How do you assess the maturity and gaps of your EA using the Enterprise Continuum?

1 What is the Enterprise Continuum?

The Enterprise Continuum is a part of the TOGAF standard, a widely used EA methodology. It consists of two complementary dimensions: the Architecture Continuum and the Solutions Continuum. The Architecture Continuum defines the generic and reusable architecture building blocks that can be adapted and customized for different contexts and purposes. The Solutions Continuum defines the specific and implemented solutions that realize the architecture building blocks, such as applications, platforms, and infrastructure. The Enterprise Continuum provides a common language and structure for describing and organizing EA artifacts, such as principles, models, patterns, standards, and guidelines.

2 How to assess your EA maturity using the Enterprise Continuum?

One of the ways to assess your EA maturity is to use the maturity levels defined by the Architecture Continuum. The Architecture Continuum has four levels: Foundation, Common Systems, Industry, and Organization-Specific. Each level represents a different degree of abstraction, standardization, and customization of the architecture building blocks. By mapping your current and target EA artifacts to the appropriate level of the Architecture Continuum, you can determine how mature your EA is in terms of its alignment with industry best practices, its relevance to your business domain, and its differentiation from your competitors.

3 How to identify your EA gaps using the Enterprise Continuum?

Another way to use the Enterprise Continuum is to identify the gaps between your current and target EA states, and the actions required to close them. The gaps can be related to the quality, completeness, consistency, or integration of your EA artifacts across the Architecture Continuum and the Solutions Continuum. For example, you may find that you lack some architecture building blocks at the Foundation or Common Systems level that are essential for supporting your business goals, or that you have some solutions at the Organization-Specific level that are not aligned with your architecture principles or standards. By analyzing the gaps, you can prioritize your EA initiatives and projects, and define the scope, requirements, and deliverables for each of them.

4 How to use the Enterprise Continuum as a reference model?

The Enterprise Continuum is not only a tool for assessment, but also a reference model for guidance and inspiration. It provides a repository of architecture and solution artifacts that you can reuse, adapt, or extend for your own EA context. You can leverage the Enterprise Continuum to access the best practices and standards from various sources, such as TOGAF itself, other EA frameworks, industry bodies, or vendor catalogs. You can also contribute to the Enterprise Continuum by adding your own artifacts or modifying existing ones to reflect your specific needs and preferences.

5 How to use the Enterprise Continuum as a communication tool?

The Enterprise Continuum is also a communication tool that can help you engage and collaborate with different stakeholders involved in your EA practice. It can help you explain the value and purpose of EA, and how it supports the business strategy and vision. It can also help you communicate the current and target EA states, and the roadmap and transition plan for achieving them. By using the Enterprise Continuum, you can establish a common vocabulary and understanding of EA concepts and artifacts among your stakeholders, and foster a culture of shared ownership and accountability for EA outcomes.

6 How to use the Enterprise Continuum as a governance tool?

The Enterprise Continuum is also a governance tool that can help you monitor and control the quality and performance of your EA practice. It can help you define and enforce the EA principles, policies, standards, and guidelines that govern the creation, modification, and usage of EA artifacts. It can also help you measure and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of your EA initiatives and projects, and identify the areas for improvement or change. By using the Enterprise Continuum, you can ensure that your EA practice is aligned with your business goals, compliant with your regulatory requirements, and responsive to your changing needs and expectations.

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?