Three Key Points Every Leader Should Know About Enterprise Architecture

Enterprise architecture is an approach that supports change management, enhances decision-making, improves communication, reduces risks, and brings structure to development efforts.

If you are not an enterprise or IT architect, you might not have even encountered the term “enterprise architecture” before. Why is it that something this impactful often goes unmentioned in business literature or leadership studies? Perhaps it’s because enterprise architecture is sometimes perceived as overly complex and technical. Even the term itself sounds pretty broad and abstract! But enterprise architecture is not rocket science—it’s essentially about planning, cooperation, and communication.

Every leader should understand the basics of enterprise architecture and how to use it effectively. It can be unexpectedly useful the next time you face a complex planning or decision-making situation. This is a resource you do not want to overlook!

What is Enterprise Architecture?

At its core, enterprise architecture is a strategic approach to managing change. But it is also about plans and documentation, as it encompasses descriptions of an organization’s key components and their interdependencies. These components might include capabilities, services, processes, data, applications, and technologies.

The goal of enterprise architecture is to leverage these architectural descriptions in planning and decision-making across the organization. This happens through an enterprise architecture function that supports various organizational activities.

What Should Leaders Know About Enterprise Architecture?

So what is enterprise architecture, and what does it do?

1. Connects Business, Technology, and Leadership
   Enterprise architecture is not just an initiative conducted by the IT department—it is an integral part of the organization’s management system. It bridges strategy, business operations, technology, and development efforts. By focusing on capabilities, enterprise architecture helps leaders understand how to align and develop these elements to achieve their goals.

2. Helps to Manage Complexity, Dependencies, and Development Needs
   Without a clear understanding of the big picture and interdependencies, decision-making and planning are left to guesswork. While the organization’s applications may be complex, enterprise architecture provides clarity by making their structure and dependencies visible and comprehensible. In practice, enterprise architecture is used as a foundation for strategic planning, strategy execution, prioritizing development ideas, and initiating projects or programs.

3. Lightweight, Flexible, and Tailored to Needs
   Enterprise architecture can be applied in a lightweight, agile, and cost-effective manner. While there are ready-made frameworks available, it’s crucial to choose approaches that suit your organization’s specific needs. Enterprise architecture should integrate seamlessly into your existing processes, such as strategy process and project model, rather than being an additional layer of bureaucracy.

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How to Get Started?

Does your organization already engage in enterprise architecture? If so, look for someone with a title like Chief Architect or Enterprise Architect who leads the work. Work with them to identify areas where enterprise architecture can help you. You do not need to find or interpret enterprise architecture documentation yourself—the architect will guide you through it.

If your organization does not yet practice enterprise architecture, perhaps it is time to start. Begin by assigning responsibility for enterprise architecture to a full- or part-time person. You do not need massive documentation or expensive tools to get started. While initiating enterprise architecture work is neither overly complex nor costly, you can avoid common pitfalls by involving an experienced advisor.

Enterprise architecture is a powerful tool that can help leaders bring order to complexity, align teams, and achieve their goals. Why not explore what it can do for you?

This article was originally published in the Alma Insights blog in Finnish: https://www.almainsights.fi/blogi/kolme-tarkeinta-pointtia-jotka-johtajan-pitaisi-tietaa-kokonaisarkkitehtuurista/