Agile Enterprise Architecture Operating Model
Establish an enterprise architecture practice that:
- Leverages an operating model that promotes/supports agility within the organization.
- Embraces business, data, application, and technology architectures in an optimal mix.
- Is Agile in itself and will be sustainable and reactive to business needs, staying relevant and “profitable” – continuously delivering business value.
Our Advice
Critical Insight
- Use your business and EA strategy and design principles to right-size standardized operating models to fit your EA organization’s needs.
- You need to define a sound set of design principles before commencing with the design of your EA organization.
- The EA operating model structure should be rigid but pliable enough to fit the needs of the stakeholders it provides services to.
- A phased approach and a good communication strategy is key to the success of the new EA organization.
- Start with one group and work out the hurdles before rolling it out organization-wide.
- Make sure that you communicate regularly on wins but also on hurdles and how to overcome them.
Impact and Result
- The organization design approach proposed will aim to provide twofold
agility:
- By recognizing that agility comes in different flavors, organizations using more traditional design patterns will also benefit from the approach advocated by this blueprint.
Agile Enterprise Architecture Operating Model Research & Tools
Start here – read the Executive Brief
Read our concise Executive Brief to find out create an Agile EA operating model to execute the EA function, review Info-Tech’s methodology, and understand the four ways we can support you in completing this project.Besides the small introduction, subscribers and consulting clients within this management domain have access to:
- Agile Enterprise Architecture Operating Model – Phases 1-3
1. Design your EA operating model
You need to define a sound set of design principles before commencing with the design of your EA organization.
- Agile EA Operating Model Communication Deck
- Agile EA Operating Model Workbook
- Business Architect
- Application Architect
- Data Architect
- Enterprise Architect
2. Define your EA organizational structure
The EA operating model structure should be rigid but pliable enough to fit the needs of the stakeholders it provide services to.
- EA Views Taxonomy
- EA Operating Model Template
- Architecture Board Charter Template
- EA Policy Template
- EA Compliance Waiver Form Template
3. Implement the EA operating model
A phased approach and a good communications strategy are key to the success of the new EA organization.
- EA Roadmap
- EA Communication Plan Template
Workshop: Agile Enterprise Architecture Operating Model
Workshops offer an easy way to accelerate your project. If you are unable to do the project yourself, and a Guided Implementation isn't enough, we offer low-cost delivery of our project workshops. We take you through every phase of your project and ensure that you have a roadmap in place to complete your project successfully.
1 EA Function Design
The Purpose
Identify how EA looks within the organization and ensure all the necessary skills are accounted for within the function.
Key Benefits Achieved
EA is designed to be the most appropriately placed and structured for the organization.
Activities
1.1 Place the EA department.
1.2 Define roles for each team member.
1.3 Find internal and external talent.
1.4 Create job descriptions with required proficiencies.
Outputs
EA organization design
Role-based skills and competencies
Talent acquisition strategy
Job descriptions
2 EA Engagement Model
The Purpose
Create a thorough engagement model to interact with stakeholders.
Key Benefits Achieved
An understanding of each process within the engagement model.
Create stakeholder interaction cards to plan your conversations.
Activities
2.1 Define each engagement process for your organization.
2.2 Document stakeholder interactions.
Outputs
EA Operating Model Template
EA Stakeholder Engagement Model Template
3 EA Governance
The Purpose
Develop EA boards, alongside a charter and policies to effectively govern the function.
Key Benefits Achieved
Governance that aids the EA function instead of being a bureaucratic obstacle.
Adherence to governace.
Activities
3.1 Outline the architecture review process.
3.2 Position the architecture review board.
3.3 Create a committee charter.
3.4 Make effective governance policy.
Outputs
Architecture Board Charter Template
EA Policy Template
4 Architecture Development Framework
The Purpose
Create an operating model that is influenced by universal standards including TOGAF, Zachmans, and DoDAF.
Key Benefits Achieved
A thoroughly articulated development framework.
Understanding of the views that influence each domain.
Activities
4.1 Tailor an architecture development framework to your organizational context.
Outputs
EA Operating Model Template
Enterprise Architecture Views Taxonomy
5 Operational Plan
The Purpose
Create a change management and communication plan or roadmap to execute the operating model.
Key Benefits Achieved
Build a plan that takes change management and communication into consideration to achieve the wanted benefits of an EA program.
Effectively execute the roadmap.
Activities
5.1 Create a sponsorship action plan.
5.2 Outline a communication plan.
5.3 Execute a communication roadmap.
Outputs
Sponsorship Action Plan
EA Communication Plan Template
EA Roadmap