Business Architecture Definition - Research Paper Example

Business Architecture Definition (IT) Introduction Art of a detail-level business architecture needs that various types ofdiagrams must be developed using a standardized modeling notation to capture and represent the various views of business architecture. This research paper seeks to analyze use of BPMN 2.x.as a modeling instrument in standardized modeling notation of industry architecture (Sparx Systems Pty Ltd, 2011). The objective of the paper is to analyze and design business architecture artifacts for the Adopt-A-Farm virtual business. Adopt -A-Farm is a leading connector between local citizens and their farmers. Business architecture for Adopt-A-Farm virtual business Typically, the business architecture artifacts and practices in business architecture frameworks concentrate on business processes and business applications. Business architecture should help business reap the benefit of business agility and visibility and must reflect the full business design, from the point of analysis of business owners and designers, rather than IT solution delivery (Born, 2012). The connection between business architecture and IT (information technology) is two-fold (Born, 2012). Primary, business architecture is a vital input to IT scheduling, business solution delivery and technology architecture. Subsequent, IT capabilities and technology trends influence business design selection in the realms of capacities, processes, value chains, and channel. The subsequent diagram shows the link between business strategy and enterprise architecture (Whelan & Meaden, 2012). Figure 1: business and enterprise architecture transformation Adopt-A-Farm is an online business platform that involves connections between the citizens and farmers (Adopt-A-Farm, 2014). The business treats both farmers and their potential clients as its customers. The diagram below provides the platform for connection that the business employs to connect farmers with their respective clients. Part A: Customer access media.waldenu.edu to get information relating to farming information they require; some involving farmers some involving local citizen information. Part B: customers access Adopt-A-Farm website to get information. Account manager login information is submitted then customer is authenticated. Portal application is able to automatically retrieve core customer information for its application. Sharing the information with potential customers is applicable per regions. Retrieve application history for precise account and service agreement for respective clients. Get meter data is suitable in ensuring proper transfer of data to partners (Born, 2012). This architecture is a system break down on how Adopt-A-Farm can do their business of connecting farmers and local citizens virtually. Figure 2: customer care interaction Information Flow Adopt-A-Farm business design is based on finding farm related information and availing the information to customers. The business structure is information oriented and customers are able to acquire information that links them (local citizens to farmers). The diagram below is a simplified structure showing how information is in shared in Adopt-A-Farm business platform (Born, 2012). Figure 3: information flow Focus on value of Adopt-A-Farm to the customer Business architecture can assist corporations analyze key value connections within their business structure. Value chains are the services and functions that produce the most economic value for the corporation and offer the corporation’s customers with the essential products, services and information to sustain loyalty. In the case of Adopt-A-Farm virtual business architecture, globalization trend makes the business to be relevant and serve their customer without geographical barrier complications (Born, 2012). The key values that Adopt-A-Farm organization has discovered are the power of information to customers. Time is limited and people need to know where they can acquire farm products within their localities. Characteristically, the business architecture artifacts and practices in enterprise architecture structures concentrate on business processes and uses cases (Born, 2012). This is not astonishing, because these practices and artifacts are a prerequisite to IT-oriented business solution delivery. Technology empowerment is essential in most new services and functions. Business architecture assists organizations identify the technology necessities and capabilities well, producing IT plans and programs that align with business goals and priorities (Whelan & Meaden, 2012). The diagram below illustrates the review process that Adopt-A-Farm can use to verify their service delivery to potential customers. It is an involving structure that assists to keep the feedback and assess if information available for local citizens and farmers are sufficient (Born, 2012). Figure 4: review lead The blueprint for Adopt-A-Farm business transformation Majority of organizations are dealing with unsettling transformation in markets and customer requirements. They ought to make rapid and considerable changes to sustain competitive and to provide goods and services that satisfy the fresh market and customer needs. Business architecture offers the techniques to analyze and strategize how the corporation should set its processes, structure, technology and staff (Born, 2012). In the case of AAF, three individuals having a vision for an improved environment and enhanced food for them and loved ones discovered Adopt-A-Farm. The blueprint is to assist farmers and local citizen to work hand in hand to better their surrounding and health (Whelan & Meaden, 2012). BPMN notations I selected BPMN open-source tools (ultimate process designers) over closed-source or commercial BPMN tool for a number of reasons. Experience, skills and knowledge are needed in several different sections for a Business Process Management inventiveness to attain the anticipated objectives. Ultimus notation offers these capabilities to customers in complete or component, and continuously improves its tools, service and control to ensure BPMN success (Born, 2012). Students employ Ultimus model technology for an assignment where there is need to model and execute processes, also recognize bottlenecks so as to improve the simulated procedures. This was the basis of choosing this model (Born, 2012). Ultimus Process Designer is a BPMN instrument that can assist: document existing processes, identify bottlenecks for improvement, create specifications and capture requirements. Models alignment with reference architecture The result reveals a satisfaction with training units and documentation in the assistance part directly connected with simplicity of use. Simplicity of use with Process Designer characteristics, like Ultimus Reports, associated with user contentment; the reports recognized bottlenecks which permitted students to optimize and enhance the procedures, which result to an optimistic user experience (Born, 2012). In general, although business process management is a complex idea to comprehend for some, it is concluded that BPM instruments with comprehensive training tutorials, easy-to-use features and documentation can act as functional and effortless, despite of skill and BPM acquaintance level.  Ultimus Process Designer provides as easy yet resourceful solution to business process modeling notation (Born, 2012). References Adopt-A-Farm. Retrieved August 8, 2014, from http://media.waldenu.edu/media/Media1/MEDC4101/aaf_website/index.html Born, M. (2012). User guidance in business process modelling. Berlin: Logos-Verl. Sparx Systems Pty., Ltd. (2011). BPMN 2.0 toolbox pages. Retrieved from http://www.sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/9.0/domain_based_model s/bpmn_2_0_toolbox_pages.html Whelan, J., & Meaden, G. (2012). Business architecture: A practical guide. Burlington, VT: Gower Pub. Read More