Enterprise ArchitectureEnterprise Architecture |
Enterprise Architecture is the practice of applying a comprehensive and rigorous method for describing a current or future structure to an organisation’s processes, information systems, personnel and organisational sub-units, so that they align with the organisation’s core goals and strategic direction.
Although often associated strictly with IT, it relates more broadly to the practice of business optimisation in that it addresses business architecture, performance management and process architecture.
IT organisations often find that projects do not deliver their total potential value because they operate in silos and are not aligned to the overall business strategy. Enterprise Architecture considers the enterprise as a whole, rather than focusing on (a) single independent solution(s).
Deloitte’s Value proposition
Defining, managing and exploiting Enterprise Architecture can drive significant business benefits, including:
- Lower total cost of IT – Movement to standardisation and control allows the IT function to operate more efficiently and effectively, minimising duplication of expenditure.
- Greater business agility – The use of guiding principles and the establishment of standards provide for a consistent IT landscape across the organisation, better able to cope with business change.
- Improved decision making – It provides a view of the current business and facilitates scenario modelling to help highlight the advantages and disadvantages of various courses of action.
- Enhanced IT investment – It ensures that all projects are contributing towards the realisation of a defined target architecture.
The Deloitte Global Enterprise Architecture Framework (EAF) is aimed at articulating our understanding of Enterprise Architecture. It was developed with input captured from a range of member firms including the UK, U.S., Belgium, Canadian and Australian practices.
