TOGAF ADM: Top 10 techniques – Part 4: Gap Analysis

What is a Gap Analysis

1. Phase A: Architecture Vision The first phase of the TOGAF ADM is the Architecture Vision. In this phase, the organization’s strategic goals and objectives are identified, and a high-level view of the future state of the organization’s architecture is created. During this phase, gap analysis is used to identify the current state of the organization’s architecture and compare it to the desired future state. This is done to identify areas that need improvement, and to ensure that the organization’s goals are aligned with its architecture.
2. Phase B: Business Architecture The second phase of the TOGAF ADM is the Business Architecture. In this phase, the organization’s business processes and functions are analyzed to create a more detailed view of the organization’s architecture. During this phase, gap analysis is used to identify gaps in the organization’s business architecture. These gaps can be in the form of missing processes, functions, or capabilities. The gaps are then prioritized based on their impact on the organization’s goals and objectives.
3. Phase C: Information Systems Architecture The third phase of the TOGAF ADM is the Information Systems Architecture. In this phase, the organization’s information systems are analyzed to create a detailed view of the organization’s architecture. During this phase, gap analysis is used to identify gaps in the organization’s information systems architecture. These gaps can be in the form of missing or inadequate systems, interfaces, or data. The gaps are then prioritized based on their impact on the organization’s goals and objectives.
4. Phase D: Technology Architecture The fourth phase of the TOGAF ADM is the Technology Architecture. In this phase, the organization’s technology infrastructure is analyzed to create a detailed view of the organization’s architecture. During this phase, gap analysis is used to identify gaps in the organization’s technology architecture. These gaps can be in the form of missing or inadequate hardware, software, or network infrastructure. The gaps are then prioritized based on their impact on the organization’s goals and objectives.
5. Phase E: Opportunities and Solutions The fifth phase of the TOGAF ADM is the Opportunities and Solutions. In this phase, potential solutions to the identified gaps are analyzed and evaluated. During this phase, gap analysis is used to compare the identified gaps to the potential solutions. The gaps are then prioritized based on the potential solutions’ feasibility, cost, and impact on the organization’s goals and objectives.
6. Phase F: Migration Planning The sixth phase of the TOGAF ADM is the Migration Planning. In this phase, a detailed plan is created to implement the selected solutions. During this phase, gap analysis is used to ensure that the plan addresses all the identified gaps. The gaps are then prioritized based on their impact on the organization’s goals and objectives.
7. Phase G: Implementation Governance The seventh phase of the TOGAF ADM is the Implementation Governance. In this phase, the plan is implemented, and progress is monitored. During this phase, gap analysis is used to ensure that the implementation is on track and that all the identified gaps are being addressed. The gaps are then prioritized based on their impact on the organization’s goals and objectives.
8. Phase H: Architecture Change Management The eighth and final phase of the TOGAF ADM is the Architecture Change Management. In this phase, the changes made to the organization’s architecture are managed and controlled.

Performing Gap Analysis in Preparation for the Architecture Vision Phase

During the Architecture Vision phase of TOGAF ADM, the gap analysis process is conducted to identify the differences between the current state of the organization’s architecture and its desired future state. The process begins by analyzing the organization’s strategic goals and objectives to create a high-level view of the future state of the architecture.

The current state of the organization’s architecture is then compared to the desired future state to identify gaps. These gaps can be in the form of missing capabilities, processes, or technologies that are necessary to achieve the organization’s goals and objectives. The gaps are then prioritized based on their impact on the organization’s goals and objectives.

The gap analysis process is critical in the Architecture Vision phase as it provides a foundation for the subsequent phases of the ADM. By identifying the gaps between the current and desired future state of the organization’s architecture, the organization can ensure that its goals and objectives are aligned with its architecture. This alignment is necessary for the successful implementation of the ADM and the achievement of the organization’s strategic goals and objectives.

Here’s an example of a gap analysis for the Architecture Vision phase of TOGAF ADM:

This gap analysis document outlines four key gaps that have been identified during the Architecture Vision phase of TOGAF ADM. Each gap is described in detail, including its potential impact on the organization’s goals and objectives, and is assigned a priority level based on its relative importance.

1. The first gap identified is the lack of clear definition for customer segmentation. This gap has a high priority level as it could have a significant impact on the organization’s ability to effectively target and serve specific customer groups.
2. The second gap identified is that the current technology infrastructure is unable to support the desired future state. This gap also has a high priority level, as it could limit the organization’s ability to scale and adapt to changing business needs.
3. The third gap identified is inadequate data governance and management practices. While this gap is important, it has a medium priority level as its impact on the organization’s goals and objectives is not as significant as the first two gaps.
4. The fourth and final gap identified is the lack of integration between business processes and IT systems. This gap has a low priority level as its impact on the organization’s goals and objectives is not as significant as the other gaps identified.

Overall, this gap analysis provides a clear picture of the gaps that need to be addressed in order to achieve the desired future state of the organization’s architecture. It will be used as a foundation for the subsequent phases of the ADM and will help ensure that the organization’s goals and objectives are aligned with its architecture.

Progressing Gap Analysis into the Core Enterprise Architectures of the ADM

The findings from the gap analysis conducted during the Architecture Vision phase are carried forward into the Business Architecture phase of TOGAF ADM. In this phase, the focus is on developing a detailed understanding of the organization’s business strategy, goals, and objectives, as well as its current and future operating model.

The gap analysis conducted during the Architecture Vision phase provides valuable insights into the gaps that exist between the organization’s current state and its desired future state. These gaps can inform the development of the organization’s business architecture by identifying the specific capabilities, processes, and technologies that need to be put in place to bridge these gaps.

For example, if the gap analysis conducted during the Architecture Vision phase identified a lack of clear definition for customer segmentation, this gap would be carried forward into the Business, application and technology Architecture phases. In these phases, the organization would work to develop a detailed understanding of its customer segments and their needs, and then define the capabilities, processes, and technologies needed to effectively target and serve these segments. This could involve developing new marketing strategies, implementing new customer relationship management tools, or investing in data analytics capabilities.

Similarly, if the gap analysis identified a gap related to the organization’s technology infrastructure, this gap would be carried forward from the previous architectures into the technology Architecture phase. In this phase, the organization would work to define its IT strategy and architecture, identifying the specific technologies and systems needed to support its desired future state. This could involve investing in new hardware or software systems, developing new data management and security protocols, or implementing cloud-based solutions.

In this way, the gap analysis conducted during the Architecture Vision phase provides a roadmap for the development of the organization’s business architecture. By identifying the specific gaps that need to be addressed in order to achieve the desired future state, the organization can focus its efforts on developing the capabilities, processes, and technologies needed to bridge these gaps and achieve its strategic goals and objectives.

Transitioning from the Vision Phase to the Business Phase

let’s continue with the same example of the gap analysis conducted during the Architecture Vision phase for the lack of clear definition for customer segmentation:

During the Business Architecture phase of TOGAF ADM, the focus is on defining the organization’s business strategy and architecture in more detail. In the case of the gap identified above, the organization would work to develop a detailed understanding of its customer segments and their needs, and then define the capabilities, processes, and technologies needed to effectively target and serve these segments.

To address this gap, the following activities would be undertaken:

1. Define customer segments: The organization would conduct market research and customer analysis to identify the different customer segments that it serves, as well as their needs, preferences, and behaviors.
2. Develop customer personas: Based on the results of the customer analysis, the organization would develop detailed customer personas for each customer segment. These personas would include information such as demographics, behavior patterns, and preferences.
3. Define customer value propositions: For each customer segment, the organization would define a clear value proposition that outlines how it will meet the specific needs and preferences of that segment.
4. Implement targeted marketing strategies: The organization would develop targeted marketing strategies for each customer segment, using the customer personas and value propositions to tailor messaging and outreach efforts.
5. Implement customer relationship management tools: The organization would implement customer relationship management (CRM) tools and processes to better track and manage customer interactions, ensuring that the organization is able to effectively serve the needs of each customer segment.

By undertaking these activities, the organization would be able to bridge the gap identified during the Architecture Vision phase related to the lack of clear definition for customer segmentation. This would enable the organization to effectively target and serve specific customer groups, aligning its business strategy with its architecture and achieving its strategic goals and objectives.

Transforming Gap Analysis into Action Plan: A Summary of Findings

The actions suggested during the Business Architecture phase aim to bridge the gap identified in the Architecture Vision phase, which pertained to the absence of a well-defined customer segmentation.

The timeline for this implementation plan is approximately 17 weeks, assuming that activities can be carried out concurrently. However, the actual timeline may vary depending on the size and complexity of the organization, as well as the availability of resources and budget constraints.

It is also important to note that the implementation plan should be regularly reviewed and updated as needed to ensure that the organization stays on track and achieves its goals. By following this implementation plan, the organization would be able to effectively address the gap identified during the Architecture Vision phase related to the lack of clear definition for customer segmentation, enabling it to achieve its strategic goals and objectives.

Summary

A Gap Analysis is a critical technique used in each phase of the TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) to identify the gaps between the current state and the desired future state of an organization’s architecture. In the Architecture Vision phase, the initial Gap Analysis is conducted to establish the high-level vision for the organization’s architecture. In subsequent phases, such as the Business Architecture phase, Gap Analysis is used to identify the gaps between the organization’s business processes and capabilities and the desired future state. In the Information Systems Architecture and Technology Architecture phases, Gap Analysis is used to identify gaps in the organization’s information systems and technology infrastructure, respectively. Finally, in the Implementation and Governance phases, Gap Analysis is used to monitor the progress of the architecture implementation and to ensure that it is aligned with the organization’s strategic goals. Overall, Gap Analysis is an essential technique that supports the development of a comprehensive and effective architecture that meets the needs of the organization.