Topic > Zachman Framework: An Enterprise Architecture Framework

The Zachman Framework is an enterprise architecture framework that provides a formal and also highly structured way of viewing and defining an enterprise or organization. This architectural structure usually has a two-dimensional classification matrix of 36 cells which is usually based on the intersection of six types of communication questions in its columns (where, what, why, when, who and how) with six levels of reification of lines (Scope, technology model, business model, system model, components and work system) and actively transforming more difficult ideas into more concrete ideas (Fishman, 2003). The matrix of this framework usually constitutes the overall set of descriptive representations relevant to describing something in a business or organization. Therefore, in a real sense, the Zachman framework is really a logical structure that is intended to provide an overall representation of an IT enterprise. This architectural structure usually allows for the use of multiple perspectives and also the categorization of business artifacts. The Zachman framework is then used by various levels of management to gather and refine the principles of primarily older methods and then restructure them into new ideas based on business strategies and objectives (Ramadan, 2003). This framework usually incorporates independent tools and methods that are usually used by IT. Most managers in many companies view the Zachman framework as a set of guidelines that assist their company in managing complex and evolving IT enterprises. Many companies in construction, aviation, computers, transportation, and other complex industrial products have admitted to using the Zachman framework as a key strength. In fact the Zachman framework was actually invented by John Zachman in 1980 for the IBM organization, although today it is open to the public domain for use by other organizations (Zachman, 1986). This framework usually borrows a lot from business design principles in architecture and also in the manufacturing sector and this is why it helps to see an enterprise and all its information systems from a different perspective. Most large organizations face challenges in responding to change and this is mainly due to the lack of adequate internal understanding of the complex structure and also all the components in different areas of the organization. But now this is reducing because the Zachman framework helps provide a better means of classifying the architecture of an organization. The ZIFA organization is the one that represents and promotes Zachman's corporate structure.