Enterprise Architecture Analysis and Report for FinCorp

This report provides a detailed analysis of FinCorp's enterprise architecture (EA), addressing core concepts of information and data architecture, and the role of a specialized software tool in supporting business continuity plans. It explores how the newly installed tool can improve business operations, and it illustrates the significance of audit and compliance standards within the EA framework. The report assesses the advantages and disadvantages of implementing EA tools like iServer, highlighting aspects of data storage, processing, and transmission. It also examines the importance of compliance, stakeholder communication, and the alignment of EA with organizational objectives. The report provides a holistic perspective for short, medium, and long-term decision-making processes, emphasizing the importance of integrating information technology to ensure smooth business operations.

Enterprise Architecture

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
1. Core concepts of information and data architecture................................................................1
2. How news installed specialised software tool will support continuity plan............................3
3. Illustrate role of audit as well as compliance standards in EA................................................4
4. Depict contribution of newly installed tool in improvising business......................................5
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................6
Rerefences........................................................................................................................................7

Introduction
The process through which organisation standardise as well as organise their IT
infrastructure for aligning with business goals is referred to as enterprise architecture. Basically,
it illustrates practice that is being utilised for carrying out analysis, designing, and formulation of
plans as well as execution of enterprise analysis for executing their business strategies
(Ahlemann, Legner and Lux, 2020). It aids It projects along with policies for attainment of
desired outcomes and be on top trends through usage of disruptions. This report is based on
FinCorp which is a midsized financial organisation who have decided to opt for EA practice for
dealing with problems faced by them. This report comprises of concepts of data as well as
information architecture and ways by which continuity plans are supported by new software.
Furthermore, this also gives details related with standards in EA along with attainment of
objectives o organisation.
1. Core concepts of information and data architecture
Enterprise architecture tools denote software which is liable for combining business,
technology along with architecture models. Furthermore, it provides a base through which
FinCorp can carry out their organisational operations by managing complexity as well as
challenges that are being experienced by firm (Dale and Scheepers, 2020). Along with this, EA
tools provide stability within business environment that implies development along with
management of firm by making use of these architectural tools. This illustrates a comprehensive
view of business which will aid FinCorp to understand their problems precisely and identify
relationship among different aspects. This is liable for furnishing effectual, dynamic, well-
supported and rapid process for decision making by taking into consideration information
system.
The architecture that comprises of rules, models, standards or policies that are liable for
governing data which is gathered and manner in which it is stored, arranged, integrated as well as
put to use within data systems as well as in organisation is referred to as data architecture. This is
liable for furnishing formal approach for creation as well as management of flow of data along
with its processing across firms applications and IT system. Data architecture illustrates a broad
term that comprises of processes as well as methodologies that are liable for addressing data in
motion, rest, data sets and ways in which they associate with data dependent processes as well as
applications (Haron, 2020). This also comprises of primary data entities and resources which are
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crucial for FinCorp within data sourcing as well as management requirements. Basically, this
involves designing, creation, deployment and management of data architect. Data architecture is
accountable for storage, processing as well as dissemination of data. On the other hand
information architecture is defined as extraction of meaningful information from unprocessed or
raw data so that it can be utilised in useful manner such as within decision making processes of
organisation (Henningsson and Toppenberg, 2020). Foundational data architecture acts a base for
furnishing information architecture.
An example can be taken up to understand this aspect like customer relationship
management is kind of enterprise architecture in which useful information related with liking as
well as dislikes pattern of probable customers can be drawn from raw data that has been
gathered. The core concept involved within this are specified below:
 Storage: This imply place in which source data is being stored that is being gathered
from different sources or analysing patterns n terms customers are opting services. In
addition to this data of employees is also being used so that in case if it is required then it
can be used adequately and formulate quick decisions by processing it.
 Processing: It is liable for illustrating processes that have been applied to data for
extraction of meaningful information from this. For an instance if data is in processed
form then it will be easy to make decisions by taking into consideration different aspects
(Henningsson and Toppenberg, 2020). As data is being processed then it can be directly
used within this process through which decisions can be quickly formulated without any
need to look into it as it can also be illustrated in graphical figures through which
interpretation becomes easy.
 Transmission: This implies movement of data as well as information from one system to
other through usage of network. This makes it easy to share data among different
individuals and work within FinCorp can be made smooth as well as easy.
The case given with respect to FinCorp clearly indicates that the tool is expensive;
training has to be supplied from specialised vendor which is very exclusive. As per CIO firm is
wasting their money by making investment within this as it will be sophisticated repository for
current information (Kurnia and et. al., 2020). Along with this, tool will be only used by 4 to 5
people which means stakeholders cannot be informed with respect to decision making which
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clearly illustrates that objective is not attained. Thus, no newly constructed enterprise
architecture can be regarded as adequate option for FinCorp organisation. They can make use of
EA in case certain conditions are being met, these are specified below:
 If it will accelerate processes associated with decision making.
 In case enterprise architecture furnishes supports as well as automates different functions
that are being carried out by IT department of FinCorp.
 If new EA tool might determine risks as well as opportunities that renders new shape for
business, operations of model along with enhancement within usage of technology (Lê,
2020).
 This must also enables firm to formulate effective and informed decisions with respect to
operations carried out by them.
But still in case if firm still needs to have EA tool then they can opt for iServer which
provides a powerful business architecture solution which enables fro formulation blueprint to
firm in accurate as well as precise manner. Through usage of this tool FinCorp can anticipate that
they can breakthrough their efforts for aligning with strategic objectives along with tactical
demands and improvised interaction among stakeholders from enterprise at higher level.
2. How news installed specialised software tool will support continuity plan
The process that is involved within creation of system for prevention as well as recovery
from probable threats to organisation is referred to as business continuity planning. The plan is
liable for making sure that personnel as well as assets are being protected and can function
quickly in case any disaster takes place (Lestari and et. al., 2020). iServer denotes platform that
is being formulated for solving certain problems along with this, it involves extensive
functionalities that are liable for catering day to day requirements of FinCorp. The major aspects
associated with business continuity are specified below:
 Strategy: Objects which are being associated with strategies that are utilised by business
for completion of each day activities when making sure those continuous operations are
being conducted.
 Organisation: Objects which are associated with skills, responsibilities, communication
and structure of their employees.
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 Applications as well as data: Objects that are associated with software enable operations
of FinCorp along with methods for providing higher availability which is being utilised
for execution of software.
 Processes: Objects which are being associated with critical business processes which are
required for execution of business along with execution of IT processes that are being
utilised for ensuring smooth operations (McKellar, 2020).
 Technology: Objects associated with network, systems along with industry specific
technology which are essential for enabling continuous operations as well as backups for
data and applications.
 Facilities: Objects which are being associated with rendering disaster recovery site in
case of primary sites are being destroyed.
Basically, business continuity event acts as source of reference as well as blueprint for
strategies along with tactics for dealing with crisis or event. Business continuity plan acts as part
of information security which needs EA tool that are being used by firm for supporting BCP
planning. Along with this, BCP emphasise to resume business operation within event of disaster
so that productivity of organisation loss will be declined. For making BCP successful,
information plays critical role as it is based on adequate information related with risk factors,
operation, processes and infrastructure of firm (Pérez-Castillo, Ruiz and Piattini, 2020). iServer
which is a enterprise architecture tool furnishes a base for having BCP formation. In addition to
this, it is liable for processing each functional unit of organisation by integration of information
technology. It is liable for providing critical data which can be utilised like a source of
information.
3. Illustrate role of audit as well as compliance standards in EA
Ensuring compliance with projects of individuals is crucial aspect within architecture
governance. IT governance function works with two complementary processes. The architecture
function is liable for preparation of series of project architectures which involves project peculiar
views of enterprise architecture illustrates ways in which enterprise architecture creates an
influence on crucial projects in the organisation. Other aspect is IT governance function that is
liable for defining formal architecture compliance review process to review compliance with
respect to projects associated with enterprise architecture (Silva, Sousa and da Silva, 2020). With
respect to FinCorp enterprise architectural structure audit and compliance comprises of certain
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aspects, they are illustrated in this section. Compliance has to exist among project as well as EA
tool along with this iServer enterprise architecture needs to have compliance associated with
goals along with their evaluation.
An example can be taken into consideration, like project manager must make use of EA
for deciding technology that will aid project manager within accomplishment of project on time
as wit will aid to have adequate solution to different problems that are being encountered by
FinCorp while rendering their operations (Ahlemann, Legner and Lux, 2020). Apart from this, it
has to be assured that each individual within organisation bide to all the architectural guidelines,
standards and rules. Furthermore, assurance with respect to alterations within plans as well as
initials has to be verified in context of compliance to be architecture. This illustrates holistic
perspective for short, medium and long term informed decision making processes. Here, EA
tools needs to be updated and possess complete k knowledge related with current operating
environment of business.
In addition to this, EA tools as well as informed decision making by stakeholders
comprises of different aspects like there has to be no interaction gap among stakeholders as well
as EA architect. iServer EA must be well communicated as well as understood by stakeholders
so that they can acknowledge different aspects related with this (Dale and Scheepers, 2020). EA
denotes model driven approach which is being utilised for defining domain levels for every
stakeholder and this enables them to attain their goals in an affirmative way. The quality of EA
services as well as tools must acknowledge anticipations of stakeholders. They include CEO,
project manager, CEO, IT specialist, developer and many others. The objectives as well as goals
of each stakeholder have to be different. Furthermore, with respect to FinCorp there has to be
enhanced relationship for making enhanced decisions with respect to different aspects of
organisation.
4. Depict contribution of newly installed tool in improvising business
Organisational objectives is define as a medium term and short term goals that are being
undertaken by organisation in order to accomplish its strategic objectives in a well define
manner. Objectives allow entity to ensure proper planning and direct coordination to form
integrity and decentralization of authority as to fulfil target and goals as to maximum benefit
(Haron, 2020). Enterprise architect (EA) is defined as comprehensive and strategic discipline that
mainly aims towards providing formative structure to an organisation. With having a good
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enterprise architect creation of sustainable organisation can be ensured, through which a
company can effectively achieve their business objectives of organisation in a cost effective
manner as to reach future objective. By undertaking use of enterprise architecture entity can
undertake use of diagrams and models through which they can describe structure of organisation
and can effectively manage complex business processes in effective manner (Henningsson and
Toppenberg, 2020). It has been identified that iServer enterprise architect which is a new
enterprise tool installed by entity through which they can accomplish its organisational
objectives. It significantly allows organisation to improve business and IT alignment. This
further allows company to ensure gain maximum benefits and provide efficient services to
customers with efficient services on daily basis. Along with this, it has been identified that
enterprise architect is rigorous approaches which effectively describe structure of enterprise in
effective manner and further allow them manage operations.
iServer enterprise architect is termed as a powerful enterprise architecture platform
which is having significant capability to transform business operations and increase efficiency of
their operations. It act as central repository and can further maximise visibility across
organisation and allow managing complexity in a standardized and collaborative manner. It
further allow entity to improve it‘s business alignment organisational objectives at a great extent.
In addition to this it has been identified that this enterprise architect provide organisation with
the benefit of interchangeable solutions to visualise and manage company transformation
(Henningsson and Toppenberg, 2020). With having extensive range of built-in feature iServer
enterprise architect facilitate accomplishment of goals in a successful manner. It has been
determined that it is unique aspect that actually enabled business organisation to undertake use of
familiar Microsoft Technologies that include SQL, server, office Share etc in order to undertake
their process related to planning and executing strategic change in a best effective manner. With
the help of iServer FinCorp can gain out of the box support to accomplish their objectives. Along
with this is also allows respective organisation to gain formative support for integrated business
transformation that allows them to manage and integrate it indigenous practices in a well
effective manner.
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Conclusion
From above it can be concluded that, enterprise architecture refers to conceptual blueprint
that is liable for defining structure as well as operations of firm. It determines ways in which
organisation can attain their current along with future objectives. Along with this, BCP plan can
be utilised for having adequate disaster plan that will lead them to handle disruptions within
devices that are being utilised by organisation. Along with this, firm need to make sure that plan
that has been formulated is suitable for enhancing productivity of organisation. The primary
objective of using EA tools in an organization is to enhance IT involvement in the functioning of
each department. The continuous evolution of EA in terms of technology is also a compliance
standard for it. Achieving the goals and targets of each organizational department using an EA
tool is an auditing compliance standard of an EA tool.
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Rerefences
Books and Journals
Ahlemann, F., Legner, C. and Lux, J., 2020. A resource-based perspective of value generation
through enterprise architecture management. Information & Management, p.103266.
Dale, M. and Scheepers, H., 2020. Enterprise architecture implementation as interpersonal
connection: Building support and commitment. Information Systems Journal. 30(1).
pp.150-184.
Haron, N. H., 2020. The importance of enterprise architecture in public health surveillance
system.
Henningsson, S. and Toppenberg, G. N., 2020. Acquisitions: The New Game for Enterprise
Architecture. In Architecting Growth in the Digital Era (pp. 1-6). Springer, Cham.
Henningsson, S. and Toppenberg, G. N., 2020. The Advanced Enterprise Architecture
Capability. In Architecting Growth in the Digital Era (pp. 21-38). Springer, Cham.
Kurnia, S. and et. al., 2020, January. Artifacts, Activities, Benefits and Blockers: Exploring
Enterprise Architecture Practice in Depth. In Proceedings of the 53rd Hawaii
International Conference on System Sciences.
Lê, L. S., 2020. Diagramming Multi-Level Service-Oriented Enterprise Architecture. SN
Computer Science. 1(1). p.14.
Lestari, S. and et. al., 2020. Enterprise Architecture Dimension e-Government Ranking
Indonesia. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. 24(2).
McKellar, Z., 2020. SharePoint Design and Implementation-An Enterprise Architecture Solution.
Pérez-Castillo, R., Ruiz, F. and Piattini, M., 2020. A decision-making support system for
Enterprise Architecture Modelling. Decision Support Systems. 131. p.113249.
Silva, N., Sousa, P. and da Silva, M. M., 2020. Maintenance of Enterprise Architecture
Models. Business & Information Systems Engineering, pp.1-24.
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