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Enterprise Architecture (EA) helps organizations transform and adapt while maintaining control over their processes, technologies, and systems. However, EA covers many areas, such as mapping the current state landscape, IT alignment, and business strategy, which can make it seem overwhelming to adopt. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple way to start is using “just-enough architecture,” which focuses on delivering value without unnecessary complexity.
In this blog post, we'll show you how to introduce EA to your organization simply and effectively.
What is "just-enough architecture"?
Before diving into the practicalities of adopting EA, it’s important to understand the concept of "just-enough architecture". At its core, this approach introduces Enterprise Architecture in a way that addresses your organization's current needs without unnecessary complexity. "Just-enough architecture" involves taking incremental steps, gradually mapping your architecture landscape toward a broader EA vision, and ensuring each step adds value. It’s about being pragmatic, focusing on what matters most, and avoiding the trap of over-engineering from the start.
In short, "just-enough architecture" helps you adopt EA without immediately diving into the deep end. It helps you gradually build a sustainable architecture practice, ensuring your organization's resources are used effectively and aligned with business goals.
Explaining the value of Enterprise Architecture to stakeholders
When it comes to starting with EA, there is no simple, one-size-fits-all solution. The right approach depends on several factors: your organization's industry, culture, maturity, available resources, and the quality of existing data. However, perhaps the most critical question when adopting EA is: What value should Enterprise Architecture bring to my organization?
Identifying the value proposition is the first step in crafting a successful EA strategy. Start by aligning Enterprise Architecture with your organization's broader business goals. Once you’ve articulated the value of EA, you’ll be in a much stronger position to communicate its importance to senior management, stakeholders, and the rest of the organization.
4 steps for building your own "just-enough" architecture
Adopt a "think big, start small" mindset and follow these 4 steps to get started:
Step 1: Formulate the ideal state (your "north star")
Think big by outlining a vision for where you want to take your Enterprise Architecture practice. A common vision for architecture teams is to plan and guide the strategic transformation process of an organization. These are high-level goals that both business and IT departments can understand, agree upon, and support.
Step 2: Break down the ideal state into subgoals
Next, break down your ideal state into smaller subgoals. Then, break these subgoals further so that each focuses on specific value points that align with business needs.
One powerful tool for structuring your EA strategy is a goal tree. It’s an essential part of creating a roadmap for your EA practice, as it clarifies what needs to be done to achieve each objective. Here's an example of a goal tree:
Breaking it down into subgoals helps identify the next phases of your architecture practice. For example, start with "just-enough architecture," mapping key parts of your IT landscape and business strategy, goals, and capabilities.
- Providing architecture guidance to the transformation teams, which make the actual changes by changing processes and implementing new solutions.
- Build a long-term transformation roadmap by identifying and prioritizing future transformation projects.
Step 3: Decompose subgoals into tangible tasks
Continue breaking down subgoals until they can be translated into tangible tasks that individual teams or departments can take on.
Here's an example of a Kanban board that captures both short-term goals and tasks:
Step 4: Assign Tasks and Prioritize
Finally, prioritize tasks based on their short-term impact and feasibility. To do this, have a conversation with your sponsors and senior leadership. This ensures you focus on the most valuable initiatives first, helping you build momentum and demonstrate the value of Enterprise Architecture early on. You can also use a Kanban board to track tasks, making it clear what everyone needs to work on and when.
If you complete the above 4 steps, congratulations – you have just built your own "just-enough architecture"!
Building a sustainable Enterprise Architecture practice
While starting small is important, remember that EA is not a one-off project. It’s an ongoing process that evolves with your organization. Even when you begin with "just-enough architecture", always keep the long-term vision in mind. Think of it like plumbing – don’t just keep patching leaks. Instead, aim to build a strong, efficient system from the start.
This requires early engagement of key stakeholders – business and IT leaders, as well as departments that rely on the architecture. Without their active involvement and support, building a sustainable EA practice will be difficult.
Get started today!
As you can see, there's a way to adopt Enterprise Architecture in your organization without diving straight into the deep end. Remember, EA is a long-term investment, and by starting small but thinking big, you can build a strong foundation for a more adaptive, agile, and successful organization. So, take the first step and start building your own "just-enough architecture" today. Good luck!