How do you make sure your business architecture is top quality?

1 Define your scope and purpose

Before you start creating or updating your business architecture, you need to have a clear understanding of why you are doing it and what you want to achieve. What are the drivers, objectives, and outcomes of your business architecture initiative? Who are the target audiences and users of your business architecture? How will you measure the value and impact of your business architecture? These questions will help you define the scope and purpose of your business architecture and guide your decisions and actions.

2 Follow a framework and method

Business architecture is not a one-size-fits-all approach. There are different frameworks and methods that you can use to structure and organize your business architecture. Some of the common ones are the Business Architecture Guild's BIZBOK, the Open Group's TOGAF, and the Object Management Group's UML. Each framework and method has its own strengths, weaknesses, and best practices. You should choose the one that suits your needs, preferences, and context. However, you should also be flexible and adaptable to adjust your framework and method as needed.

3 Use standard models and tools

Business architecture relies on various models and tools to capture, analyze, and communicate the essential aspects of your business. Some of the key models and tools are the value stream, the capability map, the business model canvas, and the stakeholder map. These models and tools help you visualize and understand your business from different perspectives and levels of detail. You should use standard models and tools that are widely recognized and accepted by the business architecture community. This will help you ensure consistency, quality, and interoperability of your business architecture.

4 Align with enterprise architecture

Business architecture is a part of enterprise architecture, which is the holistic view of your organization's strategy, business, information, technology, and governance. Enterprise architecture helps you ensure that your business architecture is aligned with the other domains of your organization and supports your overall vision and direction. You should collaborate with your enterprise architects and other stakeholders to ensure that your business architecture is integrated and consistent with your enterprise architecture. This will help you avoid duplication, conflict, and gaps in your business architecture.

5 Validate and refine your business architecture

Business architecture is not a static or final product. It is a dynamic and iterative process that requires constant validation and refinement. You should test and verify your business architecture against your scope and purpose, your framework and method, your models and tools, and your enterprise architecture. You should also solicit feedback and input from your target audiences and users, as well as other experts and peers. You should use the validation and refinement process to identify and address any issues, errors, or opportunities for improvement in your business architecture.

6 Keep your business architecture current and relevant

Business architecture is not a one-time or occasional activity. It is a continuous and ongoing practice that requires regular maintenance and update. You should monitor and track any changes or developments in your internal or external environment that may affect your business architecture. You should also review and evaluate your business architecture periodically to ensure that it reflects the current state and future direction of your business. You should keep your business architecture current and relevant to ensure that it delivers value and impact to your organization.

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?