Three Best Practices for Successful Implementation of Enterprise Architecture Using the TOGAF® Framework

Before we know more about three best practices for successful implementation of enterprise architecture using TOGAF framework, it is important to understand what the TOGAF framework is. TOGAF – an abbreviation for The Open Group Architecture Framework – is an enterprise architecture process consisting of a process and modeling framework which provides a high-level framework for enterprise software development. The framework helps streamline the development roadmap and process by adopting a systematic approach with a view to increase accuracy by reducing errors, adhering to defined timelines, adhering to budgets and aligning IT and business units to enhance quality.

In this article we share the three best practices for successful implementation of enterprise architecture:

Think big but start small: One of the crucial success metrics for successful implementation of enterprise architecture is early value gains. Implementing enterprise architecture capability requires a succession of repetitive and incremental steps which are aligned to the organizational long term vision. Think big, start small is the key mantra with a high probability of success. Every incremental step in the process must add definitive and quantifiable value to the EA practice and priorities must be defined after a careful assessment of the needs and organizational change capacity.

Use a framework that uses a combination of process and modeling: The TOGAF framework outlines the architecture process in great depth. The Architecture Development Method (ADM) lies at the center of the TOGAF framework provides the standard for customer-focused and value development methodology for continuous development of a business capability. The ADM outlines specific deliverables during the entire duration of the architecture process (life cycle) with an emphasis on seamless communication between different stakeholders involved in the process.

Use a tool: Enterprise architecture aggregates important information that improves organizational decision making abilities exponentially – both on a strategic and operational level. This information has to be maintained and managed effectively, but more importantly, it needs to be communication to relevant stake holders at the accurate time and in the right format. Enterprise architecture has a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, each of whom need to be addressed in a language that is comprehensible by everyone. So, a tool with robust repository capabilities, flexible modeling and in-depth analysis functionalities is the most suited for the successful implementation of enterprise architecture.

The TOGAF framework is widespread, popular and provides an end-to-end framework for the successful implementation of enterprise architecture. The effectiveness of EA is enhanced when TOGAF standards are used correctly and a think big, start small approach has a high probability of success. Finally, a tool that robust repository capabilities, flexible modeling and in-depth analysis functionalities should also be included for seamless communication to different stakeholders.