Introduction
Starting the TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) iterative process from Phase A is crucial for setting the foundation for successful enterprise architecture development. Phase A, often referred to as the Architecture Vision phase, establishes the scope, stakeholders, concerns, and business objectives. This guide provides a detailed overview of how to initiate Phase A effectively, highlighting key concepts, best practices, and practical examples to ensure a robust starting point for the ADM iterative process.
Key Concepts in Phase A
1. Defining the Scope
The scope of the Architecture Project defines the boundaries and focus areas. It answers the question, “What problem are you solving?” and clarifies the necessary level of detail required for the architecture. The scope should be clear about where in the business cycle the architecture will be used and what domains will be addressed.
2. Identifying Stakeholders, Concerns, and Requirements
Stakeholders are individuals or groups who have an interest in the architecture development process. Identifying stakeholders and their concerns is essential for understanding the requirements and constraints that will shape the architecture. A Stakeholder Map helps visualize the stakeholders and their concerns.
3. Assessing the Capability of the EA Team
The capability of the EA team is crucial for delivering useful architecture. Assessing the team’s skills, experience, and biases ensures that the team can overcome weaknesses and deliver the required architecture. A good EA team covers gaps in experience and skill to provide comprehensive architecture development.
4. Key Stakeholder Agreement
Obtaining key stakeholder agreement on the summary target, the value of the target, and the effort of change is essential before any detailed work is undertaken. This agreement ensures that stakeholders are aligned with the architecture’s goals and objectives.
5. Exploring All Domains
Phase A requires exploring all domains, even if change is not an option, to understand the impact of retaining current architecture. This exploration helps identify potential targets and facilitates better trade-offs during detailed analysis.
Best Practices for Phase A
1. Clarify the Problem Statement
Clearly define the problem that the architecture aims to solve. This includes understanding the business cycle, the necessary level of detail, and the domains that will be addressed.
2. Create a Stakeholder Map
Develop a Stakeholder Map to identify key stakeholders and their concerns. This map helps visualize the stakeholders and ensures that all relevant concerns are addressed in the architecture development process.
3. Conduct a Capability Assessment
Assess the capability of the EA team to deliver the required architecture. Identify gaps in skills, experience, and biases, and develop a plan to address these gaps. Ensure that the team can overcome weaknesses and deliver useful architecture.
4. Obtain Stakeholder Agreement
Before any detailed work is undertaken, obtain key stakeholder agreement on the summary target, the value of the target, and the effort of change. This agreement ensures that stakeholders are aligned with the architecture’s goals and objectives.
5. Explore Multiple Potential Targets
During the initial exploration, identify multiple potential targets. Having more than one approach to addressing the problem facilitates better trade-offs during detailed analysis. Keep in mind that the goal is to explore the best potential future, not to sell a particular future.
6. Document the Architecture Vision
Document the Architecture Vision, including the scope, stakeholders, concerns, business objectives, and potential targets. This documentation serves as a foundation for the subsequent phases of the ADM iterative process.
Practical Examples of Phase A
Example 1: Digital Transformation Initiative
Objective: Enhance customer experience and operational efficiency through digital transformation.
Phase A Activities:
- Define the Scope: Clarify the problem statement, focusing on enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. Identify the domains that will be addressed, such as customer interface, business processes, and technology infrastructure.
- Identify Stakeholders: Develop a Stakeholder Map that includes key stakeholders such as customers, business leaders, IT managers, and operational teams. Identify their concerns and requirements related to digital transformation.
- Assess EA Team Capability: Conduct a capability assessment of the EA team to ensure they have the necessary skills and experience to deliver the digital transformation architecture. Identify gaps and develop a plan to address them.
- Obtain Stakeholder Agreement: Present the summary target, value, and effort of change to key stakeholders. Obtain their agreement before proceeding with detailed architecture development.
- Explore Potential Targets: Identify multiple potential targets for digital transformation, such as improving customer experience, enhancing operational efficiency, and integrating new technologies.
- Document the Architecture Vision: Document the Architecture Vision, including the scope, stakeholders, concerns, business objectives, and potential targets for digital transformation.
Example 2: Technology Upgrade Project
Objective: Improve technological capabilities to support future growth.
Phase A Activities:
- Define the Scope: Clarify the problem statement, focusing on improving technological capabilities. Identify the domains that will be addressed, such as IT infrastructure, software applications, and data management.
- Identify Stakeholders: Develop a Stakeholder Map that includes key stakeholders such as IT managers, business leaders, and operational teams. Identify their concerns and requirements related to technology upgrades.
- Assess EA Team Capability: Conduct a capability assessment of the EA team to ensure they have the necessary skills and experience to deliver the technology upgrade architecture. Identify gaps and develop a plan to address them.
- Obtain Stakeholder Agreement: Present the summary target, value, and effort of change to key stakeholders. Obtain their agreement before proceeding with detailed architecture development.
- Explore Potential Targets: Identify multiple potential targets for technology upgrades, such as improving IT infrastructure, enhancing software applications, and integrating new technologies.
- Document the Architecture Vision: Document the Architecture Vision, including the scope, stakeholders, concerns, business objectives, and potential targets for technology upgrades.
Example 3: Sustainability Initiative
Objective: Reduce the organization’s carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
Phase A Activities:
- Define the Scope: Clarify the problem statement, focusing on reducing the carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. Identify the domains that will be addressed, such as energy management, waste reduction, and sustainable practices.
- Identify Stakeholders: Develop a Stakeholder Map that includes key stakeholders such as environmental managers, business leaders, and operational teams. Identify their concerns and requirements related to sustainability initiatives.
- Assess EA Team Capability: Conduct a capability assessment of the EA team to ensure they have the necessary skills and experience to deliver the sustainability architecture. Identify gaps and develop a plan to address them.
- Obtain Stakeholder Agreement: Present the summary target, value, and effort of change to key stakeholders. Obtain their agreement before proceeding with detailed architecture development.
- Explore Potential Targets: Identify multiple potential targets for sustainability initiatives, such as reducing energy consumption, enhancing waste reduction, and integrating sustainable practices.
- Document the Architecture Vision: Document the Architecture Vision, including the scope, stakeholders, concerns, business objectives, and potential targets for sustainability initiatives.
Conclusion
Starting the TOGAF ADM iterative process from Phase A is crucial for setting a robust foundation for enterprise architecture development. By following best practices and utilizing key concepts such as defining the scope, identifying stakeholders, assessing EA team capability, obtaining stakeholder agreement, exploring potential targets, and documenting the Architecture Vision, organizations can ensure a successful starting point for the ADM iterative process. Practical examples, such as digital transformation initiatives, technology upgrade projects, and sustainability initiatives, 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.