drivers, goals, and outcomes

Do this BEFORE business case to understand who cares about the project and why:

• Identify all stakeholders (internal and external)
• Document underlying drivers (strategic, operational, financial, compliance, risk, personal)
• Map drivers to SMART goals
• Map goals to measurable outcomes
• Create Stakeholder → Driver → Goal → Outcome traceability
• Identify conflicts and synergies
• Define engagement and communication strategies

/arckit.risk → Create comprehensive risk register (Orange Book)

Do this BEFORE business case to identify and assess risks systematically:

• Follow HM Treasury Orange Book 2023 framework
• Identify risks across 6 categories (Strategic, Operational, Financial, Compliance, Reputational, Technology)
• Assess inherent risk (before controls) and residual risk (after controls)
• Apply 4Ts response framework (Tolerate, Treat, Transfer, Terminate)
• Link every risk to stakeholder from RACI matrix
• Monitor risk appetite compliance
• Feed into SOBC Management Case Part E

/arckit.sobc → Create Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC)

Do this BEFORE requirements to justify investment and secure approval:

• Use HM Treasury Green Book 5-case model (Strategic, Economic, Commercial, Financial, Management)
• Analyze strategic options (Do Nothing, Minimal, Balanced, Comprehensive)
• Map benefits to stakeholder goals (complete traceability)
• Provide high-level cost estimates (Rough Order of Magnitude)
• Economic appraisal (ROI range, payback period)
• Procurement and funding strategy
• Governance and risk management (uses risk register)
• Enable go/no-go decision BEFORE detailed requirements work

/arckit.requirements → Document comprehensive requirements

Create detailed requirements informed by stakeholder goals (if SOBC approved):

• Business requirements with rationale
• Functional requirements with acceptance criteria
• Non-functional requirements (performance, security, scalability, compliance)
• Integration requirements (upstream/downstream systems)
• Data requirements (DR-xxx)
• Success criteria and KPIs

/arckit.platform-design → Design multi-sided platform strategy using Platform Design Toolkit

Use this phase when designing ecosystem-based platforms (Government as a Platform, marketplaces, data platforms):

• Ecosystem Canvas: Map supply side, demand side, supporting entities with relationship diagrams
• Entity-Role Portraits: Deep dive into 3-5 key entities (context, pressures, goals, gains)
• Motivations Matrix: Identify synergies and conflicts across entities with mitigation strategies
• Transactions Board: Design 10-20 transactions with cost reduction analysis (search, information, negotiation, coordination, enforcement)
• Learning Engine Canvas: 5+ services that help participants improve (data, feedback loops, network effects)
• Platform Experience Canvas: Journey maps with business model and unit economics
• MVP Canvas: Liquidity bootstrapping strategy to solve chicken-and-egg problem
• Platform Design Canvas: Synthesize all 8 canvases into cohesive platform strategy
• UK Government Context: Aligns with Government as a Platform (GaaP), TCoP Point 8 (share/reuse), Digital Marketplace

Use Cases: NHS appointment booking, local authority data marketplaces, training procurement platforms, citizen services portals

/arckit.data-model → Create comprehensive data model with ERD

Create data model based on Data Requirements (DR-xxx):

• Visual Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD) using Mermaid
• Detailed entity catalog with attributes, types, validation rules
• PII identification and GDPR/DPA 2018 compliance
• Data governance matrix (business owners, stewards, custodians)
• CRUD matrix showing component access patterns
• Data integration mapping (upstream sources, downstream consumers)
• Data quality framework with measurable metrics
• Requirements traceability (DR-xxx → Entity → Attribute)

/arckit.dpia → Generate DPIA for UK GDPR Article 35 compliance

MANDATORY for high-risk processing - assess privacy risks before technology selection:

• ICO 9-criteria automated screening (sensitive data, large scale, vulnerable subjects, AI/ML, etc.)
• Auto-populated from data model (entities, PII, special category data, lawful basis)
• Risk assessment focused on impact on individuals (privacy harm, discrimination)
• Data subject rights implementation checklist (SAR, deletion, portability)
• Children's data assessment (age verification, parental consent)
• AI/ML algorithmic processing assessment (bias, explainability, human oversight)
• ICO prior consultation flagging for high residual risks
• International transfer safeguards (SCCs, BCRs, adequacy decisions)
• Bidirectional links to risk register (DPIA-xxx risk IDs)
• Links mitigations to Secure by Design security controls

/arckit.datascout → Discover external data sources

Discover and evaluate external data sources to fulfil project data requirements:

• Data needs extraction from DR/FR/INT/NFR requirements
• UK Government open data portals (data.gov.uk, ONS, NHS Digital, Companies House, OS Data Hub)
• Commercial API providers and data marketplaces
• Free/freemium APIs and open source datasets
• Weighted evaluation scoring (Requirements Fit, Data Quality, License & Cost, API Quality, Compliance, Reliability)
• Gap analysis for unmet data needs
• Data model impact assessment (new entities, attributes, sync strategy)
• Requirements traceability (every DR-xxx mapped to a source or flagged as gap)
• TCoP Point 10 compliance (Make Better Use of Data)

/arckit.research → Research technology, services, and products

Research available solutions to meet requirements with build vs buy analysis:

• Dynamic category detection from requirements (authentication, payments, databases, etc.)
• Commercial SaaS options with pricing, reviews, and ratings (WebSearch)
• Open source alternatives with GitHub stats and community maturity
• UK Government GOV.UK platforms (One Login, Pay, Notify, Forms)
• Digital Marketplace suppliers (G-Cloud, DOS)
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) comparison (3-year)
• Build vs Buy vs Adopt recommendations
• Vendor shortlisting for deeper evaluation
• Integration with Wardley mapping (evolution positioning)
• Feeds into SOBC Economic Case (cost data, options analysis)

/arckit.grants → Research UK government grants, charitable funding, and accelerator programmes

Identify and evaluate funding opportunities with eligibility scoring:

• UK Innovate UK grants and R&D funding (e.g. Smart Grants, KTP, SBRI)
• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding calls
• Charitable foundations and philanthropic funding (e.g. National Lottery Heritage Fund, Wellcome Trust)
• Accelerator and incubator programmes (e.g. DCMS, DSIT-backed cohorts)
• EU Horizon Europe successor funding open to UK entities
• Eligibility scoring matrix against project requirements and stakeholder profile
• Application timeline, deadlines, and award values
• Strategic fit assessment (alignment with project goals and public sector context)
• Outputs a structured GRNT funding opportunity register

/arckit.wardley → Create strategic Wardley Maps

Visualize strategic positioning with:

• Component evolution analysis (Genesis → Custom → Product → Commodity)
• Build vs Buy decision framework
• Vendor comparison and procurement strategy
• UK Government Digital Marketplace mapping
• Evolution predictions and strategic gameplay

/arckit.roadmap → Create multi-year architecture roadmap

Create strategic roadmap for multi-year transformation programs:

• Multi-year timeline: 3-5 year roadmap with Mermaid Gantt chart aligned to financial years (FY 2024/25, etc.)
• Strategic themes: Cloud migration, data modernization, security & compliance, DevOps transformation
• Capability evolution: Maturity progression from L1 (Initial) to L5 (Optimized) over time
• Investment planning: CAPEX/OPEX budget by financial year, ROI projections, benefits realization
• Governance framework: ARB monthly, Programme Board monthly, Steering Committee quarterly
• Service Standard gates: Alpha/Beta/Live assessment milestones (UK Government)
• Dependencies: Mermaid flowchart showing initiative sequencing and critical path
• Success metrics: Cloud adoption %, technical debt reduction, deployment frequency, time to market
• Traceability: Links roadmap themes to stakeholder drivers, architecture principles, requirements
• UK Government specifics: Spending Review alignment, TCoP compliance timeline, NCSC CAF progression

Use this when: You have a multi-year transformation program with multiple initiatives running in parallel. Roadmaps are strategic (multi-year, multi-initiative, executive communication) vs project plans which are tactical (single initiative, detailed tasks, team execution).

Roadmap feeds into: /arckit.plan for detailed phase execution, /arckit.sobc for investment business case, /arckit.backlog for prioritized user stories, /arckit.strategy for executive-level synthesis.

/arckit.strategy → Synthesise strategic artifacts into executive-level Architecture Strategy

Create a comprehensive Architecture Strategy document that synthesises multiple strategic artifacts into a single coherent narrative:

• Strategic vision: 2-3 paragraphs articulating the transformation vision and success definition
• Strategic drivers: Summarised from stakeholder analysis with external drivers (regulatory, market, technology)
• Guiding principles: Key principles with strategic implications, compliance summary
• Current state assessment: Technology landscape, capability maturity baseline (L1-L5), technical debt, SWOT
• Target state vision: Future architecture, capability maturity targets, architecture vision diagram
• Technology evolution: Build vs buy decisions, technology radar (Adopt/Trial/Assess/Hold) from Wardley maps
• Strategic themes: 3-5 investment themes with objectives, initiatives, success criteria, principles alignment
• Delivery roadmap summary: Timeline, phases, milestones from roadmap artifact
• Investment summary: CAPEX/OPEX, NPV, IRR, payback period, benefits realisation from SOBC
• Strategic risks: Top risks with heat map, assumptions, constraints from risk register
• Success metrics: KPIs with baselines and year-over-year targets
• Governance model: Forums, decision rights, review cadence
• Traceability: Driver → Goal → Outcome → Theme → Principle → KPI chain

Use this when: You have multiple strategic artifacts (principles, stakeholders, wardley, roadmap, sobc) and need to create a single executive-level document that synthesises them into a coherent strategy. Ideal for Strategy Board presentations, executive briefings, or stakeholder communication.

Unique requirement: This is the only ArcKit command with TWO mandatory inputs (principles AND stakeholders). Strategy cannot be created without understanding both the decision framework and the stakeholder drivers.

Strategy feeds into: /arckit.requirements for detailed requirements, /arckit.roadmap for expanded timeline, /arckit.plan for project delivery.

/arckit.adr → Document architectural decisions

Create Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) following MADR v4.0 format enhanced with UK Government requirements:

• Decision metadata: Sequential numbering (ADR-001, ADR-002), status (Proposed/Accepted/Superseded), escalation level (Team/Cross-team/Department/Cross-government)
• Stakeholder RACI: Deciders (accountable), Consulted (SMEs, two-way), Informed (one-way communication)
• Context and problem statement: Why this decision is needed, business/technical/regulatory drivers
• Decision drivers: Technical forces (performance, security, scalability), business forces (cost, time), compliance forces (GDS Service Standard, TCoP, NCSC, UK GDPR)
• Options analysis: Minimum 2-3 options plus "Do Nothing" baseline, each with pros/cons, cost (CAPEX/OPEX/TCO), GDS Service Standard impact, Wardley evolution stage
• Y-Statement: Structured justification - "In the context of X, facing Y, we decided for Z to achieve A, accepting B"
• Consequences: Positive (benefits, capabilities), Negative (trade-offs, technical debt), Neutral (training, infrastructure), Risks and mitigations
• Validation: How implementation will be verified (design reviews, code reviews, testing, monitoring)
• Traceability: Links to requirements, principles, stakeholders, research, Wardley maps, diagrams, risk register
• UK Government specifics: Escalation levels (Team → Cross-team → Department → Cross-government), governance forums (ARB, TDA, Programme Board), Service Standard/TCoP compliance documentation

Use this when: Making significant architectural decisions that affect system structure, quality attributes, or behavior - technology choices (databases, frameworks, cloud services), integration patterns, security approaches, deployment strategies, data management.

ADR feeds into: /arckit.diagram (architecture diagrams reflect decisions), /arckit.hld-review and /arckit.dld-review (reviews verify decisions implemented), /arckit.traceability (decisions are key traceability artifacts).

/arckit.sow → Generate Statement of Work (RFP)

Create RFP-ready documents with:

• Scope of work and deliverables
• Technical requirements
• Vendor qualifications
• Evaluation criteria
• Contract terms

/arckit.dos → Digital Outcomes and Specialists (DOS) procurement 🇬🇧

For UK public sector organizations needing custom development:

• Generate DOS-compliant procurement documentation
• Extract requirements from project artifacts (BR/FR/NFR/INT/DR)
• Essential vs desirable skills from requirements
• Success criteria (technology-agnostic)
• Evaluation framework (40% Technical, 30% Team, 20% Quality, 10% Value)
• Audit-ready documentation for Digital Marketplace

/arckit.gcloud-search → G-Cloud service search with live marketplace search 🇬🇧

For UK public sector organizations needing off-the-shelf cloud services:

• Generate G-Cloud requirements document
• Live Digital Marketplace search using WebSearch
• Find actual services with suppliers, prices, features, links
• Service comparison table with recommendations
• Shortlist top 3-5 matching services
• Links to Digital Marketplace guidance (gov.uk)

/arckit.gcloud-clarify → G-Cloud service validation and gap analysis 🇬🇧

Validate G-Cloud services and generate supplier clarification questions:

• Systematic gap analysis (MUST/SHOULD requirements vs service descriptions)
• Detect gaps: ✅ Confirmed, ⚠️ Ambiguous, ❌ Not mentioned
• Generate prioritised questions (🔴 Critical / 🟠 High / 🔵 Medium / 🟢 Low)
• Risk assessment matrix for each service
• Email templates for supplier engagement
• Evidence requirements specification
• Next steps checklist

/arckit.evaluate → Create vendor evaluation framework

Set up systematic scoring:

• Technical evaluation criteria (100 points)
• Cost evaluation methodology
• Reference check templates
• Decision matrix

/arckit.evaluate (compare mode) → Compare vendor proposals

Side-by-side analysis of:

• Technical approaches
• Cost breakdowns
• Risk assessments
• Value propositions

/arckit.hld-review → Review High-Level Design

Validate designs against:

• Architecture principles compliance
• Requirements coverage
• Security and compliance
• Scalability and resilience
• Operational readiness

/arckit.dld-review → Review Detailed Design

Implementation-ready validation:

• Component specifications
• API contracts (OpenAPI)
• Database schemas
• Security implementation
• Test strategy

/arckit.backlog → Generate prioritised product backlog

Transform requirements into sprint-ready user stories:

• Convert requirements (BR/FR/NFR/INT/DR) to GDS-format user stories
• Multi-factor prioritization (MoSCoW + risk + value + dependencies)
• Organise into sprint plan with capacity balancing
• Generate traceability matrix (requirements → stories → sprints)
• Export to Jira/Azure DevOps (CSV) or custom tools (JSON)
• Time savings: 75%+ (4-6 weeks → 3-5 days)

When to run: After HLD approval, before Sprint 1 (Alpha → Beta transition)

/arckit.trello → Export product backlog to Trello

Push your backlog directly to Trello for sprint execution:

• Create Trello board with sprint-based lists (Product Backlog + per-sprint + In Progress + Done)
• Cards with priority labels, story points, and acceptance criteria checklists
• Colour-coded labels by MoSCoW priority and requirement type
• Rate-limit-aware Trello API integration
• Requires TRELLO_API_KEY and TRELLO_TOKEN environment variables

When to run: After /arckit.backlog generates the product backlog (requires JSON export)

/arckit.servicenow → Generate ServiceNow service design

Bridge architecture to operations:

• CMDB design (derived from architecture diagrams)
• SLA definitions (derived from NFRs)
• Incident management design
• Change management plan
• Monitoring and alerting plan
• Service transition plan

/arckit.traceability → Generate traceability matrix

Ensure complete coverage:

• Requirements → Design mapping
• Design → Test mapping
• Gap analysis and orphan detection
• Change impact tracking

/arckit.analyze → Comprehensive governance quality analysis

Periodically assess governance quality across all artifacts:

• Architecture principles compliance
• Requirements coverage and traceability
• Stakeholder alignment verification
• Risk management completeness
• Design review quality
• Documentation completeness and quality
• Gap identification and recommendations

When to use: Run periodically (before milestones, design reviews, or procurement decisions) to identify gaps and ensure governance standards are maintained.

For UK Government and public sector projects:

/arckit.service-assessment → GDS Service Standard assessment preparation

Prepare for mandatory GDS Service Standard assessments:

• Analyze evidence against all 14 Service Standard points
• Identify gaps for alpha, beta, or live assessments
• Generate RAG (Red/Amber/Green) ratings and overall readiness score
• Provide actionable recommendations with priorities and timelines
• Include assessment day preparation guidance
• Map ArcKit artifacts to Service Standard evidence requirements

Run at end of Discovery (for alpha prep), mid-Beta (for beta prep), or before Live to ensure readiness.

/arckit.tcop → Technology Code of Practice assessment

Assess compliance with all 13 TCoP points:

• Point 1: Define user needs
• Point 2: Make things accessible
• Point 3: Be open and use open source
• Point 4: Make use of open standards
• Point 5: Use cloud first
• Point 6: Make things secure
• Point 7: Make privacy integral
• Point 8: Share, reuse and collaborate
• Point 9: Integrate and adapt technology
• Point 10: Make better use of data
• Point 11: Define your purchasing strategy
• Point 12: Meet the Digital Spend Controls
• Point 13: Define your responsible AI use

/arckit.secure → UK Government Secure by Design assessment

Security compliance assessment:

• NCSC Cloud Security Principles
• NCSC Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF)
• Cyber Essentials / Cyber Essentials Plus
• UK GDPR and DPA 2018 compliance
• Security architecture review
• Threat modeling

/arckit.ai-playbook → UK Government AI Playbook compliance (for AI systems)

Responsible AI assessment:

• AI ethics principles
• Transparency and explainability
• Fairness and bias mitigation
• Data governance for AI
• Human oversight mechanisms
• Impact assessment

/arckit.atrs → Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard

Generate ATRS record for algorithmic decision-making:

• Algorithm details and logic
• Purpose and use case
• Data sources and data quality
• Performance metrics and monitoring
• Impact assessment and mitigation

For MOD Projects:

/arckit.mod-secure → MOD Secure by Design assessment

MOD-specific security compliance:

• JSP 440 (Defence Project & Programme Management)
• Information Assurance Maturity Model (IAMM)
• MOD Security clearances and vetting
• STRAP classification handling
• Security Operating Procedures (SyOPs)
• Supplier attestation requirements

/arckit.jsp-936 → MOD JSP 936 AI Assurance Documentation

For defence projects using AI/ML systems:

• JSP 936 (Dependable Artificial Intelligence in Defence)
• 5 Ethical Principles (Human-Centricity, Responsibility, Understanding, Bias & Harm Mitigation, Reliability)
• 5 Risk Classification Levels (Critical to Minor)
• 8 AI Lifecycle Phases (Planning to Quality Assurance)
• Approval pathways (2PUS/Ministerial → Defence-Level → TLB-Level)
• RAISOs and Ethics Manager governance
• Human-AI teaming strategy and continuous monitoring

/arckit.story → Generate comprehensive project story

Create narrative historical record with complete timeline analysis:

• Timeline Analysis: 4 visualization types (Gantt chart, linear flowchart, detailed table, phase duration pie chart)
• Timeline Metrics: Project duration, velocity, phase analysis, critical path identification
• Complete Timeline: All events from git log or file modification dates with days-from-start
• 8 Narrative Chapters: Foundation → Business Case → Requirements → Research → Procurement → Design → Delivery → Compliance
• Traceability Demonstration: End-to-end chains with Mermaid diagrams showing stakeholder → goals → requirements → stories → sprints
• Governance Achievements: Showcase compliance (TCoP, Service Standard, NCSC CAF), risk management, decision rationale
• Strategic Context: Wardley Map insights, build vs buy decisions, vendor selection rationale
• Lessons Learned: Pacing analysis, timeline deviations, recommendations for future projects
• Comprehensive Appendices: Artifact register, chronological activity log, DSM, command reference, glossary

When to use: At project milestones or completion to create shareable story for stakeholders, leadership, or portfolio reporting. Perfect for demonstrating systematic governance and ArcKit workflow value.

/arckit.presentation → Generate MARP slide deck from project artifacts

Create presentation slides from existing architecture artifacts:

• MARP Format: Markdown-based slides with --- separators — exports to PDF, PPTX, or HTML
• Focus Modes: Executive (board-level), Technical (architecture detail), Stakeholder (benefits-focused), Procurement (RFP briefings)
• Artifact-Driven: Reads all available project artifacts and extracts key content into slides
• Mermaid Diagrams: Gantt charts, C4 diagrams, pie charts, and quadrant charts embedded natively
• Configurable: Choose slide count (6-8, 10-12, 15-20) and MARP theme (default, gaia, uncover)
• Doc type code: PRES

When to use: Before governance boards, stakeholder briefings, gate reviews, or quarterly portfolio presentations. Run after creating most project artifacts for the richest slide deck.

/arckit.pages → Generate documentation site

Publish all project documentation as an interactive website:

• Static Site Generation: Generates docs/index.html and docs/manifest.json — deployable to any static host (GitHub Pages, Netlify, Vercel, S3, etc.)
• Mermaid Diagram Rendering: All architecture diagrams render inline with mermaid.js
• Project Navigation: Sidebar with collapsible project tree, document categories, and version badges — documents with multiple versions show an inline dropdown selector
• GOV.UK Styling: Professional government design system styling
• Document Index: Manifest.json provides programmatic access to all artifacts
• LLM Discovery: Generates docs/llms.txt (llmstxt.org format) so LLM agents and crawlers can index every artifact, guide, and project. Hand-curated docs/llms.txt files (without the ArcKit generation marker) are preserved on re-runs

When to use: When you want to share project documentation with stakeholders via a professional web interface, or to create a portfolio view of all architecture artifacts.

Platform Support: ArcKit is developed and tested on Linux. Windows has limited support — hooks (session init, project context, filename validation, MCP auto-allow) require bash and jq which are not available on stock Windows. For the best experience on Windows, use a devcontainer or WSL2.

Claude Code is the primary development platform for ArcKit and provides capabilities not available in other formats:

Agents run research-heavy commands (market research, data source discovery, cloud service evaluation) in isolated context windows, keeping the main conversation clean and enabling dozens of WebSearch/WebFetch/MCP calls without context bloat.

Hooks provide automated governance: filenames are auto-corrected to ArcKit conventions, project context is injected into every prompt so commands know what artifacts exist, MCP tools are auto-approved, and generated outputs like Wardley Maps are validated for mathematical consistency before being finalized.

Gemini CLI provides a strong experience with all commands and MCP servers but lacks agent delegation and hooks. GitHub Copilot provides all 68 commands as prompt files and 10 custom agents but lacks hooks and MCP servers. Codex CLI and OpenCode CLI provide core command functionality but require manual setup and arckit init scaffolding.

Claude Code automatically exposes ArcKit commands as skills (they appear in the skills list and can be matched by natural language). ArcKit intentionally uses slash commands rather than standalone skills because:

• Deliberate invocation required — Every command generates a heavyweight governance document (requirements spec, risk register, DPIA, etc.). Auto-triggering from conversational intent would waste significant time and tokens.
• Dependency ordering — Commands follow a deliberate sequence (principles → stakeholders → requirements → data-model → etc.). Skills that auto-trigger could run out of order.
• User input via $ARGUMENTS — Most commands accept context from the user (project name, scope, constraints). The command system handles this with $ARGUMENTS substitution.
• Best of both worlds — Since Claude Code exposes commands as skills automatically, users get explicit /arckit.requirements invocation AND natural language matching when Claude recognises intent — no restructuring needed.

For GitHub Copilot users in VS Code, ArcKit commands are delivered as prompt files and custom agents:

# Install and create project (3 steps, zero config)
pip install git+https://github.com/tractorjuice/arc-kit.git
arckit init my-project --ai copilot
cd my-project && code .

# Then use ArcKit commands in Copilot Chat
/arckit-principles Create principles for financial services
/arckit-stakeholders Analyze stakeholders for cloud migration
/arckit-requirements Create comprehensive requirements

This creates .github/prompts/arckit-*.prompt.md (67 prompt files), .github/agents/arckit-*.agent.md (9 custom agents), and .github/copilot-instructions.md (repo-wide context).

For OpenAI Codex CLI users, ArcKit commands are delivered as skills and auto-discovered:

# Install and create project (3 steps, zero config)
pip install git+https://github.com/tractorjuice/arc-kit.git
arckit init my-project --ai codex
cd my-project && codex

# Then use ArcKit skills
$arckit-principles Create principles for financial services
$arckit-stakeholders Analyze stakeholders for cloud migration
$arckit-requirements Create comprehensive requirements

See .codex/README.md for full Codex CLI setup and usage.

ArcKit creates this structure:

payment-modernization/
├── .arckit/
│   ├── scripts/
│   │   └── bash/                          # Automation scripts
│   ├── templates/                         # Default templates (refreshed by arckit init)
│   └── templates-custom/                  # Your customizations (preserved across updates)
├── projects/
│   ├── 000-global/
│   │   └── ARC-000-PRIN-v1.0.md          # Global principles
│   └── 001-payment-gateway/
│       ├── ARC-001-STKE-v1.0.md           # Stakeholder analysis
│       ├── ARC-001-RISK-v1.0.md           # Risk register (Orange Book)
│       ├── ARC-001-SOBC-v1.0.md           # Strategic Outline Business Case
│       ├── ARC-001-REQ-v1.0.md            # Comprehensive requirements
│       ├── ARC-001-DATA-v1.0.md           # Data model with ERD, GDPR compliance
│       ├── wardley-maps/                   # Strategic Wardley Maps
│       │   ├── ARC-001-WARD-001-v1.0.md   # Current architecture positioning
│       │   ├── ARC-001-WARD-002-v1.0.md   # Target architecture vision
│       │   ├── ARC-001-WARD-003-v1.0.md   # Gap analysis
│       │   └── ARC-001-WARD-004-v1.0.md   # Build vs buy decisions
│       ├── ARC-001-SOW-v1.0.md            # Statement of Work (RFP)
│       ├── ARC-001-EVAL-v1.0.md           # Vendor evaluation framework
│       ├── vendors/
│       │   ├── acme-corp/
│       │   │   ├── proposal.pdf
│       │   │   ├── scoring.md
│       │   │   ├── hld-v1.md
│       │   │   └── reviews/
│       │   │       └── hld-v1-review.md
│       │   ├── beta-systems/
│       │   │   └── ...
│       │   └── comparison.md
│       ├── ARC-001-SNOW-v1.0.md           # Service management design
│       ├── ARC-001-TRAC-v1.0.md           # Traceability matrix
│       └── final/
│           ├── selected-vendor.md
│           ├── approved-hld.md
│           └── dld/
├── .agents/skills/                        # Codex CLI skills (auto-discovered)
├── .codex/
│   ├── agents/                            # Agent configs
│   └── config.toml                        # MCP servers + agent roles
├── .github/
│   ├── prompts/arckit-*.prompt.md         # GitHub Copilot prompt files (68 commands)
│   ├── agents/arckit-*.agent.md           # GitHub Copilot custom agents (10 agents)
│   └── copilot-instructions.md            # Repo-wide Copilot context
└── .opencode/commands/                    # OpenCode CLI commands

Customize ArcKit templates without modifying defaults:

# Inside your AI assistant
/arckit.customize requirements   # Copy requirements template for editing
/arckit.customize all            # Copy all templates
/arckit.customize list           # See available templates

How it works:

• Default templates live in .arckit/templates/ (refreshed by arckit init)
• Your customizations go in .arckit/templates-custom/ (preserved across updates)
• Commands automatically check for custom templates first, falling back to defaults

Common customizations:

• Add organization-specific document control fields
• Include mandatory compliance sections (ISO 27001, PCI-DSS)
• Add department-specific approval workflows
• Customize UK Government classification banners

All 67 ArcKit commands with maturity status and example outputs from public test repositories (20 test repos, v0–v19).

These commands use Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers to access authoritative cloud provider documentation in real-time. The Claude Code plugin bundles both MCP servers automatically. Gemini and Codex users need to install them separately.

Note: The Google Developer Knowledge MCP requires an API key (GOOGLE_API_KEY environment variable). See the GCP Research guide for setup instructions.

These commands use the govreposcrape MCP server to search 24,500+ UK government repositories. The Claude Code plugin bundles the MCP server automatically. No API key required.

ArcKit uses Wardley Maps to expose the strategic position of every component before you commit to a solution. The /arckit.wardley command produces ready-to-visualise maps that:

• Trace user needs through the supporting value chain so gaps and duplicated effort are obvious.
• Plot evolution from Genesis → Commodity to reveal when to build, buy, reuse, or retire capabilities.
• Feed procurement, vendor evaluation, and design reviews with shared situational awareness.

Maps are emitted in the Open Wardley Map format — paste them straight into https://create.wardleymaps.ai for a visual view. Full example outputs live in the public demos such as arckit-test-project-v3-windows11 (enterprise OS rollout strategy) and arckit-test-project-v14-scottish-courts (GenAI platform strategy).

ArcKit generates visual architecture diagrams using Mermaid for clear technical communication.

Architecture diagrams visualize system structure, interactions, and deployment for:

• Technical Communication: Share architecture with stakeholders
• Design Documentation: Document current and future state
• Vendor Evaluation: Compare vendor technical approaches
• UK Government Compliance: Visualize Cloud First, GOV.UK services, PII handling

ArcKit supports 6 essential diagram types based on the C4 Model and enterprise architecture best practices:

Use /arckit.diagram directly, or supply an explicit type such as context, container, sequence, or dataflow. Outputs bundle component inventories with Wardley evolution tags, built-in GOV.UK compliance scaffolding (Notify, Pay, Design System), Cloud First network patterns, GDPR annotations, and traceability back to requirements and tests. For full examples, browse the diagram folders in arckit-test-project-v3-windows11 and arckit-test-project-v14-scottish-courts.

ArcKit turns architecture artefacts into an operations-ready ServiceNow pack. The /arckit.servicenow command builds:

• CMDB hierarchies, SLAs, and change risk straight from requirements, diagrams, and Wardley Maps.
• ITIL-aligned runbooks covering incident, change, monitoring, and transition activities.
• UK government extras such as GDS Service Standard, Technology Code of Practice, and GOV.UK Pay/Notify dependencies when relevant.

For full outputs, explore the public demos (for example arckit-test-project-v3-windows11) where the generated ServiceNow design files and checklists are published end-to-end.

Key references live in docs/ and top-level guides:

• Quick tour: docs/index.html mirrors the public landing page.
• Lifecycle visuals: WORKFLOW-DIAGRAMS.md and DEPENDENCY-MATRIX.md cover command flow and relationships.
• Core guides: docs/guides/principles.md, docs/guides/requirements.md, docs/guides/procurement.md, docs/guides/design-review.md.
• Traceability: docs/guides/traceability.md documents end-to-end coverage patterns.
• DDaT Role Guides: docs/guides/roles/ — 18 guides mapping ArcKit commands to UK Government DDaT Capability Framework roles (Enterprise Architect, Solution Architect, Product Manager, etc.).

• Python 3.11+
• Git (optional but recommended)
• AI Coding Agent: Claude Code v2.1.112+ (via plugin), Gemini CLI (via extension), OpenCode CLI (via CLI), or OpenAI Codex CLI (via CLI)
• uv for package management: Install uv

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/tractorjuice/arc-kit.git
cd arc-kit

# Install in development mode
pip install -e .

# Run the CLI
arckit init my-project

Full guidance lives in docs/ and the static site.

• Quick tour: docs/index.html (mirrors the public landing page).
• Core guides: docs/guides/principles.md, docs/guides/requirements.md, docs/guides/procurement.md, docs/guides/design-review.md.
• Reference packs: WORKFLOW-DIAGRAMS.md and DEPENDENCY-MATRIX.md cover lifecycle visualisations and the 67×67 command matrix.
• Traceability: docs/guides/traceability.md documents end-to-end requirements coverage.

ArcKit is inspired by Spec Kit but targets a different audience:

We welcome contributions! Please see CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines.

Areas we need help:

• Integration with enterprise tools (Jira, Azure DevOps)
• Additional AI agent support
• Template improvements based on real-world usage
• Documentation and examples
• ServiceNow API integration for automated CI creation

Use the /loop command to run health checks on a recurring interval during long architecture sessions:

/loop 30m /arckit.health SEVERITY=HIGH

This runs /arckit.health every 30 minutes, surfacing stale research, forgotten ADRs, and unresolved review conditions as they appear.

If you see: API Error: Claude's response exceeded the 32000 output token maximum

The Problem: ArcKit generates large documents that can exceed Claude's 32K token output limit.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Your Claude subscription plan determines the maximum tokens:

• 🔴 Free/Pro plans: 32K max (cannot be increased)
• ✅ Team/Enterprise plans: Can increase to 64K via environment variable

Solutions:

1. For Team/Enterprise plans - Increase token limit:

   export CLAUDE_CODE_MAX_OUTPUT_TOKENS=64000

2. For ALL plans (including Free/Pro) - Use Write tool strategy:

   User: /arckit.requirements but write directly to file using Write tool, show me only a summary
   

   This tells Claude to use the Write tool to create the file (doesn't count toward output tokens) and only show you a summary.

Which commands are affected?

• 🔴 HIGH RISK: /arckit.sobc, /arckit.requirements, /arckit.data-model, /arckit.sow
• 🟢 MITIGATED (agent): /arckit.research, /arckit.datascout, /arckit.aws-research, /arckit.azure-research, /arckit.gcp-research, /arckit.gov-reuse, /arckit.gov-code-search, /arckit.gov-landscape, /arckit.grants — run as autonomous agents in separate context windows
• 🟡 MEDIUM RISK: /arckit.risk, /arckit.evaluate, /arckit.principles

See full guide: docs/TOKEN-LIMITS.md

Command not found: Ensure commands are available

# For Codex, check if skills directory exists
ls .agents/skills/arckit-principles/SKILL.md

# For Claude Code, install the ArcKit plugin:
# /plugin marketplace add tractorjuice/arc-kit

# For Gemini CLI, install the ArcKit extension:
# gemini extensions install https://github.com/tractorjuice/arckit-gemini

# For GitHub Copilot, check if prompt files exist
ls .github/prompts/arckit-*.prompt.md

# For OpenCode CLI, check if commands directory exists
ls .opencode/commands/

Template not found: Ensure you've run /arckit.principles first

# Check if templates exist
ls templates/

Project creation fails: Ensure you have an ArcKit repository initialized

# Initialize if needed
arckit init .

• Issues: GitHub Issues
• Releases: GitHub Releases
• Latest Version: v4.6.12

MIT License - see LICENSE for details

ArcKit is inspired by the methodology and patterns from Spec Kit, adapted for enterprise architecture governance workflows.

Built with ❤️ for enterprise architects who want systematic, AI-assisted governance.