Enterprise Architecture

What is Enterprise Architecture?

Enterprise Architecture (EA) is a comprehensive framework for understanding an organization's operations and goals, and aligning its technology and business strategies to support these goals. It involves defining and documenting the structure of an organization's processes, data, systems, and technology, and aligning these components to support the organization's mission, vision, and goals.

EA provides a holistic view of an organization, from its structure and processes, to its data and technology, and helps to ensure that the organization is aligned and integrated, both internally and with its external environment. It also helps organizations to plan for change and future growth, and to evaluate and make decisions about technology investments.

In short, Enterprise Architecture is a systematic approach to planning and managing an organization's technology and business operations, with the goal of promoting efficiency, flexibility, and alignment with the organization's goals and objectives.

EA Capability health-check

An important foundation of successful strategic transformation is having a fit-for-purpose (enterprise) architecture capability. INNOCOM has identified 4 dimensions to evaluate an architecture capability. What we assess is actually the capability of architecting within the enterprise.

The assessment can include a number of inspiration sessions to elaborate on specific architecture topics and 2 double-diamond thinking workshops in order to kick-start the co-creation of an improvement plan.

Our assessment method has evolved intensively over the last 10 years as the architecture discipline is also impacted by the ongoing agile transformation in most organizations. This means we are able to tailor the evaluation to your context, be it agile, classic or more hybrid.

Setting up an EA Capability

Setting up an Enterprise Architecture (EA) capability within an organization involves creating a comprehensive framework and a dedicated team to manage the organization's technology and business strategies. This process is crucial in ensuring that the organization is aligned and integrated, both internally and with its external environment.

Regular communication and engagement with stakeholders is key to the success of an EA initiative. By regularly communicating the EA initiatives and progress to stakeholders, and engaging with them to ensure alignment and buy-in, organizations can ensure a long-term commitment to establishing and maintaining an EA capability.

Setting up Demand & Portfolio Management

Setting up Demand & Portfolio Management (D&PM) involves creating a framework and process for prioritizing, organizing, and managing the work requests and projects within an organization. The goal of D&PM is to align the organization's resources and capabilities with its business goals and priorities.

Setting up D&PM requires a long-term commitment and continuous improvement to ensure that the organization's resources and capabilities are aligned with its business goals and priorities.

Coaching Enterprise Architects

INNOCOM provides guidance and support to Enterprise Architects in order to enhance their skills, knowledge, and abilities. This service is provided by experienced and certified professionals who have a deep understanding of enterprise architecture and its principles. The aim is to help them effectively align the organization's technology and business strategies with its goals and objectives.

Coaching your Enterprise Architects beneficial for organizations that want to ensure that their Enterprise Architects have the skills and knowledge to effectively align the organization's technology and business strategies with its goals and objectives. This can result in increased efficiency, agility, and competitiveness, and can support the organization's long-term success.