Introduction
Gap analysis is a critical technique used in the TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) to validate and refine architectural designs. It serves to identify discrepancies between the Baseline Architecture (the current state) and the Target Architecture (the desired future state). By highlighting these gaps, organizations can ensure that their architecture effectively meets all essential information processing needs and addresses stakeholder concerns.
What is Gap Analysis?
Gap analysis is a systematic approach to identifying the shortfalls in an architecture. It focuses on recognizing items that have been omitted, either deliberately or accidentally, and those that have not yet been defined. The analysis can reveal various types of gaps, including:
- Business Domain Gaps: Issues related to people, processes, tools, and facilities.
- Data Domain Gaps: Problems with data availability, currency, and relationships.
- Application Gaps: Applications that are impacted, eliminated, or newly created.
- Technology Gaps: Technologies that are impacted, eliminated, or newly introduced.
Why Use Gap Analysis?
Gap analysis is essential for several reasons:
- Validation: It helps validate the architecture by ensuring that all stakeholder concerns are addressed.
- Comprehensiveness: It ensures that the architecture supports all essential information processing needs of the organization.
- Risk Mitigation: Identifying gaps early reduces the risk of project failure due to overlooked requirements.
- Resource Allocation: It aids in determining where resources should be allocated to fill identified gaps.
When to Use Gap Analysis?
Gap analysis should be conducted at various stages of the TOGAF ADM, particularly during:
- Architecture Vision: To ensure that the initial vision aligns with stakeholder needs.
- Business Architecture: To validate that business processes and requirements are adequately addressed.
- Information Systems Architecture: To ensure that data and application needs are met.
- Technology Architecture: To confirm that the necessary technologies are in place to support the architecture.
- Implementation Governance: To assess the effectiveness of the architecture during implementation.
How to Conduct Gap Analysis
The following steps outline how to perform gap analysis in the TOGAF ADM:
- Create a Matrix: Draw up a matrix with all the Architecture Building Blocks (ABBs) of the Baseline Architecture on the vertical axis and all the ABBs of the Target Architecture on the horizontal axis.
- Add New and Eliminated Rows/Columns: Add a final row labeled “New” to the Baseline Architecture axis and a final column labeled “Eliminated” to the Target Architecture axis.
- Record Existing ABBs: Where an ABB is available in both the Baseline and Target Architectures, record this with “Included” at the intersecting cell.
- Review Missing ABBs: For ABBs from the Baseline Architecture that are missing in the Target Architecture:
- If correctly eliminated, mark it in the “Eliminated” cell.
- If not, mark it as an accidental omission that needs to be reinstated.
- Identify New ABBs: For ABBs from the Target Architecture that cannot be found in the Baseline Architecture, mark them at the intersection with the “New” row as gaps that need to be filled.
- Analyze Results: After completing the matrix, review anything under “Eliminated” or “New” as gaps that need to be addressed.
Summary Table of Phases and Gap Results
| TOGAF ADM Phase | Gap Analysis Focus | Expected Gap Results |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Phase | Establishing architecture principles and governance | Identify foundational gaps in governance |
| Architecture Vision | Aligning stakeholder needs with the architecture vision | Gaps in stakeholder requirements and expectations |
| Business Architecture | Validating business processes and requirements | Gaps in business capabilities and processes |
| Information Systems Architecture | Ensuring data and application needs are met | Gaps in data availability and application support |
| Technology Architecture | Confirming technology support for the architecture | Gaps in technology capabilities and infrastructure |
| Opportunities and Solutions | Identifying potential solutions to fill gaps | Gaps in resource allocation and solution options |
| Migration Planning | Planning for transition from Baseline to Target Architecture | Gaps in migration strategies and timelines |
| Implementation Governance | Assessing effectiveness during implementation | Gaps in adherence to architecture principles |
Conclusion
Gap analysis is a vital component of the TOGAF ADM that helps organizations ensure their architecture is comprehensive, aligned with stakeholder needs, and capable of supporting business objectives. By systematically identifying and addressing gaps, organizations can mitigate risks, allocate resources effectively, and enhance the overall success of their architecture initiatives.
Conducting gap analysis at various stages of the ADM not only validates the architecture but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement. As organizations evolve, so do their needs, and gap analysis serves as a crucial tool for adapting the architecture to meet these changing requirements. By leveraging this technique, organizations can ensure that their architectural efforts are not only effective but also sustainable in the long term.