Segment Architecture

Intro

Segment architecture describes a detailed, scoped area of the enterprise or its architecture. It enables deep analysis without distraction from unrelated details.

Key points:

• Focuses design and decisions within clear boundaries.
• Supports incremental delivery aligned to broader EA.
• Common use cases across EA/BPM/Data/App/Tech include line-of-business domains, programs, or capability segments.
• Pitfall: losing alignment with enterprise-wide principles and standards.

Examples:

• Customer engagement segment covering CRM and channels.
• Finance segment for record-to-report capabilities.
• Supply chain segment across planning and fulfillment.

In practice:

Define scope, interfaces, and compliance with enterprise principles; trace impacts to the broader architecture.

Related terms: Architecture; Architecture Principles; Reference Architecture

FAQs:

Q: Is a segment the same as a solution architecture?
A: No; segments span a domain, while solutions focus on a specific implementation.

Q: How do segments connect?
A: Via defined interfaces and shared standards.

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