Once the Baseline and Target Business Architecture models are established in Phase B, the next critical step in the TOGAF ADM is to perform gap analysis — systematically identifying the differences between the current (“as-is”) state and the desired (“to-be”) state. This gap analysis in the business domain focuses on what’s missing, redundant, misaligned, or needs to be enhanced to achieve the strategic vision.
Manually comparing models, highlighting discrepancies, and creating visual representations can be tedious and error-prone — requiring side-by-side reviews, annotations, and custom diagrams. Visual Paradigm’s AI-powered TOGAF Guide-Through makes this powerful step effortless: AI automatically compares your Baseline and Target models and generates a clear, standards-compliant ArchiMate visualization of the business domain gaps — turning abstract differences into actionable insights in seconds.
Why Business Domain Gap Analysis Is Essential in Phase B
Gap analysis delivers key value by:
- Pinpointing specific changes required in processes, organization, information, or capabilities
- Highlighting risks, dependencies, and quick wins for the transformation
- Providing a clear basis for prioritizing work packages in Phase E
- Ensuring the target architecture is realistic and achievable
- Communicating the “why” and “what needs to change” to business stakeholders in a visual, understandable way
TOGAF recommends documenting gaps clearly — often visualized in ArchiMate — so stakeholders can see the delta between current and future states at a glance.
How AI Performs Business Domain Gap Analysis & Visualization in Visual Paradigm
In the TOGAF Guide-Through, navigate to the Phase B activity: Perform Gap Analysis (Business Domain). The AI-assisted process builds directly on the models you already have (or AI generated earlier):
- Use Existing Models as Input
AI automatically references the Baseline and Target Business Architecture models created in previous steps. No need to re-describe — the comparison is based on the actual diagrams. - AI Compares & Identifies Gaps
The AI analyzes differences across business elements: missing processes, new required services, changed organizational responsibilities, information flows that need to be added/removed, capability upgrades, etc. It evaluates alignment with the Architecture Vision and business objectives. - Instant ArchiMate Gap Visualization
AI generates a dedicated, easy-to-read ArchiMate diagram that visualizes the gaps. Common techniques include:
– Color coding (e.g., red for missing elements, green for retained, yellow for modified)
– Overlay or side-by-side views
– Dedicated gap elements or annotations showing “to-be” additions
– Clear labels explaining the nature of each gap (e.g., “New process required”, “Capability upgrade needed”)
The gap visualization opens directly in Visual Paradigm’s editor, where you can:
- Refine gap annotations or severity levels
- Adjust layout for better readability
- Add notes or evidence for each gap
- Export for inclusion in the Architecture Definition Document or stakeholder presentations
Benefits of AI-Assisted Business Gap Analysis
- Speed: From models to visual gap diagram in seconds — no manual comparison required.
- Accuracy & Completeness: AI systematically checks every element and relationship, catching gaps that might be overlooked manually.
- Visual Clarity: The ArchiMate gap diagram makes differences immediately obvious — perfect for business leaders who need to understand impact without diving into technical details.
- Actionable Prioritization: Gaps are clearly highlighted, helping teams focus on high-priority changes early.
- Seamless Integration: Builds directly on your Baseline and Target models — ensuring consistency throughout Phase B.
This AI capability turns one of the most analytical and potentially overwhelming parts of Phase B into a quick, visual, and collaborative deliverable — empowering architects to move confidently toward the target state.
Ready to See Your Business Gaps Clearly?
Experience how AI makes gap analysis fast, visual, and insightful — all within the TOGAF Guide-Through.
Download Visual Paradigm today and start your free trial — build your Baseline and Target models, then let AI generate your professional Business Domain Gap visualization in moments.
Turn differences into decisions — and move your transformation forward with confidence.