Enterprise architecture: lost in translation |
For many companies, virtually every significant change to their business has an equivalent impact on their technology infrastructure. For the business to roll with the punches and come out on top, the IT organization has to be ready to respond in like fashion, just as quickly. But in practice, the hurdles standing in the way of this type of fast action can seem insurmountable. Because many IT infrastructures are set up without a common language in place that cuts across different enterprises, making it difficult for strategic decisions to be effectively translated into the organization’s technology foundation. That’s where enterprise architecture (EA) can make a difference.
Speaking the same language
For technology leaders who have been around long enough, it usually doesn’t come as a surprise that their systems and infrastructure aren’t operating in an aligned fashion. That’s just what happens in a mature organization, where new companies and technology portfolios are routinely acquired, shifts in business strategy change technology goals, and islands of sophistication emerge as leaders push their teams to new heights. Mostly, those are positive changes. But they can have a devastating cumulative impact if they’re not managed properly. The real question is often when to take action – and how. Enterprise architecture is the practice of creating a technology structure that brings an organization’s processes, information systems, personnel and discrete operating units into tight alignment to support its core goals and strategies – no matter what twists and turns they make. While it involves a heavy technological component, it’s multidisciplinary, linking together business managers, technology managers and technology implementers. A technology-focused approach isn’t enough.
How we can help
Effective EA encompasses both business and technology, so it requires a broad range of experience, knowledge and skills in everything from strategy and operations to technology integration, security and human capital.
Deloitte has access to a full range of capabilities in consulting, tax, audit, and finance worldwide. This
broad range of capabilities allows us to provide services to assist with any EA challenge, including:
- Business strategy
- Business process reengineering
- Technology architecture
- Change management
Enterprise architecture - Lost in translation
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