How do you keep your repository up to date and relevant to the changing business and technology needs?

1 Define your repository structure

The first step to keeping your repository up to date and relevant is to define a clear and consistent structure for organizing and categorizing your architecture content. TOGAF provides a generic structure based on the Enterprise Continuum, which consists of two complementary concepts: the Architecture Continuum and the Solutions Continuum. You can use this structure as a starting point, but you should also tailor it to suit your specific needs and preferences. For example, you may want to add more levels of granularity, use different naming conventions, or align your structure with other frameworks or standards.

2 Establish your governance processes

The second step to keeping your repository up to date and relevant is to establish your governance processes for creating, reviewing, approving, updating, and deleting your architecture content. Governance ensures that your repository is aligned with your strategic goals, complies with your policies and principles, and meets your quality and consistency standards. You should define roles and responsibilities, workflows and procedures, criteria and metrics, and tools and mechanisms for governing your repository. You should also communicate and enforce your governance processes across your organization and stakeholders.

3 Implement your version control and change management

The third step to keeping your repository up to date and relevant is to implement your version control and change management for your architecture content. Version control allows you to track the history and evolution of your architecture content, as well as to compare and revert to previous versions if needed. Change management allows you to manage the impact and dependencies of changes to your architecture content, as well as to notify and consult with the affected parties. You should use appropriate tools and techniques for version control and change management, such as configuration management databases, baselines, change requests, and impact assessments.

4 Integrate your repository with other sources and systems

The fourth step to keeping your repository up to date and relevant is to integrate your repository with other sources and systems that provide or consume architecture information. Integration enables you to leverage existing data and knowledge, avoid duplication and inconsistency, and automate and streamline your processes. For example, you may want to integrate your repository with your business strategy, requirements, project portfolio, risk management, service catalog, or configuration management systems. You should use standard interfaces and protocols for integration, such as APIs, web services, or data exchange formats.

5 Update your repository regularly and incrementally

The fifth step to keeping your repository up to date and relevant is to update your repository regularly and incrementally as your architecture evolves. Updating your repository ensures that your architecture reflects the current state and future direction of your enterprise, as well as the feedback and lessons learned from your stakeholders and users. You should update your repository in alignment with your ADM cycles, as well as in response to any triggers or events that require architectural changes. You should also update your repository in small and manageable increments, rather than in large and disruptive batches.

6 Review and validate your repository periodically and systematically

The sixth and final step to keeping your repository up to date and relevant is to review and validate your repository periodically and systematically to ensure its accuracy, completeness, usability, and value. Reviewing and validating your repository enables you to identify and address any gaps, errors, inconsistencies, or redundancies in your architecture content, as well as to measure and improve its quality and performance. You should review and validate your repository at regular intervals, such as quarterly or annually, as well as at key milestones or checkpoints in your ADM. You should also use various methods and techniques for review and validation, such as audits, assessments, surveys, or metrics.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?