toolset IMPLEMENTATION and CONFIGURATION

Real IRM has extensive experience implementing Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect in various organisations - ranging from basic support and installation to advanced configuration and customisation. We advise clients of the features that best suit their needs, and assist in implementing these in support of the creation of a business-appropriate and sustainable architecture capability.

REQUIREMENT ANALYSIS AND MATURITY ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP

During the Requirements Analysis and Maturity Assessment workshop, Real IRM will work with the relevant architecture stakeholders to understand their architecture requirements. These may include:

• Modelling requirements, both at present and in the future

• The nature of the client’s modelling team - size, location and skillset

• Content to be modelled, and the format and manner in which the viewpoints will be shared

• Which frameworks and modelling styles are used within the client organisation

• How the client users will typically engage with the tool

• The architecture delivery lifecycle - how the architecture is created, signed off and realised within the solution landscape

This workshop provides guidance on hardware, license and education requirements as well as the various methodologies and add-ons which should be implemented in order to realise the desired outcomes shown in the maturity assessment.

Real IRM provides a report summarising the identified requirements gathered during the workshop. This report concludes with a recommendation as to the configuration options, training requirements and methods required for a business-appropriate and sustainable architecture capability.

TOOLSET FUNCTIONALITY AND INSIGHTS DEMONSTRATION

Users are often overwhelmed by the extensive functionality provided by Sparx Enterprise Architect. In addition, the open nature of the tool means that there are many extensions and add-ons available which offer similar and/or complimentary solutions.

Real IRM advises clients of the features that best suit their needs in support of a business-appropriate and sustainable architecture capability.

The service includes a demonstration of the key features of Sparx Enterprise Architect. During the session, we offer our insights into the pros and cons of the various implementation options. Following the demonstration, the client is provided with a comprehensive report of the tool’s functionality, customised to suit the client’s needs. This helps the client to realise the full potential of the tool and enables the capability to grow in a sustainable fashion.

SPARX ENTERPRISE ARCHITECT INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION OPTIONS

Sparx Enterprise Architect installation and configuration can be done in several different ways to enable a collaborative modelling environment. These are:

• Private repositories for dedicated modelling tasks

• Configuration of server-based shared repositories

• Shared repositories in conjunction with a reusable asset service

• Cloud configuration utilising infrastructure as a service

• On-premise cloud

Real IRM assesses the client requirements regarding the various configuration options and advises on the most business-appropriate and cost-effective configuration approach. In order to assist the client in selecting the correct configuration, we look at a number of factors, including:

• The total number of Sparx Enterprise Architect users

• The degree to which Corporate Assets are shared

• The geographical distribution of the Sparx Enterprise Architect users

• The size of the models being created

• The modelling office mandate and architecture vision

During this installation, Real IRM will address topics such as hardware sizing, network requirements, security setup, AD integration, user roles and permissions, and keystore setup.

Following this service, the client will enjoy:

• A fully functional Sparx Enterprise Architect modelling environment

• Securely connecting modellers’ Sparx Enterprise Architect instance to a group repository using the client’s chosen methodology

• Installation and configuration of appropriate add-ons and features

• A fully integrated model access security solution

• Installation, configuration, and license activation of Sparx Enterprise Architect on the agreed number of PCs

CONFIGURATION AND SETUP OF THE ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE METHOD

Based on the understanding of the client’s detailed requirements, Real IRM will combine the required methodology (and/or set of methodologies/techniques) into an integrated method. This approach includes applying best practices and experience in the following areas:

• Package structure setup - minimising clutter and optimising reporting

• Setup of security and access

• Configuration of reports and templates

• Integration of reference frameworks

• Extension of the method to allow for custom properties

• Setup of collaboration and maintenance features such as kanban, issue management, task management and requirements traceability

Implementing the correct method is vital to ensure that the architecture practice delivers a well-structured, agile modelling and design office, which provides:

• Effective coordination of analysis and design teams

• Enterprise thought leadership and focus on modelling efforts

• Standardisation of modelling outputs

• Enhanced traceability from concept to delivery

• Speed of architecture delivery

• Architecture relevance to the client organisation