Let’s start this post by defining enterprise architecture…
What Is Enterprise Architecture?
Enterprise Architecture looks at both Business and Technology Architecture.
TechTarget calls it “a conceptual blueprint that defines the structure and operation of an organization”.
Its aims to make sure your IT investment will help you achieve your current and future objectives at the strategic level, operations level and implementation level.
What Are The Elements Of Enterprise Architecture?
As we’ve mentioned previously, Enterprise Architecture is composed of two elements – Business and Technology Architecture.
In a previous post, we mentioned that Business Architecture enables strategic planning and strategic execution.
Business architecture enables strategic planning and strategic execution.
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It is used to make sure that the business is structured in such a way it can meet its strategic objectives and achieve its Vision in the most efficient and effective way.
On the other hand, IT architecture look at Information System Architecture (how the information systems enable the business to achieve its objectives) and Technology Architecture (how the technology fits together). Here’s a visual that summarizes the elements of enterprise architecture:
What’s The Problem With Enterprise Architecture?
The problem with Enterprise Architecture is that Enterprise Architects usually see ‘Business Architecture’ activities through a ‘technical’ lens.
The problem with enterprise architecture is that enterprise architects usually see ‘Business Architecture’ activities through a ‘technical’ lens.
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They think that business concerns, problems and issues can be addressed and solved by a technology solution.
And in a lot of cases, a technology solution alone. In practice, this is not always the case. It doesn’t always work.
And it sometimes leads to high expenditure on technologies that may not deliver real value to the business.
Hence, the high failure rate in business transformation programmes!
Ideally, business and IT should operate in alignment. That said, an ideal ‘Enterprise-Business Architect’ is responsible for both the Technology elements of the Enterprise Architecture (i.e. Technology Architecture).
Many recruitment consultants fail to recognize the issues and most importantly differences between an Technology Architect, a Business Architect or someone calling themselves an Enterprise Architect when attempting to fill the position.
Remember: It’s always important to understand both Business and Technology Architecture, which together make up your Organisations Enterprise Architecture.
How Will Enterprise Architecture Benefit Your Business?
Here are the benefits of Enterprise Architecture:
- Alignment of IT strategy to business objectives
- Ability to justify technological investments in terms of quantifiable benefits to your business.
- Improvement of cyber security.
- Improvement of business strategy, projects and initiatives, outcomes, operational plans, business capabilities and investment.
- Assess the impact of your architecture artefacts from different viewpoints.
- Plan changes in your business strategy and your IT roadmap.
- Manage disruptive changes and encourage innovation and invest in the right projects.
- Deliver business services at less cost, higher quality and higher speed.
Hope that clears up for you ‘What is Enterprise Architecture’, and just as importantly who it helps you, and who manages. Let me know if you like this and what you would like to see next in the comments below. Thank you for reading this!
Sincerely,
Heath Gascoigne
P.S. Don’t forget that Enterprise Architecture looks at both Business and Technology Architecture.
Remember: Enterprise Architecture should help you achieve your current and future objectives in the strategic level, operations level and implementation level.
P.P.S. If you want to learn more about business transformation, check out The Business Transformation Playbook or download the free preview here.
For more information, visit https://hoba.tech/start-here