Created: 30 November 2022

What Do Enterprise Architects Do?

Enterprise Architects have a ton of responsibilities within an organization or business. Find out exactly what an enterprise architect does.

When people hear "enterprise architects," they often associate it with business and design. Although 60% of companies depend on enterprise architecture, only a few know what it really is. For your information, this career is more than building businesses.

Enterprise Architecture focuses on people, technologies and the activities for designing and describing enterprises. It helps the business determine how it can achieve its goals using technology. Considering its purpose, enterprise architects carry enormous responsibilities on their shoulders.

Are you wondering what their specific roles are in the industry? Read on to learn more about enterprise architects.

Enterprise Architect Job Description

As a key to a competitive advantage, there is a high demand for enterprise architecture. More businesses aim to increase flexibility and reduce costs. IT professionals use effective technology, standards, and practices to reach business goals.

However, not everyone on the team knows how to apply the newest technology. This is where an enterprise architect comes in.

1. Works on the Technical and Business Aspects

Businesses must be able to keep up and adapt to changes in a competitive industry. It includes knowing which new technological advancements to use. For computer engineers and system architects, this is a challenging task.

On the flip side, enterprise architects find it easy. They are experts in technology and business aspects and can determine which parts need improvement. They assess the business strategy and figure out the technology it needs.

EAs must understand the system to create an alignment between the two aspects. This allows them to explain how present and future needs meet.

2. Develop Enterprise Architecture

Developing enterprise architecture is one of the primary responsibilities of an EA. Organizing a business IT infrastructure can get messy if you don't have the right skills. With this, enterprise architecture becomes a necessity within an organization.

Often, the system strives to reduce complexity and increase efficiency in the business. It serves as the glue for integrating the programs across other projects. Moreover, they ensure the developed system aligns with the strategies and priorities.

As an enterprise architect, you can create the system using different frameworks. An enterprise architect must have the skills and knowledge to create an effective system.

3. Evaluating Internal Functions

It's true when they say that change is the only constant thing in the world. As we move on, experts create new advancements to boost business efficiency. However, not everyone keeps up with the latest trends and knows how to apply them.

One crucial thing that can fall behind in a business is its internal functions. If you fail to improve it, the organization can suffer. Deficiencies can creep into your system without you noticing.

The good thing is an enterprise architect gets involved in internal functions. You look into their development strategies and IT process, then propose improvements. As a technology and business expert, you know how to boost the business system and improve the workflow.

4. Take Part in Project Management

There is a complementary relationship between enterprise architecture and project management. To ensure strategy implementation, the enterprise architecture and project management must align. These are critical business functions no one must set aside.

How do these two functions work together?

Enterprise architects create plans that determine the relationship between business capabilities and goals. In project delivery, the EA supports project management with the work package. The project teams use these work packages to determine tasks to help achieve goals.

Enterprise architecture and project management both play a crucial role in the business. They ensure smooth project delivery and workflows. If you want to work on both teams, check out our project management courses.

5. Other Responsibilities

With the scope, it's no wonder that enterprise architects carry many responsibilities. As they try to reduce technical debt, an enterprise architect scales business capabilities. They ensure the budget for the IT infrastructure aligns with the approved strategies.

In addition, they create methods for compliance architecture. This includes metadata management, data storage, and change control. An enterprise architect researches talent management to improve business operations, too.

Working in this profession introduces you to many responsibilities. Most of them strive to achieve business efficiency by using effective IT strategies.

What Are the Requirements to Become an EA?

There are two ways you can become an EA in your company. First, you get promoted to top management. The other method is to apply for the position.

Companies prefer to hire EAs with excellent profiles. If you want to pursue this career, there are certain qualifications you must meet. Continue reading to discover what you need to do before landing the position.

1. Education

To work as an enterprise architect, a bachelor's degree is necessary. Companies prefer someone with a degree in Information Technology and Business Administration. Note that an EA belongs to the top management, which makes a degree crucial.

Depending on the company, having a master's degree can help you land the job. This can prove that you have enough expertise in developing enterprise architecture.

2. Skills

Analytical, leadership, and social skills are crucial to becoming an effective EA. However, some companies look for specific skills.

Some are data sourcing, strategy development, and enterprise solutions skills. If you have specialised skills, you have higher chances of employment.

3. Training

To become an effective enterprise architect, consider taking courses, training, and certifications. Many services offer courses that can enhance your knowledge and skills. These achievements can make your resume stand out.

Note that employers consider candidates with postgraduate or bonus certifications. A TOGAF certification can get you where you need to be. It's a framework that you can apply in developing enterprise architecture.

Everything You Need to Know About Enterprise Architects

As time progresses, enterprise architecture becomes more crucial for a business. It allows organizations to keep up with the trends, compete in the market, and achieve their goals. To ensure success, businesses must hire reliable enterprise architects.

Do you want to become a successful enterprise architect? Boost your knowledge and skills by taking training courses with Advised Skills! If you have more questions about the courses we offer, contact our team here!