We asked some of our partners to talk about their views on enterprise architecture, here our newest Partner, Bridgehead Consulting AB, talks about their approach to supporting EA with Essential, in a pragmatic, value-based way, focused on a specific client case study.
Introduction
“EA from the trenches” – a phrase that perfectly encapsulates the hands-on, value-driven approach to Enterprise Architecture (EA) that we adopted in our recent Essential Cloud implementation. Our journey with this tool, completed in a remarkably short timeframe, demonstrates the power of a pragmatic and focused EA strategy.
The Essential Cloud PoC: A Swift Validation of Value
Our venture began with a Proof of Concept (PoC) for Essential Cloud. The goal? To quickly establish the tool’s value to our enterprise architecture. What set this PoC apart was its efficiency – within a short span, we could demonstrate Essential Cloud’s tangible benefits to our EA processes. This rapid validation was key to moving forward with a full-scale implementation.
Focusing on Business Value: Application and Integration
Following the initial setup, our work with Essential Cloud rapidly accelerated, propelled by a firm commitment to business value. We input information on applications and integrations into Essential Cloud, subsequently turning our attention to capabilities and processes. This approach was not centered on documenting every single detail; rather, it was about identifying and capturing the elements most crucial for strategy, planning, and analysis.
Utilizing Vendor Playbooks for Team Empowerment
One of the striking features of our Essential Cloud implementation was the use of vendor-provided playbooks. These guided our multinational team – comprising members from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, and Poland – through the EA process. The beauty of these playbooks is their accessibility; they empower even those with little EA experience to contribute meaningfully.
Choosing MVP Reports for Maximum Impact
Out of the hundreds of reports available in Essential Cloud, we strategically selected 8-10 as our Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). These reports were chosen for their relevance and ability to provide crucial insights with minimal information input. This decision allowed us to focus our efforts and gather only the necessary data to generate these impactful reports.
The Flexible Nature of Essential Cloud
Essential Cloud’s flexibility was a significant advantage. It doesn’t demand extensive information upfront. Basics like name and relationships are mandatory, but much of the data can be populated over time. This flexibility was particularly beneficial for our multinational team, with varying degrees of experience in EA.
Strategic, Not Operational: The Core of Essential Cloud
It’s important to note that Essential Cloud is a tool for strategy, not day-to-day operations. Its primary purpose is to aid in strategic planning and analysis. This focus was well-aligned with our goal of shaping a future-ready, agile enterprise architecture.
Ease of Use: No Need for Advanced Modelling Skills
Lastly, Essential Cloud’s text-based interface is a game-changer. It doesn’t require users to have expertise in complex modelling languages, making it accessible to a broader range of team members. This inclusivity is crucial for fostering a collaborative and holistic approach to EA.
Conclusion
Our experience with Essential Cloud redefines enterprise architecture and highlights the importance of a pragmatic, value-based approach, focusing on what truly adds strategic value to the organization. The efficient implementation of this tool, guided by MVP reports and facilitated by user-friendly playbooks, demonstrated that effective EA can be both inclusive and straightforward, regardless of the team’s experience level.
The journey with Essential Cloud has reinforced the belief that enterprise architecture is not just about comprehensive documentation or complex models. It’s about strategic insights, flexibility, and alignment with business objectives.
Related Posts
What is Enterprise Architecture?
Is your Enterprise Architecture delivering value?
Enterprise Architecture – Every business needs a Business Portrait
Enterprise Architecture: Defining Business Operating Models in times of Heavy Disruption
Enterprise Architecture – You’re Doing It!