SAP LeanIX - Using Meta Model Customization to maintain Architecture Decision Records & Visualization

In the context of Enterprise Architecture, an Architecture Decision Record or Log (ADR or ADL) is a collection of all the significant architectural decisions made throughout the design and implementation of an enterprise’s IT systems. Think of it as a centralized record documenting the “why” behind the architecture choices.

In the realm of Enterprise Architecture, the Architecture Review Board (ARB) functions as a governing body entrusted with the critical task of evaluating proposed changes and developments to an organization's IT landscape. The ARB plays a pivotal role in ensuring alignment between technology initiatives and the overarching enterprise architecture, safeguarding its integrity, and promoting consistency across all IT endeavors.

Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) as an Output of the ARB

A crucial output of the ARB's activities is the generation of Architecture Decision Records (ADRs). These documents serve as formal records of the significant architectural decisions made during the review process. Each entry in the ADL is typically captured in an Architecture Decision Record (ADR), which provides detailed context about a specific decision. Here’s what an ADR usually contains:

• Title: A concise description of the decision.
• Status: (e.g., Open, Approved, Rejected, Superseded)
• Context: The background and situation leading to the decision.
• Decision: The chosen option and its justification.
• Rationale: Other options considered and why they were rejected
• Consequences: The expected impacts (positive and negative) of the decision.

Using LeanIX to document Architecture Decision Records

Disclaimer: The LeanIX team is currently developing a feature for managing Architecture Decision Records (ADRs), based on extensive discussions within the LeanIX Community ( https://roadmap.leanix.net/c/372-rfc-process-support). This functionality is expected to be released next year.

In the meantime, you can utilize LeanIX as an ADR repository by creating a new fact sheet type within the Meta Model Configuration.

We add a new factsheet type ADR in the LeanIx Meta Model Configuration.

Add following fields & statuses to the new factsheet type;

Following Custom fields are added to the new ADR Fact Sheet.

ADR Status (open, approved, proposed, accepted, rejected,…) - Should be a single select Dropdown field.

Context (What is the background to have a decision)? - Field Type “Text Area”

Decision (What is the decision) - Field Type “Text Area”

Rationale ( What is the justification and rationale for arriving this decision?) - Field Type “Text Area”

Consequences (What are the consequences, gets better/simpler/more difficult etc…) - Field Type “Text Area”

Proposed On : (When was this Decision was originally Proposed?) - - Field Type “Date”

Last Reviewed On : (When was this Decision was last Reviewed?) - - Field Type “Date”

Now the new fact sheet type ADR is available in the meta model.

Create a Custom Tag Group for Visualization. The Tag Group will have tags which are similar to the ADR statuses that we have created earlier.

Use the appropriate color coding for easy visualization.

We now create a new factsheet of type ADR. Here is one such example ADR factsheet type for reference. I have used a Master Data Management related ADR as a sample.

Name: Centralized vs. Decentralized Master Data Management

ADR Status: Approved

Context: The company is struggling with inconsistent customer and product data across various SAP modules and third-party systems.

Decision: Centralized master data management (MDM) will be implemented

Rationale:

A centralized approach will ensure data consistency across the organization.

Reduces data redundancy and errors in financial reporting.

Consequences:

Increased effort in initial data migration and cleansing.

More complex governance models need to be introduced for master data ownership.

The Inventory would look like below once you have all your ADRs in LeanIX.

Architecture Decision Log Dashboard

Now create a Landscape Report in LeanIX for easy visualization and to use it as a ADR dashboard to drive ARB meetings.

Use the Custom Tag group as a "View". The Output would look like below.?

Linking ADR to initiatives and related factsheets

In the Initiative fact sheet, create a new Custom filed and with Relation to ADR factsheet.

Maintain the ADR field in the Initiatives.

Initiative now has traceability to relevant ADR.

In addition, we could also look at automating ADR Approval by LeanIX Automation feature to have a workflow and email notifications on significant changes in the ADR.

Hope this helps !

Regards,

Vivek