Target Architecture Model

Intro

A target architecture model depicts the future-state architecture in diagrams and catalogs. It provides a shared view of where the enterprise is heading.

Key points:

• Visualizes target capabilities, processes, and systems.
• Supports planning, impact analysis, and governance.
• Common use cases across EA/BPM/Data/App/Tech include heatmaps, future interaction diagrams, and data models.
• Pitfall: models that are not maintained as decisions change.

Examples:

• Future application interaction model for order‑to‑cash.
• Target capability map with investment priorities.
• Future data domain model for customer insights.

In practice:

Keep models concise and outcome‑focused; align them with the roadmap and funding cycles.

Related terms: Target Architecture; Model; Roadmap

FAQs:

Q: Are target models executable?
A: No; they guide design and delivery.

Q: Who updates them?
A: Architecture teams under governance.

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