Created: 25 February 2022

5 Characteristics of Modern Enterprise Architect and How to Build Them

Enterprise Architecture has grown big over past few years. The area of new technologies is ever-changing which makes improving the Enterprise Architecture field critically important. Read our article to learn more about five key features of modern Enterprise Architect that will lead you towards the success. 

Keyword(s): Modern Enterprise Architect

1. Being strategic IT driver

Strategic drivers are people who help with forming the IT strategy. Strategies requirements are different for each product and depend on several aspects - IT drivers need to consider all of these aspects to create a proper strategy out of all the collected information. 

All considered aspects will have an impact on the entire IT strategy and that kind of aspects are called "influencers". Influencers can be both internal and external, depending on the type of the product you are working on.

So the main responsibility of IT drivers is creating the best strategies possible, which makes them a key to company's success. To make the best strategy, companies often have to consider as many drivers as possible, so the resulta are satisfying. 

Qualities important for IT driver are the ability to "think out the box" and creativity - enabling providing effective solutions. 

2. Being an Agile thinker

Enterprise Architect should have the ability to work quickly and efficiently, finding unique and creative solutions. For that, Agile thinking is essential, as it enables to not only think in the fast way, but also to think right. To become a successful modern Enterprise Architect you will need to be an Agile thinker. It will hep you to adapt to changes quickly and considering that market is ever-changing, it is critically important quality. 

3. Being data-driven decision maker

What do data-driven decision makers do? They basically use known facts collected from all available information and make decision based on that data. Everything they need during the decision making process is a well collected data. The decision making process can help with identyfing management and operating systems and many other aspects that are linked to Enterprise Architecture. 

What are the sources? The main source of data are users. Therefore, it is essential that the company collect data directly from the users and anylize their behaviour in order to make the best decisions in the future. 

4. Doing technical expertise

Technical expertise is the thing that any Enterprise Architect needs. Despite the industry, you need to maintain some technical expertice in your field, because it can be very beneficial. For example, it can give you the advantage among others, that don't own this ability. Also, technical expertise can help you with planning strategies in a better way and making them more efficient.

5. Being able to drive innovation

Drive innovation is a characteristic connected directly with modernization, as currently almost everyone has access to the same resources. Given that, companies are often looking for solutions that are innovative - their goal being to create a unique strategy to stand out on the market.

How to build these characteristics?

You've learned about 5 characteristics of modern Enterprise Architect. Now, read on to follow 7 simple ways of achieving and building these characteristics: 

1. Be customer driven

As a Enterprise Architect, creating the best strategies is probably one of your main goals and being customer driven can help you achieve that goal. When you will be working with your customer in mind, you will be able to understand their needs and create proper and effective startegies. 

2. Using data-driven approach

Data driven approach is helpful when you need to make important and informed decisions. By using data driven approach you will be able to avoid risks, e.g losing resources.Therefore remember, that in the decision making process, it's the data that should play the main part. 

3. Be able to adopt agility

If you want to be the best Enterprise Architect, try to be an Agile thinker. Adopting agility is a way to achieve that. It will give you the skills that can be used in several situations and keep your processes from failing. 

4. Develop communication skills

As we know, communication is essential in any situation and can be the key to success. Therefore, it is important to develop your communication skills, which will help you understand several situations better and to communicate easily with your team. You will also be able to present your ideas in the clear way, understandable for others.

5. Using modern Enterprise Architecture tools

Using modern tools can be a real advancement - it can help you stand out and be up-to-date with all the changes in the technology area. Also, by using modern tools, you are ensuring your team, that they work will get be easier, which can have influence on all the processes you are providing.

6. Stay on top of industry trends

It is important to stay on top of the industry trends, meaning that when you observe a change in any trend, you will be able to adjust your processes according to that change and in the end, create the best solutions possible.

7. Keep continuous improvement

The last, but very important way is to keep continuous improvement. It is essential to success. By continuously improving your skills you will be able to keep growing as an Architect, which means both staying up-to-date with the technology and learning new skills and improving existing ones. 

Being an Enterptise Architect isn't easy - it is a very demanding job, but it is also satisfying and allowing for continuous development of your skillset. If you want to master your skills and become a successful Architect, explore our courses in Enterptise Architecture field and boost your career. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Enterprise Architecture?
   Enterprise Architecture (EA) is a field involving the creation and maintenance of an organization's structure, operations, and systems blueprint. It lets businesses link their business strategy to their IT infrastructure and make sure their IT investments help them reach their business goals.
2. What are the benefits of Enterprise Architecture?
   Enterprise Architecture implementation has various benefits, including higher efficiency and agility, better alignment between IT and business objectives, enhanced decision-making, and enhanced risk management. EA may also assist firms in identifying redundancies and inefficiencies within their operations and in streamlining their procedures to minimise costs and boost productivity.
3. Who should be involved in Enterprise Architecture?
   Enterprise Architecture is a collaborative process involving a variety of stakeholders, such as business leaders, IT professionals, and subject matter experts. Normally, an EA team will consist of a mix of technical and non-technical people that may offer diverse viewpoints and insights into the operations of the firm.
4. What are the common frameworks for Enterprise Architecture?
   Enterprise Architecture frequently employs multiple frameworks, including TOGAF, Zachman Framework, and FEAF. Each framework provides a collection of best practises and recommendations for building and implementing EA, and companies can select the framework that best meets their needs and objectives.
5. How does Enterprise Architecture relate to digital transformation?
   Enterprise Architecture plays a vital role in digital transformation by helping firms match their technology investments with their business objectives. EA may help discover possibilities for digital transformation and verify that the transformation is consistent with the organization's overall strategy by giving a comprehensive picture of the organization's operations and systems. EA may also help guarantee that new digital systems are seamlessly linked with current systems, thereby decreasing the risk of interruption and downtime.