Comprehensive Guide to Phase E: Opportunities and Solutions in TOGAF ADM

Introduction

Phase E of the TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) focuses on identifying delivery vehicles (projects, programs, or portfolios) that effectively implement the Target Architecture identified in previous phases. This phase is the first to be directly concerned with implementation, bridging the gap between architectural design and practical execution.

Objectives and Steps

1. Generate the Initial Complete Version of the Architecture Roadmap

Objective: Create the initial complete version of the Architecture Roadmap based on the gap analysis and candidate Architecture Roadmap components from Phases B, C, and D.

Steps:

Review and Consolidate Gap Analysis Results: Compile and analyze the gap analysis results from Phases B to D to identify areas that need to be addressed.
Review Consolidated Requirements: Examine the consolidated requirements across related business functions to ensure all needs are considered.
Consolidate and Reconcile Interoperability Requirements: Ensure that all interoperability requirements are aligned and reconciled.
Refine and Validate Dependencies: Clarify and confirm the dependencies between different components and phases.
Confirm Readiness and Risk for Business Transformation: Assess the organization’s readiness for the transformation and identify potential risks.
Formulate Implementation and Migration Strategy: Develop a strategy for implementing and migrating to the Target Architecture.
Identify and Group Major Work Packages: Organize the work into manageable packages.
Identify Transition Architectures: Determine if Transition Architectures are needed to deliver continuous business value.
Create Architecture Roadmap & Implementation and Migration Plan: Develop the Architecture Roadmap and a detailed Implementation and Migration Plan.

2. Determine the Overall Solution Building Blocks (SBBs)

Objective: Define the overall Solution Building Blocks (SBBs) to finalize the Target Architecture based on the Architecture Building Blocks (ABBs).

Steps:

Determine/Confirm Key Corporate Change Attributes: Identify the key attributes that will drive corporate change.
Determine Business Constraints for Implementation: Understand and document the business constraints that may impact implementation.

Inputs and Outputs

Inputs

Architecture Reference Materials:
- Use architecture reference materials to guide the development of the Technology Architecture.
Product Information:
- Gather information on potential technology products that could be used in the architecture.
Request for Architecture Work:
- The initial request that triggers the architecture development process.
Capability Assessment:
- An evaluation of the organization’s current capabilities.
Communications Plan:
- A plan for communicating the architecture vision and progress to stakeholders.
Planning Methodologies:
- Methodologies used for planning the architecture implementation.
Organizational Model for Enterprise Architecture:
- The organizational structure and roles involved in the Enterprise Architecture.
Governance Models and Frameworks:
- Models and frameworks used for governance within the organization.
Tailored Architecture Framework:
- The customized architecture framework used for the project.
Statement of Architecture Work:
- The approved document that outlines the scope, objectives, and deliverables of the architecture project.
Architecture Vision:
- The comprehensive vision for the future state of the enterprise architecture.
Architecture Repository:
- Existing architecture documentation, including framework descriptions, architecture descriptions, and baseline descriptions.
Draft Architecture Definition Document:
- A preliminary document that may include baseline and/or target architectures of any architectural domain.
Draft Architecture Requirements Specification:
- Includes gap analysis results and relevant technical requirements.
Change Requests for Existing Business Programs and Projects:
- Requests for changes to existing business programs and projects.
Candidate Architecture Roadmap Components from Phases B, C, and D:
- Components of the Architecture Roadmap identified in previous phases.

Outputs

Architecture Vision, Updated if Necessary:
- An updated Architecture Vision that reflects any changes or new insights gained during Phase E.
Draft Architecture Definition Document:
- Includes:
  - Baseline and/or Target Architectures of any architectural domain
  - Transition Architectures, number, and scope, if any
Draft Architecture Requirements Specification:
- Includes:
  - Consolidated Gaps, Solutions, and Dependencies Assessment
Capability Assessments:
- Includes:
  - Business Capability
  - IT Capability
Architecture Roadmap:
- Includes:
  - Work package portfolio
  - Identification of Transition Architectures, if any
  - Implementation recommendations
Implementation and Migration Plan Draft:
- Includes:
  - Implementation and Migration Strategy

Key Concepts

Architecture Roadmap: A plan that outlines the steps to transition from the Baseline to the Target Architecture.
Solution Building Blocks (SBBs): The components that will be used to implement the Target Architecture.
Transition Architectures: Intermediate architectures that provide continuous business value during the transition to the Target Architecture.
Gap Analysis: The process of identifying the differences between the Baseline and Target Architectures.
Implementation and Migration Plan: A detailed plan for implementing and migrating to the Target Architecture.

Conclusion

Phase E of the TOGAF ADM is critical for identifying the delivery vehicles that will implement the Target Architecture. By following the outlined steps and utilizing the necessary inputs, organizations can create a comprehensive Architecture Roadmap and Implementation and Migration Plan. This phase ensures that the architecture is ready for implementation, addressing business goals, strategic drivers, and stakeholder concerns.