en_US

Comprehensive Guide to Architecture Deliverables and the Architecture Repository

Introduction

In the realm of enterprise architecture, understanding the distinction between architecture deliverables and the architecture repository is crucial for effective management and utilization of architectural assets. This guide will delve into the key aspects of architecture deliverables and the architecture repository, their relationship, and how they contribute to the overall enterprise architecture framework.

Understanding Architecture Deliverables

Definition

Architecture deliverables are formally specified work products that are reviewed, approved, and signed off by stakeholders. They represent the output of projects and are typically archived upon completion or transitioned into an Architecture Repository as a reference model, standard, or snapshot of the Architecture Landscape at a point in time.

Key Aspects

  1. Formal Specification: Architecture deliverables are contractually specified and undergo a formal review and approval process.
  2. Project Output: They are the tangible outputs of architecture projects.
  3. Archival or Transition: Upon completion, deliverables can be archived or transitioned into the Architecture Repository.
  4. Multiple Artifacts: A single deliverable may contain one or more artifacts, such as catalogs, matrices, and diagrams.

Examples of Architecture Deliverables

  1. Catalogs: Lists of architecture building blocks, such as a catalog of applications or technology components.
  2. Matrices: Tables that show the relationships between different architecture elements, such as a capability matrix.
  3. Diagrams: Visual representations of architecture elements and their relationships, such as process flow diagrams or data flow diagrams.
  4. Building Blocks: Reusable architecture components that can be used across different projects.

Understanding the Architecture Repository

Definition

The Architecture Repository acts as a holding area for all architecture-related projects within an enterprise. It is a key component of the Enterprise Repository, which provides the capability to link architectural assets to components of the Detailed Design, Deployment, and Service Management Repositories.

Key Aspects

  1. Central Holding Area: It serves as a central location for managing architecture-related projects and assets.
  2. Management and Re-use: It allows projects to manage their deliverables, locate reusable assets, and publish outputs to stakeholders.
  3. Structural Framework: It provides a structural framework that distinguishes between different types of architectural assets at various levels of abstraction.
  4. Enterprise Repository Integration: It is part of the wider Enterprise Repository, linking architectural assets to other enterprise components.
  5. Formal Taxonomy: It offers a formal taxonomy for different types of architectural assets, alongside processes and tools for storage.
  6. Asset Management: It helps manage and leverage architectural work products, facilitating the re-use of architectural assets.

Components of the Architecture Repository

  1. Architecture Landscape: Represents assets deployed within the operating enterprise at a particular point in time.
  2. Solutions Landscape: Provides an architectural representation of the Solution Building Blocks (SBBs) supporting the Architecture Landscape.
  3. Standards Library: Captures the standards with which new architectures must comply.
  4. Reference Library: Offers guidelines, templates, and other reference materials.
  5. Architecture Requirements Repository: Provides a view of authorized architecture requirements.
  6. Governance Repository: Contains records of governance activity.

Relationship Between Architecture Deliverables and the Architecture Repository

The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2 - Introduction to Part IV

Transition of Deliverables

  • Completion of Projects: Upon completion of a project, architecture deliverables are often transitioned into the Architecture Repository.
  • Content of the Repository: The artifacts within deliverables become the content of the Architecture Repository, contributing to the overall architectural knowledge base.

Management and Leveraging

  • Deliverable Management: The Architecture Repository provides a means to manage and leverage the deliverables and artifacts produced during architecture development.
  • Reusable Assets: It allows projects to locate and reuse existing architectural assets, promoting efficiency and consistency.

Enterprise Continuum

  • Evolution of Architectures: The Enterprise Continuum, which includes the Architecture Continuum, provides a view of the Architecture Repository that shows the evolution of architectures from generic to specific.
  • Structured View: It offers a structured view of architectural assets, helping to distinguish between different types of assets at various levels of abstraction.

Practical Examples

Example 1: Transitioning a Project Deliverable

Scenario: A project to implement a new customer relationship management (CRM) system has been completed.

Steps:

  1. Deliverable Creation: The project produces several deliverables, including a catalog of CRM applications, a data flow diagram, and a matrix of user roles and permissions.
  2. Review and Approval: The deliverables are formally reviewed, approved, and signed off by stakeholders.
  3. Transition to Repository: The approved deliverables are transitioned into the Architecture Repository, where they are stored and managed as reusable assets.
  4. Reuse: Future projects can access and reuse the CRM application catalog, data flow diagram, and user role matrix from the repository.

Example 2: Locating Reusable Assets

Scenario: A new project aims to develop an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.

Steps:

  1. Repository Search: The project team searches the Architecture Repository for existing assets that can be reused.
  2. Asset Identification: They identify a previously developed data model and integration framework that can be adapted for the ERP system.
  3. Reuse and Adaptation: The team reuses and adapts the identified assets, saving time and ensuring consistency with existing architectural standards.
  4. Deliverable Creation: The project produces new deliverables, which are reviewed, approved, and transitioned into the repository for future use.

Conclusion

Architecture deliverables and the Architecture Repository are essential components of the enterprise architecture framework. Deliverables represent the tangible outputs of architecture projects, while the Architecture Repository serves as a central location for managing and leveraging these deliverables and other architectural assets. By understanding the relationship between deliverables and the repository, organizations can effectively manage, reuse, and leverage their architectural knowledge, promoting efficiency, consistency, and alignment with strategic objectives.

This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of architecture deliverables and the Architecture Repository, their key aspects, practical examples, and the importance of their relationship in the context of enterprise architecture.

Reference List for ArchiMate and TOGAF

  1. TOGAF® Tool for Enterprise Architecture – ArchiMetric
    • Description: This resource provides an overview of TOGAF ADM and how Visual Paradigm supports the development of TOGAF deliverables using ArchiMate diagrams.
    • URL: TOGAF® Tool for Enterprise Architecture
  2. Navigating the Evolution: A Comprehensive Guide to ArchiMate 2.1 to 3.2 – ArchiMetric
  3. Mastering Enterprise Architecture with Visual Paradigm’s TOGAF Tool – ArchiMetric
  4. What is ArchiMate? – Visual Paradigm
    • Description: A step-by-step learning guide on ArchiMate, its integration with TOGAF, and how it complements existing methods like UML and BPMN.
    • URL: What is ArchiMate?
  5. Using BPMN to Supplement TOGAF ADM EA Development Together with ArchiMate – ArchiMetric
  6. Understanding Abstraction in the ArchiMate Language – ArchiMetric
  7. An Overview of ArchiMate – the Enterprise Architecture Modeling Language – Cybermedian
    • Description: This overview discusses ArchiMate’s integration with TOGAF and other frameworks, and the benefits of using Visual Paradigm for ArchiMate modeling.
    • URL: An Overview of ArchiMate
  8. Deal with Enterprise Complexity with Visual Paradigm Just-in-Time Process – ArchiMetric
  9. Visual Paradigm TOGAF – Everything about TOGAF, Enterprise Architecture, ArchiMate, and more
    • Description: This guide provides an in-depth look at ArchiMate 3, TOGAF, and enterprise architecture, and how Visual Paradigm supports these frameworks.
    • URL: Visual Paradigm TOGAF
  10. Free Online ArchiMate Tool + Examples – Cybermedian
    • Description: This resource offers free online ArchiMate tools and examples, highlighting the integration of ArchiMate with TOGAF and the support provided by Visual Paradigm.
    • URL: Free Online ArchiMate Tool + Examples

These references provide a comprehensive overview of ArchiMate and TOGAF, their integration, and the tools available on Visual Paradigm to support enterprise architecture modeling.

Leave a Reply