If you are preparing for the Professional Cloud Architect exam, you probably know already that Google has updated the exam and refreshed the case studies that will be part of the test. One of the scenarios I've been asked about most is the KnightMotives Automotive case study. This article will look a little closer at what you need to know to pass.
The KnightMotives Automotive case study describes a car manufacturer that is trying to pivot from simply building vehicles to creating a complete automotive experience using artificial intelligence.
KnightMotives is at a difficult turning point. While their new electric vehicles have great tech, their hybrid and traditional engine models are falling behind and are viewed poorly by critics and drivers. For an architect, this scenario is about modernizing a massive, legacy-heavy organization while dealing with real-world physical constraints like manufacturing plants and rural connectivity.
Navigating Massive Technical Debt
Probably the most notable part of the KnightMotives environment is the sheer amount of legacy technology they still use. Their supply chain runs on an outdated mainframe, and their Enterprise Resource Planning system is so old that they struggle to even implement new dealer discounts. They also deal with fragmented code bases across different car models, which creates huge amounts of technical debt from supporting backwards compatibility.
On the exam, you should focus on their requirement for a hybrid cloud strategy. Because they have manufacturing plants and sensitive corporate data, they are not moving everything to the cloud overnight. You will need to know how to gradually replace legacy systems with cloud-native infrastructure while ensuring that the new systems can still talk to the old mainframe during the transition.
Revolutionizing the In-Vehicle Experience
KnightMotives wants to use Artificial Intelligence to revolutionize not just the car itself, but the entire shopping and service process. They want a consistent user experience across all models, which means updating hardware and software in older cars to support new AI features.
As a student, you should look into how Google Cloud can support autonomous vehicle development. This requires a robust simulation environment and cutting-edge machine learning technologies. A major challenge mentioned in the case study is network connectivity. You might see questions about how to support real-time AI features in rural areas where vehicle connectivity is unreliable.
Data Monetization and Security
A unique business requirement for KnightMotives is the desire to monetize their corporate data to help pay for these new technology investments. They want to turn their driving, road condition, and behavioral data into a new revenue stream.
However, security is a paramount concern for them due to past data breaches. They also have to follow strict European Union data protection regulations for their autonomous platforms. When you are designing a solution for KnightMotives, you must prioritize a comprehensive security framework that protects against cyber threats while still allowing for a scalable AI and machine learning infrastructure.
Bridging the Dealer Gap
Finally, KnightMotives needs to fix its relationship with dealers. Their current online ordering system is unreliable, and dealers are frustrated because the data they need is not being delivered. They want to create a better build-to-order model that provides transparency for both the customer and the dealer.
To help them, you may need to recommend a modern Customer Relationship Management system and better tooling for mechanics and sales staff. On the exam, always look for solutions that improve communication between the business and technical teams. KnightMotives is not just looking for a technical upgrade; they are looking for a complete digital transformation that makes life easier for their employees, their dealers, and their drivers.
If you're interested in preparing for the Professional Cloud Architect exam, you can take my course here. It is up to date and has a 100% pass rate so far.