Enterprise architecture practices vary widely across organizations. Some have mature, well-funded EA teams integrated into strategic planning. Others have informal, ad-hoc approaches that struggle to demonstrate value.
Understanding your current maturity level helps you identify improvement opportunities and set realistic goals.
The EA Maturity Model
Level 1: Initial
Characteristics:
- No formal EA practice
- Architecture done ad-hoc by project teams
- Little to no documentation
- Reactive approach to issues
Challenges:
- Inconsistent decisions
- Repeated mistakes
- Siloed knowledge
- Difficulty scaling
Level 2: Developing
Characteristics:
- EA function established
- Basic documentation exists
- Some standards defined
- Periodic architecture reviews
Challenges:
- Limited influence
- Inconsistent adoption
- Maintenance burden
- Demonstrating value
Level 3: Defined
Characteristics:
- Documented processes and standards
- Regular architecture reviews
- Repository of architecture artifacts
- Established governance
Challenges:
- Keeping documentation current
- Balancing governance with agility
- Measuring effectiveness
Level 4: Managed
Characteristics:
- EA integrated into project lifecycle
- Metrics-driven improvement
- Automated tooling
- Proactive planning
Challenges:
- Sustaining investment
- Avoiding bureaucracy
- Continuous improvement
Level 5: Optimizing
Characteristics:
- EA drives business strategy
- Continuous improvement culture
- Innovation enablement
- Industry leadership
Challenges:
- Maintaining excellence
- Adapting to disruption
- Knowledge transfer
Assessing Your Maturity
Key Questions
People and Skills
- Do you have dedicated EA resources?
- What skills exist in your EA team?
- How is EA knowledge shared?
Processes
- Are EA processes documented?
- How are architecture decisions made?
- Is there governance in place?
Tools and Technology
- What tools support EA activities?
- Is architecture information accessible?
- How current is your documentation?
Business Alignment
- Does EA inform strategy?
- Are stakeholders engaged?
- Can you demonstrate EA value?
Advancing Your Maturity
Moving from Level 1 to 2
- Assign EA responsibility
- Document critical systems
- Establish basic standards
- Start architecture reviews
Moving from Level 2 to 3
- Formalize processes
- Implement governance
- Adopt EA tooling
- Expand coverage
Moving from Level 3 to 4
- Integrate with delivery
- Establish metrics
- Automate where possible
- Proactive planning
Moving from Level 4 to 5
- Strategic partnership
- Innovation focus
- Continuous optimization
- External engagement
Common Pitfalls
- Jumping levels: Trying to skip steps rarely works
- Tool fixation: Tools don't create maturity
- Process overload: Too much process kills agility
- Isolation: EA must connect to the business
Conclusion
EA maturity is a journey, not a destination. By honestly assessing where you are and creating a realistic roadmap, you can continuously improve your architecture practice and deliver increasing value to your organization.