Introduction
The Standards Library is a critical component of a well-run Enterprise Architecture (EA) Repository. It serves two primary functions: providing a repository for the standards that the architecture must comply with and providing a repository for the standards imposed on all implementations by the architecture. This guide offers a detailed overview of what to expect in a well-managed Standards Library, highlighting key concepts, best practices, and practical examples to ensure effective utilization and management.
Key Concepts in Managing a Standards Library
1. Compliance Standards
Compliance standards are the regulations and industry standards that the enterprise architecture must adhere to. These standards ensure that the architecture meets regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Examples include PCI standards for credit card transactions, GDPR for data protection, and ISO standards for quality management.
2. Implementation Standards
Implementation standards are the guidelines and requirements imposed on all implementations by the architecture. These standards ensure that the implementations align with the architectural vision and goals. Examples include specific technologies, frameworks, or methodologies that must be used in all implementations.
3. Traceability
Traceability is the ability to track and verify the relationship between architectural decisions and the standards they comply with. Establishing traceability ensures that the rationale behind architectural choices is clear and can be easily understood by stakeholders and future architects.
4. Product and Service Standards
The Standards Library often includes selected products and third-party services that conform to the architectural requirements. These standards simplify the governance of implementation projects by providing pre-approved solutions that meet the architectural guidelines.
Best Practices for Managing a Standards Library
1. Separate Compliance and Implementation Standards
Maintain a clear distinction between compliance standards and implementation standards. Compliance standards are used to test the architecture, while implementation standards are used to test the implementations. This separation ensures that the architecture and its implementations are evaluated against the appropriate criteria.
2. Extend the Standards Library with Products and Services
Include selected products and third-party services in the Standards Library to simplify the governance of implementation projects. Ensure that these products and services conform to the architectural requirements and provide traceability to the Architecture Requirements Specification or control that brought them to life.
3. Establish Traceability
Establish traceability between architectural decisions and the standards they comply with. This ensures that the rationale behind architectural choices is clear and can be easily understood by stakeholders and future architects. Traceability also simplifies the governance process by providing a clear link between architectural requirements and implementation standards.
4. Regularly Update the Standards Library
Keep the Standards Library up-to-date with the latest industry standards, regulatory requirements, and architectural guidelines. Regular updates ensure that the architecture and its implementations remain compliant and aligned with best practices.
5. Provide Clear Documentation
Maintain clear and detailed documentation for all standards in the Standards Library. This documentation should include the purpose, scope, and rationale for each standard, as well as any relevant guidelines and procedures for compliance.
Practical Examples of Managing a Standards Library
Example 1: PCI Compliance for Credit Card Transactions
Objective: Ensure compliance with PCI standards for credit card transactions.
Standards Library Role:
- Compliance Standards: Include PCI standards in the Standards Library to ensure that the architecture meets regulatory requirements for credit card transactions.
- Implementation Standards: Derive implementation standards from the PCI requirements, such as the use of a third-party payment processor to ensure that PCI-subject information is not in the hands of the enterprise.
- Traceability: Establish traceability between the PCI standards and the architectural decisions that ensure compliance, such as the use of a third-party payment processor.
- Product and Service Standards: Include specific third-party payment processors in the Standards Library that conform to the PCI requirements and provide traceability to the Architecture Requirements Specification.
- Documentation: Maintain clear and detailed documentation for the PCI standards, including the purpose, scope, and rationale for compliance, as well as guidelines and procedures for implementation.
Example 2: GDPR Compliance for Data Protection
Objective: Ensure compliance with GDPR for data protection.
Standards Library Role:
- Compliance Standards: Include GDPR standards in the Standards Library to ensure that the architecture meets regulatory requirements for data protection.
- Implementation Standards: Derive implementation standards from the GDPR requirements, such as data anonymization techniques and secure data storage solutions.
- Traceability: Establish traceability between the GDPR standards and the architectural decisions that ensure compliance, such as the use of data anonymization techniques.
- Product and Service Standards: Include specific data anonymization tools and secure data storage solutions in the Standards Library that conform to the GDPR requirements and provide traceability to the Architecture Requirements Specification.
- Documentation: Maintain clear and detailed documentation for the GDPR standards, including the purpose, scope, and rationale for compliance, as well as guidelines and procedures for implementation.
Example 3: ISO Compliance for Quality Management
Objective: Ensure compliance with ISO standards for quality management.
Standards Library Role:
- Compliance Standards: Include ISO standards in the Standards Library to ensure that the architecture meets regulatory requirements for quality management.
- Implementation Standards: Derive implementation standards from the ISO requirements, such as quality assurance processes and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Traceability: Establish traceability between the ISO standards and the architectural decisions that ensure compliance, such as the use of quality assurance processes.
- Product and Service Standards: Include specific quality assurance tools and continuous improvement frameworks in the Standards Library that conform to the ISO requirements and provide traceability to the Architecture Requirements Specification.
- Documentation: Maintain clear and detailed documentation for the ISO standards, including the purpose, scope, and rationale for compliance, as well as guidelines and procedures for implementation.
Conclusion
Managing a Standards Library in a well-run EA Repository is crucial for the successful implementation and management of enterprise architecture. By following best practices and utilizing key concepts such as compliance standards, implementation standards, traceability, product and service standards, and clear documentation, organizations can ensure effective utilization and management of their Standards Library. Practical examples, such as PCI compliance for credit card transactions, GDPR compliance for data protection, and ISO compliance for quality management, demonstrate the application of these concepts in real-world scenarios. By adopting these best practices and leveraging the capabilities of modeling and analytic software, organizations can achieve strategic alignment, efficient resource allocation, and successful implementation of their enterprise architecture goals.