Introduction
In the realm of Enterprise Architecture (EA), the concept of superior architecture plays a crucial role in guiding and constraining the development of more detailed architectures. This guide will explore the nature of superior architecture, its relationship with the TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM), and provide key concepts and examples to illustrate its application.
Understanding Superior Architecture
Definition
Superior architecture refers to a high-level, less detailed approved target architecture that provides a framework for more granular architectural development. It encompasses the overarching vision and strategic goals of the organization, serving as a reference point for all subsequent architectural efforts.
Characteristics
- Less Detailed: Superior architecture is not exhaustive; it outlines broad principles and guidelines rather than specific implementations.
- Approved Target: It has been vetted and approved by stakeholders, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Overlap in Breadth: It covers a wide range of domains, including business processes, information systems, technology, and infrastructure.
- State Variability: Superior architecture may exist in various states—current, transition, or target—reflecting the organization’s evolving needs.
States of Superior Architecture
- Current State: Represents the existing architecture that is actively in use.
- Transition State: Indicates the architecture that is in the process of being implemented or modified.
- Target State: Envisions the future architecture that the organization aims to achieve.
Relationship to TOGAF ADM
The TOGAF ADM provides a structured approach to developing and managing enterprise architecture. The superior architecture concept aligns with several phases of the ADM, particularly in the following ways:
1. Preliminary Phase
- Establishing the Architecture Framework: During this phase, the superior architecture is defined as part of the architecture framework. It sets the stage for subsequent phases by outlining the vision and strategic objectives.
2. Architecture Vision
- Defining the Vision: The superior architecture serves as the foundation for the architecture vision, ensuring that the vision aligns with the approved target architecture.
3. Business Architecture
- Guiding Business Processes: The superior architecture influences the design of business processes, ensuring they align with the strategic goals and objectives outlined in the approved architecture.
4. Information Systems Architecture
- Data and Application Alignment: The superior architecture provides guidelines for data and application architectures, ensuring that they support the overall business strategy.
5. Technology Architecture
- Technology Standards and Guidelines: The superior architecture outlines the technology standards and guidelines that must be adhered to in the development of the technology architecture.
6. Implementation Governance
- Change Management: When material changes occur, both the current architecture project and the superior architecture must undergo the governance process for approval. This ensures that any modifications are aligned with the overarching architectural vision.
Key Concepts
1. Governance Process
The governance process is critical in managing changes to the superior architecture. It involves:
- Approval: Ensuring that any changes to the superior architecture are vetted and approved by relevant stakeholders.
- Publication: Communicating changes to all stakeholders to maintain alignment and transparency.
2. Material Change
A material change refers to significant alterations in the superior architecture that necessitate a reevaluation of the current architecture project. Examples include:
- Major shifts in business strategy.
- Introduction of new technologies that impact the architecture.
- Changes in regulatory requirements.
3. Cornerstones of Current Architecture
Practitioners must treat the superior architecture as foundational elements when developing current architectures. This involves:
- Building Workarounds: Developing solutions that align with the superior architecture while addressing immediate business needs.
- Maintaining Alignment: Ensuring that any current architecture developments do not deviate significantly from the approved superior architecture.
Examples
Example 1: Financial Services Organization
A financial services organization has a superior architecture that emphasizes customer-centric services and digital transformation. The current architecture project involves developing a new mobile banking application. Practitioners must ensure that the application aligns with the superior architecture by incorporating features that enhance customer experience and comply with regulatory standards.
Example 2: Manufacturing Company
A manufacturing company’s superior architecture outlines a transition to smart manufacturing practices. As the organization develops its current architecture for a new production line, it must consider the superior architecture’s guidelines on automation, data analytics, and IoT integration to ensure alignment with the long-term vision.
Use Superior Architecture as the EA Templates
You can consider the concept of superior architecture as a reusable Enterprise Architecture (EA) template for future use and reference purposes. Here’s how it functions in that capacity:
Reusable EA Template
- Framework for Consistency: The superior architecture serves as a consistent framework that can be referenced in future architecture projects. By having an established template, organizations can ensure that new initiatives align with previously approved strategies and goals.
- Guidelines and Best Practices: It encapsulates best practices, guidelines, and principles that have been vetted and approved by stakeholders. This makes it easier for practitioners to develop new architectures without starting from scratch.
- Adaptability: While the superior architecture provides a foundational template, it can be adapted to accommodate changes in business strategy, technology, or regulatory requirements. This adaptability ensures that the template remains relevant over time.
- Efficiency in Development: By reusing the superior architecture as a template, organizations can streamline the architecture development process, reducing the time and effort required to create new architectures. Practitioners can focus on specific details while relying on the overarching framework.
- Knowledge Retention: The superior architecture acts as a repository of knowledge and decisions made in the past. This retention of knowledge is valuable for onboarding new team members and for reference in future projects.
- Facilitating Governance: Having a reusable template helps in governance processes, as it provides a clear reference point for evaluating new projects against established architectural standards and principles.
Conclusion
Operating in the context of superior architecture is essential for effective enterprise architecture development. By understanding the characteristics of superior architecture and its relationship with the TOGAF ADM, practitioners can ensure that their architectural efforts are aligned with organizational goals and approved strategies. This alignment not only facilitates smoother project execution but also enhances the overall coherence and effectiveness of the enterprise architecture landscape.
In summary, the superior architecture can indeed be viewed as a reusable EA template that serves as a reference point for future architecture development. It provides a structured approach that enhances consistency, efficiency, and alignment with organizational goals, making it a valuable asset in the enterprise architecture landscape.