Applied Informatics has experience of using a variety of architecture tools across multiple assignments. As specialists in developing model-based architectures and designs, we can draw upon this experience to assist your organisation select a tool that best meets your requirements. This includes tool functionality, deployment options, licensing options and ongoing product support models.
We also have experience of using different modelling notations and methodologies including UML, ArchiMate, SoaML and BPMN 2.0.
We adopted a best-practice approach, based upon the Gartner ‘Enterprise Architecture Tool Selection Process’, to help Viapath with their architecture tool selection.
The challenge
Applied Informatics was contracted by Viapath to select and configure an architecture tool to capture the organisation's Information Systems architecture. Like many organisations, Viapath did not have a standardised set of methods for representing their application and data assets, or a single view of their entire information systems landscape.
What we did
Following establishment of the maturity of Viapath's architecture capability and their requirements for the tool, candidates were identified and assessed against the requirements to create a shortlist. We evaluated and piloted the shortlisted tools to select a tool and environment that included a cloud-based repository, was integrated with an API for version control of the model, and fulfilled Viapath's requirements. This was assured by the organisation's Enterprise Architecture function prior to procurement.
We trained Viapath staff on use of the architecture tool and environment, and created a number of specifications covering the configuration and usage of the architecture tool to enable a consistent representation of Viapath's architectural assets to be captured. We used the tool to reverse engineer a SQL Server data model for a data warehouse enhancement project.
Feedback
“Almost immediately, Viapath started to enjoy benefits. For the first time our information, integration, design and deployment architecture was consolidated into a single, consistent repository that is leveraged to this day to develop new, robust solutions for our business. The Applied Informatics implementation allows us to guarantee consistency and, therefore, quality in a way we never anticipated.”Davey Fraser, Head of Solution Delivery & Application Management at Viapath
Our impact
The architecture tool and environment were successfully deployed within Viapath and were adopted by Data Architects, Integration Architects and Solution Architects. The tool was used to capture Viapath's application and data landscape and successfully deliver a number of projects that were underpinned by a robust model to create consistent, meaningful and reusable artefacts.
Shortly after deployment, usage of the tool was extended to cover Viapath's Business Architecture function with support from Applied Informatics. This included the import of business process diagram from Visio, and the round-tripping of requirements updated outside the tool in Excel.
The organisation now has full traceability across Business and Information Systems architectures.
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