An enterprise architecture is a way of relating the information, processes, and supporting technology that an organization uses to fulfill its mission. Management of information costs money and requires time. Duplication of efforts in collection, processing, storage and dissemination wastes time and money. An enterprise architecture can be used to reduce duplication and improve management efficiency.

The process of creating an enterprise architecture involves interaction by the program offices (managers of the business processes) and the information technology offices (managers of the business support functions). Promoting dialogue between these two groups is essential to the development of a viable and effective enterprise architecture.

Legislatively-driven Enterprise Architecture Development Methodology (LEADM)
HW&W, Inc. developed LEADM, an enterprise architecture development methodology, based on earlier work in valuing information assets for federal clients. The methodology has been used to develop models of information assets, both in place and for emerging projects. It has also been used to relate business requirements to resources available for projects. The extensive federal experience of HW&W’s professional staff facilitated the adaptation of this methodology to the enterprise architecture development required under new federal initiatives.

The key to this methodology is that it is program office-centric. It is designed from the program office point of view, recognizing that legislation and guidance drive most program office functions. The methodology uses terms and references that are familiar to program office staff. The initial models are designed to facilitate an understanding of the business. Thus the program staff can analyze their business processes, unimpeded by the need to follow the dictates of a particular model’s representation.

HW&W’s Approach
The approach is an iterative one, consisting of a quick initial specification followed by progressive refinements. Using this approach, one quickly gets to the core of the business and its requirements. Once the core has been established, a structured process allows further elaboration of the models.

A clear, common understanding of the business of the agency is essential to the development of a useful enterprise architecture. The methodology is designed to facilitate this understanding. It addresses the business reference model outlined by the Office of Management and Budget.

The OMB Business Reference Model (BRM) Version 1.0 was used initially in this methodology. OMB has revised the BRM and plans to continue annual revisions. The most recent revision (Version 2.0) is probably the most significant revision that will be made to the BRM for some time. Thus, the models developed using the current version of the BRM should be extensible through annual revisions.

View Enterprise Architecture Expertise Case Study