GAP analysis is a crucial component of the TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM). It is applied during Phase B (Business Architecture), Phase C (Information Systems Architectures), and Phase D (Technology Architecture) of the ADM. The purpose of GAP analysis in these phases is to identify the differences between the current state (baseline architecture) and the desired future state (target architecture).

Phase B: Business Architecture

In Phase B, the GAP analysis focuses on the business architecture. The key steps include:

  1. Define the Baseline Business Architecture: Document the current state of the business architecture, including business processes, organizational structures, and business capabilities.
  2. Define the Target Business Architecture: Develop the desired future state of the business architecture, aligning it with the business goals and strategic objectives.
  3. Perform GAP Analysis: Compare the baseline and target architectures to identify gaps. This involves analyzing differences in business processes, organizational structures, and business capabilities.
  4. Develop Roadmaps: Create roadmaps that outline the steps needed to transition from the baseline to the target architecture. This includes identifying the necessary changes, prioritizing them, and developing a timeline for implementation.

Phase C: Information Systems Architectures

In Phase C, the GAP analysis is applied to both the Data Architecture and the Application Architecture. The steps include:

  1. Define the Baseline Data Architecture: Document the current state of the data architecture, including data models, data flows, and data management practices.
  2. Define the Target Data Architecture: Develop the desired future state of the data architecture, ensuring it supports the target business architecture and strategic objectives.
  3. Perform GAP Analysis: Compare the baseline and target data architectures to identify gaps. This involves analyzing differences in data models, data flows, and data management practices.
  4. Develop Roadmaps: Create roadmaps that outline the steps needed to transition from the baseline to the target data architecture.

For the Application Architecture:

  1. Define the Baseline Application Architecture: Document the current state of the application architecture, including application systems, interfaces, and integration points.
  2. Define the Target Application Architecture: Develop the desired future state of the application architecture, ensuring it supports the target business and data architectures.
  3. Perform GAP Analysis: Compare the baseline and target application architectures to identify gaps. This involves analyzing differences in application systems, interfaces, and integration points.
  4. Develop Roadmaps: Create roadmaps that outline the steps needed to transition from the baseline to the target application architecture.

Phase D: Technology Architecture

In Phase D, the GAP analysis is applied to the Technology Architecture. The steps include:

  1. Define the Baseline Technology Architecture: Document the current state of the technology architecture, including IT infrastructure, middleware, networks, and technology standards.
  2. Define the Target Technology Architecture: Develop the desired future state of the technology architecture, ensuring it supports the target business, data, and application architectures.
  3. Perform GAP Analysis: Compare the baseline and target technology architectures to identify gaps. This involves analyzing differences in IT infrastructure, middleware, networks, and technology standards.
  4. Develop Roadmaps: Create roadmaps that outline the steps needed to transition from the baseline to the target technology architecture.

Summary

The GAP analysis in TOGAF ADM is a systematic approach to identifying the differences between the current and desired states of the architecture. It is applied in Phases B, C, and D to ensure that the business, data, application, and technology architectures align with the strategic objectives of the organization. By performing GAP analysis, organizations can develop comprehensive roadmaps that guide the transition from the baseline to the target architecture, ensuring a smooth and effective implementation.

References

References

  1. TOGAF Standard – EA Capability and Governance
  2. Visual Paradigm – TOGAF ADM Tools
    • URL: Visual Paradigm – TOGAF ADM Tools
    • Description: Offers a comprehensive TOGAF toolkit with step-by-step guidance, cutting-edge modeling tools, and real-life examples to support the ADM process.
  3. Visual Paradigm – TOGAF Guide-Through Process
    • URL: Visual Paradigm – TOGAF Guide-Through Process
    • Description: Explains how the automated TOGAF ADM Guide-Through Process in Visual Paradigm helps kick-start projects and develop architecture deliverables incrementally and collaboratively.
  4. TOGAF ADM Software: Act and Generate ADM Deliverables
    • URL: Visual Paradigm – TOGAF ADM Software
    • Description: Provides a tutorial on using Visual Paradigm’s process navigator to guide users through the execution and completion of TOGAF ADM.
  5. Unlock the Power of TOGAF® with Visual Paradigm’s ADM Guide-Through Process
  6. TOGAF ADM: A Quick Tutorial
  7. Step-by-Step Enterprise Architecture Tutorial with TOGAF

These references provide a comprehensive overview of the TOGAF EA Capability and Governance framework and the benefits of using Visual Paradigm’s tools to support enterprise architecture development.

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