Enterprise Architecture
An Enterprise Architecture (EA) is a tool to understand the totality of a businesses objectives, processes and IT systems. It differs from other plans or models in that it is concerned with both business and IT, enabling a clear view of the interrelationships between, for example, policy objectives, processes and IT systems. An EA model can be ‘as-is', ‘to-be' and can also show the intermediate steps along the roadmap to attain the ‘to-be' state.
In small organisations, complexity is not usually a problem. However the complexity of large public and private sector organisations requires a formal EA to enable these organisations to understand the present and plan for the future. EA models shows how the various IT systems, processes and business objectives fit together at both a technical and business level. It enhances efficiency by ensuring that the organisation functions as an effective whole, rather than as a collection of competing units.
Hitachi Consulting's Approach
We provide a clear and comprehensive view of the business including Applications, Information, Data, Infrastructure and Technology and the interrelationships between them. These relationships are shown diagrammatically in Figure 1 below.
Figure 1: Relationships Between EA Components
Hitachi Consulting's Enterprise Architecture Method (HEAM)
HEAM is a cost-effective approach to implementing an EA. It deliberately focuses on those areas of high business value, as opposed to a ‘catch-all, document everything' approach. The HEAM approach includes:
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establishing initial business objectives
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choosing and tailoring an appropriate EA framework
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consideration of an appropriate EA tool
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data collection
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initial high level build in areas of high business value
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on-going road-map planning and governance
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benefits maximisation strategies
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further model development as required
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on-going model maintenance
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the approach allows for ‘quick-wins' and early stakeholder engagement to build support and interest across the business and deliver speedy business benefit
HEAM provides a solid foundation for decisions and actions. HEAM is a structured approach for representing the breadth and depth of both IT and the business within one comprehensive framework. HCUK has also used EA to architecture specific areas such as:
- Applications and Systems Rationalisation - identifying overlapping functionality providing scope for rationalisation, simplification and cost savings
- Shared Services - developing ‘as-is' and ‘to-be' models maximising efficiency gains
- Roadmap for Modernisation - ongoing roadmaps which show intermediate stages towards the desired end state
- Develop Strategic Initiatives - provide a clear view of the big picture in which an initiative takes place
- Application Governance - enables governance to look beyond the immediate programme towards
- Identify Information Needs - identify information stores, gaps and initiatives to maximise value from information
- Procurement - inform suppliers and vendors of the current and future technology roadmap so they can respond with the most appropriate solution
- Outsourcing Feasibility - assist the due diligence process surrounding IT outsourcing and ensure that the envisaged scope of services covers all your requirements
- Mergers and Acquisitions - contribute towards a carefully managed integration or change of systems when organisations with different IT systems combine
Hitachi Consulting is uniquely positioned to help implement an EA with deep proven specific expertise in all the core components that encompass an EA, as well as thought leadership and direct experience in implementations of both straightforward and complex EAs. We use frameworks such as Zachman, TOGAF and MODAF as the basis of our work; but customised as required. We also use a variety of tools such as System Architect, MEGA, METIS, MooD and ProVision to assist in modelling complex organisations and communicating that information to key stakeholders.