Introduction
In the grand tapestry of enterprise architecture, the TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) weaves a structured and comprehensive approach to guide organizations through the intricate process of creating and evolving their architectures. In this second part of our series, we delve into the Architecture Vision Phase (Phase A), a crucial step in shaping the trajectory of the architectural journey.
Setting the Stage
The Architecture Vision Phase serves as the launchpad for the entire project, setting the tone for what lies ahead. At its core, this phase aims to define the project’s scope, establish a compelling vision, and secure the necessary approvals to proceed. The foundational steps involve gaining recognition and endorsement, validating business principles, and prioritizing the baseline architecture efforts.
From Abstract to Concrete
While elements like enterprise mission, vision, strategy, and goals may already exist, the Architecture Vision Phase aims to bring clarity to these concepts within an architectural context. The vision articulates the high-level description of both Baseline and Target Architectures, serving as a bridge between abstract aspirations and concrete architectural frameworks.
Documenting the Vision
The Architecture Vision is not a mere abstract concept—it finds its tangible form in the Statement of Architecture Work. This crucial document is signed by the sponsoring organization, embodying the consensus needed to propel the project forward. Inputs to this phase include the Request for Architecture Work, business principles, goals, strategic drivers, and external reference materials.
Crafting the Vision
The process of creating an Architecture Vision involves a meticulous series of steps:
- Establishing the architecture project: Defining whether the project stands alone or is part of a larger enterprise effort.
- Identifying stakeholders and business requirements: Engaging stakeholders to unearth their visions, concerns, and requirements.
- Confirming business goals, drivers, and constraints: Ensuring alignment with overarching organizational objectives.
- Evaluating business capabilities: Assessing the organization’s capacity to deliver on the target architecture.
- Assessing business transformation readiness: Gauging the organization’s preparedness for architectural change.
- Defining scope: Articulating the breadth, depth, and coverage of the architecture.
- Confirming architecture and business principles: Ensuring alignment with established principles.
- Developing the Architecture Vision: Translating abstract concepts into a tangible vision, including business scenarios.
- Defining value propositions and KPIs: Establishing the business case, value propositions, and performance metrics.
- Identifying risks and mitigation activities: Assessing and addressing risks associated with business transformation.
- Developing the Statement of Architecture Work: Creating a comprehensive document outlining the entire architectural effort.
Deliverables of the Architecture Vision Phase
The culmination of the Architecture Vision Phase yields essential artifacts:
- Approved Statement of Architecture Work
- Refined Statements of Business Principles, Goals, and Strategic Drivers
- Architecture Principles
- Capability Assessment
- Tailored Architecture Framework
- Architecture Vision
- Communication Plan
Significance of the Statement of Architecture Work
The Statement of Architecture Work serves as the bedrock of consensus, addressing key elements such as scope, constraints, roles, responsibilities, risks, business case, and KPI metrics. It lays the groundwork for the entire Architecture Development Method, providing a shared understanding among sponsors and stakeholders.
Architecture Vision Phase Summary
Here’s a summarized tabular format of the activities in Phase A of the TOGAF Architecture Development Method:
| Step | Activity | Purpose/Objective |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Establishing the architecture project | Define if the project is standalone or part of a larger effort within the enterprise. |
| 2 | Identifying stakeholders and business requirements | Engage stakeholders to identify vision components, scope boundaries, concerns, and requirements. |
| 3 | Confirming business goals, drivers, and constraints | Ensure alignment with overarching organizational objectives. |
| 4 | Evaluating business capabilities | Assess the organization’s capacity to deliver on the target architecture. |
| 5 | Assessing business transformation readiness | Gauge the organization’s preparedness for architectural change. |
| 6 | Defining scope | Articulate the breadth, depth, coverage, and partitioning characteristics of the architecture. |
| 7 | Confirming architecture and business principles | Ensure alignment with established principles. |
| 8 | Developing the Architecture Vision | Translate abstract concepts into a tangible vision, including business scenarios. |
| 9 | Defining value propositions and KPIs | Establish the business case, value propositions, and performance metrics. |
| 10 | Identifying risks and mitigation activities | Assess and address risks associated with business transformation. |
| 11 | Developing the Statement of Architecture Work | Create a comprehensive document outlining the entire architectural effort. |
Deliverables:
- Approved Statement of Architecture Work
- Refined Statements of Business Principles, Goals, and Strategic Drivers
- Architecture Principles
- Capability Assessment
- Tailored Architecture Framework
- Architecture Vision
- Communication Plan
The Statement of Architecture Work addresses:
- Scope and constraints
- Plan(s) for architecture work
- Roles and responsibilities
- Risks and mitigating activities
- Work product performance assessments
- Business case
- KPI metrics
Summary
In essence, the Architecture Vision Phase is the architect’s canvas, where abstract ideas are transformed into tangible plans. As organizations navigate the complexities of enterprise architecture, the clarity forged in this phase becomes the guiding light for subsequent stages, ensuring a cohesive and well-defined architectural journey.
In Phase A of the TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM), the Architecture Vision phase, a series of structured activities shape the foundation of an architectural project. These activities are geared towards defining the project’s scope, creating a compelling vision, and obtaining the necessary approvals. The key steps include establishing the architecture project, identifying stakeholders and business requirements, confirming business goals and constraints, evaluating business capabilities, assessing transformation readiness, defining scope, confirming architecture and business principles, developing the Architecture Vision, defining value propositions and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), identifying risks and mitigation activities, and finally, creating the Statement of Architecture Work.
The Statement of Architecture Work is a pivotal document signed by the sponsoring organization, providing consensus and laying the groundwork for the entire architectural effort. The deliverables of the Architecture Vision phase include not only the approved Statement of Architecture Work but also refined statements of business principles, goals, and strategic drivers, architecture principles, capability assessment, tailored architecture framework, architecture vision, and a communication plan. Together, these outputs form a comprehensive guide for the subsequent phases, ensuring a clear and cohesive architectural journey.