Why should we do business architecture?
Good one. That’s the million-dollar question.
Simon Sinek says, “Start With Why.”
A big part of the answer is not just why business architecture is so important, but why it is so important now, so we’ll start there. A lot of people wonder how business architecture can be so great yet they haven’t heard of it until now, not to mention the fact that their organizations have been successful without it for decades. So here’s the “why now” explained in pictures.
The bottom line is that we work in complex organizations that are colliding with a world where constant change is the new normal. Organizations have finite resources, including time, people and funding, and the key is to focus those resources on the most important things in the most effective way. We need a new mindset for new results in order to survive and thrive. Enter business architecture as an important part of that shift.
Got it. But again, why should we do this?
Here’s one way to look at it. Let’s sum it up in three quick points, since we’re StraightTalkin’ here.
Number 1: Business Architecture Bridges Strategy and Execution
This is the big one. Probably the most important value business architecture provides is to facilitate change, especially because of that whole “why now” topic that we just covered. With business architecture (and IT architecture), we have an opportunity to shift the mindset by working top-down, with true enterprise collaboration—instead of in business unit silos. Using business architecture’s blueprint (and the talents of brilliant business architects) we can assess and catalog the impact all potential changes on the business and IT environment (from strategies, transformations, regulatory changes, etc.), and then collectively architect those changes and scope initiatives in the most effective way across business units. We can also make sure that the initiatives actually deliver on the objectives they were supposed to.
Number 2: Business Architecture Helps Simplify a Complex Environment
Remember how we talked about those complex environments? Business architecture helps identify opportunities for simplification in the business and IT environment using an enterprise business lens. Reducing complexity has its own benefits (e.g. cost savings), but it also speeds up the pace at which an organization can implement change.
Number 3: Business Architecture Creates a Shared Language and Visibility
Numbers 1 and 2 are the biggies, so this one is a bonus. You know those conversations we all keep having in our organizations like about the definitions of “customer” and “product?” Business architecture can help. As you build and use your business architecture you create a common vocabulary and “mental model.” This makes conversations more effective and provides a bird’s eye view of what you do without all of the details.
So, if business architecture had a Six-Word Memoir, it might be something like:
Bridges strategy and execution; facilitates change.
Makes sense. So why is this so hard to explain to others?
Here’s the part where I tell you that you’re not crazy (or alone) for thinking that. There are a few reasons and knowing them helps.
- Business architecture is relatively “new” compared to functions and disciplines that have been around for decades. More time is required for education and adoption.
- Business architecture is not standalone; it makes other functions and disciplines more effective. It is never overlapping or competing when implemented properly.
- Business architecture introduces an enterprise mindset that challenges culture and behavior. Not everyone is a fan of collaborating across business units.
Give me some good news.
As the business architecture discipline continues to be practiced and as targeted industry efforts continue to permeate executive suites and the academic community, this will get easier. As understanding and acceptance grows, business architecture will eventually reach the level of recognition that other disciplines like project management and business analysis have now. And it will become just part of how we work, embedded into the fabric of our organizations.
In the meantime, think of yourself as part of a really cool movement.
Got it now.
Make 1-million dollar checks out to: s-t-r-a-i-g-h-t t-a-l-k.
MORE GOOD STUFF
The Value of Business Architecture (S2E Whitepaper): A longer and more formal version of this story on why business architecture is needed now as well as its value and usage.
The Value Proposition of Business Architecture (Business Architecture Guild®): Here’s the official word on the value of business architecture from the source in just one paragraph (looks like the Guild StraightTalks too):
“The value of business architecture is to provide an abstract representation of an enterprise and the business ecosystem in which it operates. By doing so, business architecture delivers value as an effective communication and analytical framework for translating strategy into actionable initiatives. The framework also enhances the enterprise’s capacity to enact transformational change, navigate complexity, reduce risk, make more informed decisions, align diverse stakeholders to a shared vision of the future, and leverage technology more effectively.”1
Business Architecture Case Studies (Business Architecture Guild®): Check out Part 7 of the BIZBOK® Guide to see how other organizations have put business architecture into action.
Don’t Sell a Product, Sell a Whole New Way of Thinking (Harvard Business Review): To successfully introduce business architecture to your organization, you might need to shift the mindset. Here’s some food for thought on how.
How Great Leaders Inspire Action (TED Talk by Simon Sinek): Inspiration for business architects about the importance of communicating “from the inside out” starting with why instead of what.
Summing It Up (in Six Words): Just for fun—check out the book. The beauty in terseness and a different way to reflect on your life. What’s your six word memoir?
- 1Source: A Guide to the Business Architecture Body of Knowledge® (BIZBOK® Guide), Part 1