Does an EA Framework make Enterprise Architecture more successful?

http://www.architecting-the-enterprise.com/blog/2014/04/questions-that-we-are-often-asked-about-the-enterprise-architecture-world-include/?utm_source=newsletter_25&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=my-ate-toolkit-issue-1

Questions that we are often asked about the Enterprise Architecture world include:

• Why are Enterprise Architects so enamoured with EA Frameworks?
• Does an EA Framework make Enterprise Architecture more successful?
• Is the EA Framework the end or the means to an end?

Whatever the size or nature of the enterprise large or small, the Enterprise Architecture is about the structure of the enterprise across a whole range of elements including the digital infrastructure. The operational Enterprise Architecture enables the enterprise to carry out its business successfully and manage change to the enterprise structure effectively to meet its business needs. With the radical changes that digital strategies and market rationalisation brings the business pressures to undertake Enterprise Architecture (EA) successfully is critical.

Unfortunately in my experience the EA capability is often poorly equipped and appreciated for the value it brings. Often decision making is/was undertaken with minimal information and implemented with even poorer skills. The net result is people do their best but it is not good enough to be determined successful and this is where EA Frameworks come in.

Frameworks help to create an environment and climate for creating better understanding of the EA requirements, determining better quality decisions in the business and by up-skilling the enterprise’s people to be able to manage all the elements of the enterprise that are impacted by change. To do this the foundation EA Frameworks need to be best practice and proven; plus the enterprise’s people need to be skilled in using them.

That is one of the reasons Architecting the Enterprise chose TOGAF® in 2002 as an evolving best practice platform method with standards and a willingness to enable enterprises to create successful EA and up-skill their people. TOGAF® is a body of knowledge about methods, tools and techniques that is backed up by credible people and a tools certification program. It is a great foundation method on which to base your Enterprise Architecture.

Personally I have championed this program and my company has been a major contributor to this evolution ever since. Why? Because it is the best chance the world has to make Enterprise Architecture really work successfully.

The ecosystem built around TOGAF® has focused on developing the best practice deliverables and using TOGAF® to help them do that. We are creating architecture understanding and skills globally so all countries benefit globally. There are very few barriers to anyone using TOGAF® – it is a free facility. To-date over 30,000 people have been TOGAF® trained and certified globally across 112 countries – that is an incredible achievement.

Furthermore enterprises are recognising that working with other enterprises is more successful when they each have an Enterprise Architecture built on best practice. The global trading world is more effective and very TOGAF® friendly.

So have we lost sight of the purpose and the end goals of Enterprise Architecture as a result?

My personal view is – we have not. Globally Enterprise Architecture is alive and kicking. I think enterprises have been overwhelmed with change and the speed at which it is kicking in because they have implemented Enterprise Architecture at a too slow rate, this needs to be accelerated now.

No longer is it good enough to just focus on the developments of today, enterprises need to expand Enterprise Architecture into all nooks and crannies of the enterprise so that as the digital strategies and market opportunities arise they can be folded into the Enterprise Architecture. That means everyone working in the enterprise as a team together to make the whole work and this is what the Enterprise Architecture Frameworks should deliver.

No longer is the framework an Architect’s magic wand protected by a restricted EA tool – the framework needs to be integrated into the way the enterprise does business covering the whole enterprise’s accountability and responsibility. If all stakeholders worked with the framework then they can contribute to and possibly “own” a piece of the Enterprise Architecture. Ownership by the stakeholders is critical to success.

The trouble is that many stakeholders shy away from ownership of the contents. It appears to be far too complicated and we have to change that. The benefit for stakeholders is that they will be well equipped to be able to change the Enterprise Architecture as the business needs to change – subject to the enterprise governance processes and collaboration with the Enterprise Architects. After all, who is the big Chief Architect of the enterprise ultimately? The CEO.

When the CEO practices Enterprise Architecture then this is the ultimate buy-in to the Enterprise Architecture Framework and one of the secrets of success. This hands the Enterprise Architecture power to the stakeholders and this is the key to future success.

Are you up to creating this stakeholder capability in your enterprise?

For more information please email an expert at:

eaexperts@architecting-the-enterprise.com