It’s no secret that the enterprise architect (EA) function is a technology-focused one and as such falls under the IT department’s domain. In the past, one-time projects defined the enterprise architect’s workflow, such as uniting different departments with a common CRM or other software programs. Technology is improving at an exponential rate, which puts increasing pressure on enterprise architects to bridge the gap between IT solutions and business strategies. Cookie Preferences Once the final design has been approved within the project team, the engineer’s role focuses on ensuring the quality of the implementation is optimal throughout the build phase and no shortcuts are taken across the life of the project. Sign up for Computer Weekly's daily email, Datacentre backup power and power distribution, Secure Coding and Application Programming, Data Breach Incident Management and Recovery, Compliance Regulation and Standard Requirements, Telecoms networks and broadband communications, Lords propose making tech giants pay for using news, Plymouth to host world’s first 5G ocean-based marine testbed, CIO interview: Simon Bateman, Allica Bank. (c) 2019 All Rights Reserved, prooV, Inc. Enterprise Terms & ConditionsEnterprise Privacy PolicyISV Terms & ConditionsISV Privacy Policy, This site uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. On the other hand, some experts argue that you cannot build a certification for a role that has such rapidly changing responsibilities. At the point of widespread adoption, the focus of the role would be on operational efficiency, and therefore it was placed in the operationally focused IT department. Please login. From the point of drafting to final design, the engineer consults with both the strategist and custodian roles. This e-guide explores these matters, beginning with a comprehensive article that ranges over supply chain management, from a macro level through how trading platforms have been flexed to switch suppliers rapidly down to how robots have been quickly deployed to solve problems of scale. As innovation becomes increasingly necessary, the role of enterprise architect continues to evolve and gain influence. Spencer Izard is lead advisor and researcher at Leading Edge Forum. You have to be able to understand the technology and make tough decisions that prioritize strategies while also working to unite the company so that everyone is working toward the greater good. Since EA is an evolving discipline, the role of the Enterprise Architect is continuously changing (Bredemeyer & Malan 2004) and the role will become ever more important in the future (Gøtze 2013). The vanguard enterprise architect is an agile role by nature, dealing with constant innovation and change. Submit your e-mail address below. Some might consider the proposed split is simply a repositioning of the singular EA role, in which the role is not split into three separate roles but seconded out to the corporate strategy department and programme office for specific short-term strategic activities. This consultation maintains a consistent alignment between the strategic use of technology in the business strategy and the organisation’s established technology standards. They were based on improving internal processes rather than racing against the innovation clock to try to stay ahead of the competition. The future of EA puts the enterprise architect in a leadership role by driving strategy based on business goals and drivers. Driving innovation within an enterprise means using the power of data and analytics while also staying on top of trends and emerging technology. Some departments may not immediately see the value of a particular innovation and show resistance in response. Innovation is not just a buzzword. You have exceeded the maximum character limit. When Emily isn’t writing or finding new content to explore, she can be found hiking, diving, or walking the streets of Tel Aviv. The role of DevOps and its connection to enterprise ... 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The role of technology should be to influence and serve one or many elements of a business strategy as it is being developed, not something that is created separately from the business strategy and aligned later. With a passion for writing, social media, community management, and everything marketing, Emily thrives in the digital marketing realm. In the past, one-time projects defined the enterprise architect’s workflow, such as uniting different departments with a common CRM or other software programs. Even if an enterprise is able to achieve innovation in one department, fragmentation among departments can prevent the successful implementation of innovation. Do Not Sell My Personal Info. From this definition of the EA role, there are clearly two distinct parts to it. Dividing the role provides a business-critical capability the organisation needs in the CEO-facing corporate strategy department, and office of the COO. This role takes responsibility for the organisation’s technology standards being applied, wherever and however they are required, from both day-to-day and strategic perspectives. The reason: a simple lack of educating themselves. These separate roles – strategist, engineer and custodian – must also reside and operate permanently in corporate strategy, the programme office, and the IT department, respectively. Given this belief, the EA role has typically been sourced from IT department staff  – specifically those who have been in solution or development roles on projects for line of business (LoB) functions. With legacy companies making digital strides and new technologies constantly being developed, companies cannot afford to dismiss innovation. An enterprise architect is someone who is responsible for making sure that a company's business strategy uses proper technology systems architecture to achieve its goals. According to the OECD, 55% of companies currently on the Fortune 500 list will not make the cut by 2025. The enterprise architect’s role is one of arranging unstructured information in a useful manner that guides decision-makers in making choices that lead to performance improvements, and the following roles for enterprise architects are suggested : It’s challenging to understand how both parts can be served equally or truly effectively across a medium-sized or large organisation. Take a look inside the ultimate toolkit for enterprise architects. One half of the role acts as a change agent for business transformation and the other as a quality agent, ensuring consistency through continuous operational efficiency. Not only would this interpretation be unwise, but it is part of the traditional thinking that has caused the role’s true potential to become marginalised and stagnate over the past several decades. Follow Emily on Twitter @emilysgoldring. However, the requirements of a 21st century organisation to adapt to its environment and disruptive external forces indicate that the business transformative piece of the EA puzzle is more critical than ever. In this book excerpt, readers can explore the Cisco DEVASC 200-901 official guide and get a flavor of one of Cisco's newest exams... Finding the right server operating temperature can be tricky. She is constantly looking for new and innovative techniques to implement. Strategists also assess whether already-adopted technologies can be individually or collectively repurposed to support proposed business goals within each business strategy creation cycle. This role acts as a positive change agent, assessing outlier and newly adopted technologies to propose how their use can serve the corporate leadership’s vision, at the start of a business strategy’s development. 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