Comprehensive Guide to TOGAF ADM Phase A: Architecture Vision Deliverables

Introduction

Phase A of the TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) focuses on developing the Architecture Vision. This phase is crucial for setting the foundation for the entire architecture development process. It involves defining the scope, identifying stakeholders, creating the Architecture Vision, and obtaining necessary approvals. The following guide explains the key deliverables required to be completed within this phase.

Deliverables

1. Statement of Architecture Work

Objective: Define a program of works to develop and deploy the architecture outlined in the Architecture Vision.

Description: The Statement of Architecture Work is a formal document that outlines the scope, objectives, and deliverables of the architecture development process. It serves as a contract between the architecture team and the stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is aligned on the goals and expected outcomes.

Steps to Complete:

1. Define Scope: Clearly define the scope of the architecture work, including what will be included and excluded.
2. Identify Objectives: Outline the objectives of the architecture development process.
3. List Deliverables: Document the expected deliverables of the architecture work.
4. Create Statement: Develop a formal Statement of Architecture Work.
5. Get Approval: Present the statement to stakeholders and obtain approval.
6. Communicate Statement: Share the approved statement with the Enterprise Architecture team and other relevant stakeholders.

2. Architecture Vision

Objective: Create a high-level aspirational vision of the capabilities and business value to be delivered through the proposed Enterprise Architecture.

Description: The Architecture Vision document provides a clear and compelling vision of the future state of the enterprise architecture. It describes how the enterprise needs to operate to achieve its business goals and respond to strategic drivers.

Steps to Complete:

1. Identify Stakeholders: Engage with stakeholders to understand their needs and concerns.
2. Define Vision: Create a high-level vision of the capabilities and business value to be delivered.
3. Document Vision: Develop a comprehensive Architecture Vision document.
4. Get Approval: Present the Architecture Vision to stakeholders and obtain approval.
5. Communicate Vision: Share the Architecture Vision with the Enterprise Architecture team and other relevant stakeholders.

3. Communications Plan

Objective: Develop a plan for communicating the architecture vision and progress to stakeholders.

Description: The Communications Plan outlines the strategies and methods for communicating the architecture vision, progress, and outcomes to stakeholders. It ensures that all relevant parties are informed and engaged throughout the architecture development process.

Steps to Complete:

1. Identify Audience: Determine the target audience for the communications.
2. Define Messages: Develop key messages to be communicated.
3. Choose Channels: Select the communication channels to be used (e.g., emails, meetings, reports).
4. Create Schedule: Develop a schedule for communications.
5. Document Plan: Create a detailed Communications Plan.
6. Implement Plan: Execute the Communications Plan throughout the architecture development process.

4. Capability Assessment

Objective: Assess the organization’s current capabilities and identify gaps that need to be addressed.

Description: The Capability Assessment document provides an evaluation of the organization’s current capabilities, including business capabilities, IT capabilities, and other relevant capabilities. It identifies gaps between the current state and the desired future state.

Steps to Complete:

1. Gather Data: Collect data on the organization’s current capabilities.
2. Analyze Capabilities: Evaluate the gathered data to identify current capabilities and gaps.
3. Document Assessment: Create a detailed Capability Assessment document.
4. Get Approval: Present the Capability Assessment to stakeholders and obtain approval.
5. Communicate Assessment: Share the Capability Assessment with the Enterprise Architecture team and other relevant stakeholders.

5. Architecture Definition Document

Objective: Provide a detailed definition of the architecture, including baseline and target architectures.

Description: The Architecture Definition Document is a comprehensive document that defines the architecture in detail. It includes descriptions of the baseline architecture (current state) and the target architecture (future state).

Steps to Complete:

1. Define Baseline Architecture: Document the current state of the architecture.
2. Define Target Architecture: Describe the desired future state of the architecture.
3. Document Architecture: Create a detailed Architecture Definition Document.
4. Get Approval: Present the Architecture Definition Document to stakeholders and obtain approval.
5. Communicate Document: Share the Architecture Definition Document with the Enterprise Architecture team and other relevant stakeholders.

Key Concepts

• Statement of Architecture Work: A formal document outlining the scope, objectives, and deliverables of the architecture development process.
• Architecture Vision: A high-level aspirational vision of the capabilities and business value to be delivered through the proposed Enterprise Architecture.
• Communications Plan: A plan for communicating the architecture vision and progress to stakeholders.
• Capability Assessment: An evaluation of the organization’s current capabilities and identification of gaps.
• Architecture Definition Document: A detailed definition of the architecture, including baseline and target architectures.

Conclusion

Phase A of the TOGAF ADM is critical for developing the Architecture Vision and setting the foundation for the entire architecture development process. By completing the key deliverables—Statement of Architecture Work, Architecture Vision, Communications Plan, Capability Assessment, and Architecture Definition Document—organizations can ensure that their architecture development process is aligned with business goals and strategic drivers. This phase sets the stage for successful architecture development and deployment, driving business value and transformation.

References

• Powerful TOGAF ADM Toolset 1.
• TOGAF ADM Software 2.
• Best TOGAF Software with Agile & UML – Visual Paradigm Enterprise 3.
• TOGAF ADM Software: Act and Generate ADM Deliverables 4.
• The Best TOGAF Software 5.
• TOGAF® Tool for Enterprise Architecture – ArchiMetric .
• Visual Paradigm TOGAF ADM Tool: Empowering Your Enterprise Architecture Teams – Visual Paradigm Guides .
• TOGAF ADM Tutorial .
• Step-by-Step Enterprise Architecture Tutorial with TOGAF .
• Streamline Your Enterprise Architecture with Visual Paradigm’s TOGAF ADM Tools – Visual Paradigm Guides .