What Is an Enterprise Architecture Framework? A Full Guide to Types and Process

Anyone familiar with Enterprise Architecture knows to prioritize it, but getting the implementation right matters most. Some find that sticking to a robust Enterprise Architecture framework (or EA framework for short) helps with this.

Without suitable planning to steer Enterprise Architecture development, inefficiencies and redundancies can creep in. Piecemeal work can lead to miscommunication and leave teams uncertain of what the changes they’re making are intended to achieve, resulting in missed KPIs.

This guide will cover the core elements of an Enterprise Architecture framework, explain the pros and cons of using one, and detail some of the leading options.

Shortcuts:
What Is an Enterprise Architecture Framework?

What Does an Enterprise Architecture Framework Include? 

EA Framework Components 

What Are the Benefits of Using an Enterprise Architecture Framework?

What Are the Drawbacks of Enterprise Architecture Frameworks? 

What Types of Frameworks Are Used in Enterprise Architecture?

General Advice for Developing Enterprise Architecture

Reimagine Enterprise Architecture With Ardoq

FAQs About Enterprise Architecture Frameworks

• Can Enterprise Architecture Frameworks Be Customized to Fit Specific Organizational Needs?

• How Do Enterprise Architecture Frameworks Align With Business Goals and Objectives?

• How Can Organizations Measure the Success of Their Enterprise Architecture Framework Implementation?

What Is an Enterprise Architecture Framework?

An Enterprise Architecture framework is a set of guidelines that lays out everything needed for an organization (plus any involved partners or consultants) to develop, deploy, and/or refine an Enterprise Architecture capable of more effectively and efficiently delivering its desired digital KPIs.

There are different types of Enterprise Architecture frameworks (this guide will cover them later), so any organization eager to use one to guide its Enterprise Architecture initiatives must first decide which approach best suits its unique requirements.

Since it’s unlikely that a given solution will exactly match a given organization, it bears noting that it’s normal to assemble custom guidelines by mixing and matching elements from distinct EA frameworks. This also means that there’s no across-the-board best Enterprise Architecture framework. Every solution has a blend of strengths and weaknesses.

What Does an Enterprise Architecture Framework Include?

The specifics of an EA framework should depend on the organization in question. It should assess the organization as it is, identify strengths and weaknesses, and detail a refined vision of the organization that can deliver better results. (A later section will cover the core components).

Though many views could provide value, most EA frameworks focus on four architectural domains included in (and often drawn directly from) The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF), an all-purpose model used by many leading organizations and the most cited Enterprise Architecture framework example. 

The four architectural domains are as follows:

Business

This domain comprises the top-level aspects of the organization and features elements such as finance, objectives, processes, employees, services, and products. To ensure smooth progress, an Enterprise Architecture strategy should make a clear case capable of reaching and persuading stakeholders lacking technical expertise.

Data

Smart and efficient data collection and analysis lies at the heart of effective digital transformation, so an EA framework should provide a complete account of how the proposed Enterprise Architecture will handle data. How will it be saved? Where will it be stored? How will it be parsed? How will it be managed safely and legally?

Software

Every enterprise-level organization relies upon an array of software solutions to operate. Communication software makes collaboration faster and easier, for instance, while security software diverts prying eyes and limits costly interference. Whether questioning the ROI of a core software system or proposing the adoption of a fresh platform, taking software fully into account is vital for the future of Enterprise Architecture.

Technology

The technology domain is the organization’s overall foundation but most relevantly underpins the software domain. To keep costs low and performance high, Enterprise Architecture requires the careful provision and allocation of onsite and offsite resources, including systems, devices, interfaces, and networks. Ensuring thorough planning here can markedly increase the organization’s efficiency.

EA Framework Components

Though there can be value in adding others, there are three fundamental components that every EA framework should include:

1. Description of the Desired Architecture

At a minimum, an EA framework should document the desired architecture (and the existing architecture where useful) from each architecture domain mentioned earlier: business, data, software, and technology. It should be as in-depth as possible while keeping the information accessible through appropriate formatting and imagery.

The right approach should yield an intelligible description for non-technical stakeholders without losing its utility as a reference point for system developers.

2. Full Design Process With Phases

A system can work well in principle but not in practice, so the devised architecture is only useful if paired with a process laying out the actions needed to deliver and maintain it. This process should be broken into clear phases with requirements, actions, deliverables, and timeframes.

3. Assessment of Available Resources

For Enterprise Architecture to be implemented swiftly and within budget, it’s important to make good use of resources. That's why an EA framework should take stock of the people available. In doing so, it should consider their hours, salaries, roles, skills, preferences, and experiences.

Furthermore, in any case where the available resources are insufficient, there should be a clear description of what’s required so the additional work can be factored into the budgeting.

What Are the Benefits of Using an Enterprise Architecture Framework?

Despite its complexity, implementing an EA framework can return significant value. Here are some of its key benefits to consider:

1. Greater Project Clarity

Given the immense complexity of business operations, a lack of guidance can be a serious threat to an Enterprise Architecture project. Clarity about what's to be done, what metrics are to be considered, what data is to be collected, who's responsible for which actions, and which goals are to be prioritized helps. Without these things in place, work can become unmoored and lose purpose.

An EA framework shines in this area. By codifying the project scope and everything required to meet it, a framework provides a solid foundation for the following work. Anything beyond the scope outlined within the framework must be disregarded entirely, keeping everyone on the same page.

This also prevents further discussions about views and framing from creating time-consuming administrative work that could interfere with development. An EA framework maintains a commitment to a clear vision and efficiently steers that vision toward the desired resolution.

2. Reduced Design Work

Building a useful view of an enterprise’s architecture is difficult, even for a modest business.

Instead of toiling away to find an effective method for detailing and defining its operation, an organization may leverage a suitable framework that it can simply tweak to fit. This is quite appropriate since one of the most common goals of Enterprise Architecture work is to eliminate inefficiencies.

If selecting a framework (or building a custom one by taking elements from multiple frameworks) saves time that would have gone towards design, that time can be spent on other things, including making system improvements. Using a framework doesn’t always save time or effort, naturally, but the advantages can be substantial when it aligns with an organization’s needs and structure.

3. Improved Overview Accessibility

A well-fitting EA framework can take an enterprise organization's rich complexity and break it down in a way that makes it accessible to people throughout the business. Indeed, some frameworks were designed specifically to turn labyrinthian systems into neat visualizations that anyone can understand.

A robust EA framework can also show how things work from the perspective of different departments, providing the organization with a comprehensive overview of how everything is supposed to fit together in terms of people, processes, and technology.

This is a boon for collaboration. When teams have a clearer understanding of processes and interdependencies across the organization, they can make more informed decisions and work together more effectively.

What Are the Drawbacks of Enterprise Architecture Frameworks?

An undertaking as significant as implementing an EA framework inevitably has its downsides. Even when it’s clear that the project should proceed regardless, it’s pragmatic to keep these downsides in mind, so here are the biggest drawbacks to expect:

1. Operational Inflexibility

Agility is a great strength for the best EA teams. They engage with all departments, consider shifting goals, think creatively, and ensure that focus always returns to delivering real-world value. EA frameworks, however, tend to push set approaches and patterns of thought. They can drive EA teams to prioritize documentation and rigid methods that don't connect back to organizational KPIs.

Those who opt to use EA frameworks regardless should maximize their flexibility by removing or deprioritizing elements as needed and treating others as suggestions and sources of inspiration instead of mandates.

2. Notable Upfront Investment

Regardless of the type of EA framework used, cost is unavoidable. For a large organization, a full assessment of legacy architecture alone can be expensive and cause operational disruption for weeks or even months. The more complicated existing systems are, the tougher the appraisal will be.

A cloud-native data-driven platform like Ardoq can help accelerate implementation and data consolidation, reducing the reliance on manual documentation and static spreadsheets.

3. Challenging Buy-In

Those in charge of high-level decisions at enterprise organizations tend to focus on big-picture metrics, making them tough to convince using niche technical arguments rife with impenetrable jargon. This can make the benefits of an Enterprise Architecture initiative and framework tricky to sell. Even when presented well, EA can be a challenging concept to grasp, and the benefits of potential changes aren’t always easy to show or measure.

This is why it’s mission-critical to present a compelling case for an EA framework to those responsible for approving or rejecting it. This drawback is significant, as it isn’t easy to find a balance between accessible rhetoric and technical insight.

4. Required Retraining

Even when beneficial, professionals tend to find change uncomfortable, and this is exacerbated when said change requires them to embrace new systems and processes. Moving to a new internal communication solution may save money in the long term but prompt disagreement and frustration in the short term.

When it comes to implementing an EA framework, then, it can take some effort to get people on board. It’s crucial to give everyone enough time and support, as pushing for results too soon can sour people on changes intended to help them.

What Types of Frameworks Are Used in Enterprise Architecture?

There are many potential categories for EA frameworks, but they can most straightforwardly be split into three core types useful during the research phase

1. Comprehensive Enterprise Architecture Frameworks

Frameworks in this category are suitable for all sectors and purposes, making them excellent default options when flexibility is desirable. Their breadth can make them tougher to apply, however, and can produce unnecessary levels of complexity when they’re implemented without appropriate pruning. The most well-known example of this type of framework is The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF).

2. Industry Architecture Frameworks

These frameworks are geared toward specific industries, allowing them to efficiently cover key metrics and considerations when applied to the right organizations. Note that an “industry” here may refer to a set of organizations linked through a commonality other than shared services or products, such as region (as with IndEA, the India Enterprise Architecture) or governmental control (as with FEAF, the Federal Enterprise Architecture framework).

3. Domain Architecture Frameworks

When an organization identifies a pressing need to overhaul one particular aspect of its architecture, it can choose a framework in this category. These frameworks focus on specific domains, which can include those covered earlier in this guide (business, data, software, and technology) as well as other views such as cybersecurity (which is targeted by SABSA, the Sherwood Applied Business Security Architecture).

Summary of the Top Enterprise Architecture Frameworks

There are too many Enterprise Architecture frameworks out there to list them all, but the following are among the most popular and well-regarded:

How to Choose and Implement an Enterprise Architecture Framework

Selecting the right framework (or combination of frameworks) and nailing the deployment is key to minimizing costs and preventing frustrating delays. Completing the following phases will ensure logical progression:

1. List the Core Organizational Objectives

The ultimate purpose of an EA framework is to steer an organization toward greater success, so it’s first necessary to clarify what that success should consist of. Typical goals include lowering costs or increasing profit margins, while lower-level goals might include streamlining a software stack or phasing out an outmoded system.

2. Appoint the Key Decision-Makers

While successful implementation of a full framework may require the efforts of the entire organization, good progress will need a select group to oversee all planning and execution using Enterprise Architecture. Those tasked with this responsibility must have the knowledge, time, and determination to watch closely and intervene when appropriate.

Ideally, each department targeted by the EA framework will have a representative in this group. This will prevent investment imbalances that might lead to progress in one department at the expense of another.

3. Review Available Frameworks (and Alternatives)

We don’t generally recommend using frameworks due to their rigidity and focus on documentation instead of action. Taking an alternative route (such as forgoing a framework and using a platform like Ardoq to produce a flexible and goal-centric model) is often preferable.

For any organization determined to use an EA framework, though, we strongly recommend reviewing many frameworks. Go through the most popular options and any others that seem potentially relevant. There’s no guarantee that any one will be suitable, so a willingness to mix and match aspects of two or three frameworks will prove advantageous.

Before proceeding, ensure that all alternatives have been adequately assessed. Implementing an EA framework is a huge undertaking and should only happen if it’s demonstrably the most practical solution. It may help to liaise with a consultant with EA expertise here; Ardoq’s lead partners are particularly worth considering.

4. Research Relevant Software and Tools

As with any process, updating or establishing Enterprise Architecture can be made easier by using relevant software; in this case, one or more Enterprise Architecture tools can remove a lot of tedious manual effort. Software of this kind will incur additional expenditure, though, making it hard to justify to upper management, so look for solutions with clear value. For example, the Ardoq ROI calculator shows how using the Ardoq platform can improve key high-level metrics.

5. Document the Existing Enterprise Architecture

Though frameworks vary in how much technical detail they seek to record, they all appreciate knowing how things currently operate before trying to overhaul them. This phase can be particularly challenging, but it’s advisable to be thorough and involve as many teams across different functions as possible to create a holistic overview of the enterprise.

6. Identify and Rank the Most Important Actions

What’s the first aspect of Enterprise Architecture that should be changed when the implementation phase begins? Note that it isn’t always as simple as ranking in order of importance, as circumstances may make it inconvenient to begin with the highest priority. It may be helpful to go for easy wins first to get the ball rolling and quickly demonstrate value to the rest of the organization.

7. Create a Phased Plan for Implementing the Framework

Each implementation phase should lead neatly into the next, and all progress should be logically charted. Failing to segment things well can lead to confusion, repeated work, and a general lack of awareness of what’s being done. Adding an early pause point to look for unexpected issues can prove beneficial.

General Advice for Developing Enterprise Architecture

Here are two framework-agnostic tips that can prove helpful when making any substantial changes to Enterprise Architecture:

Firstly, remember that one of the biggest barriers to digital transformation is the impossibility of neatly changing or replacing systems necessary for day-to-day operations. Even the most modest change can cause work to slow or even stop for a day or two, so finding the right times to take systems offline is a crucial concern.

It’s sensible to look for days and weeks that are relatively slow for business, but it’s also necessary to accept that making needed changes may come at some short-term cost or inconvenience.

Secondly, ensure that the key figures chosen to oversee progress maintain their focus, especially if few people (or no people) within the organization have previously been involved with an Enterprise Architecture initiative.

Extra attention and engagement during the first weeks will raise the likelihood of the project as a whole being a success. If anything happens to prevent someone in an important role from doing their duty, source a replacement as soon as possible.

Reimagine Enterprise Architecture With Ardoq

When the intention is to optimize Enterprise Architecture to address key challenges and serve core objectives, putting effective platforms in place confers great benefits. 

Ardoq is one such platform, providing data-driven visualizations and insights capable of aiding fast growth. With a flexible and framework-agnostic design, it can adapt to any model, whether taken fully from an existing approach or built from sections extracted from several solutions.

Using a platform like Ardoq to spotlight metrics makes it easier to focus on the KPIs that matter most instead of getting lost in the weeds of lower-level metrics or succumbing to scope creep.

Schedule an Ardoq demo today to learn how it can facilitate major Enterprise Architecture improvements.

FAQs About Enterprise Architecture Frameworks

Can Enterprise Architecture Frameworks Be Customized to Fit Specific Organizational Needs?

Yes, it isn’t necessary to use every element of a predefined EA framework. Many organizations draw from several frameworks to find solutions that best fit their requirements. For example, a solution such as ArchiMate, which specializes in producing simple visuals for non-technical stakeholders, can work well with another framework emphasizing rich technical analysis.

How Do Enterprise Architecture Frameworks Align With Business Goals and Objectives?

Every type of framework highlights different priorities, with some centering on conventional business objectives (profitability, turnover, liquidity, etc.) and others giving more time and attention to deeper technical considerations that aren’t quite as easy to relate to financial KPIs.

Accordingly, organizations that wish to stick with familiar goals must use frameworks that fit their intentions. Of course, it’s possible to adapt more technical frameworks, but the existence of practical frameworks makes it easier and simpler to follow the beaten path.

How Can Organizations Measure the Success of Their Enterprise Architecture Framework Implementation?

When handled well, Enterprise Architecture drives business outcomes, so it should be clear from the beginning how the project's success can be gauged. If an organization has proceeded without completing this phase, it should complete it despite the lateness and, if possible, use KPI projections made before the rollout to get an idea of the impact made.

It’s also possible to understand an EA framework’s success by surveying employees, which may be worth doing. Still, it’s important to remember that perceptions of success may not reflect rising metrics. Steady analysis using broad context will always give the clearest reflection of progress.