Why TOGAF Isn’t Enough: A Case Study In Real Enterprise Architecture
This exploratory Enterprise Architecture case study examines how a large organisation used TOGAF as a starting point but ultimately created a customised enterprise architecture model. It explains what parts of the framework were kept, what was discarded, and how the organisation built an EA practice that delivered real value—offering actionable lessons.
Enterprise architecture (EA) has long been positioned as a strategic enabler—its promise: clarity amid complexity, alignment between business and IT, and a coherent roadmap for digital transformation. TOGAF, the most cited and adopted EA framework globally, purports to offer the blueprint for achieving these outcomes. However, what happens when a framework designed for universality confronts the messy particularities of a real organisation?
This question was examined through a rigorous exploratory case study of a large, technology-forward institution operating in a highly diversified, project-intensive environment. The organisation adopted TOGAF as its official EA foundation. Yet what unfolded was a striking divergence between theory and execution. Despite its official use of TOGAF, the organisation systematically set aside the very elements that define the framework, opting instead for a lightweight, organically evolved architecture practice prioritising responsiveness, collaboration, and contextual relevance.
Key Points
- The case study illustrates a large organisation’s attempt to implement TOGAF and the subsequent adaptations made for practicality.
- Much of TOGAF’s structural framework was deemed impractical, leading to a reimagined architecture practice focusing on flexibility and collaboration.
- Architects created customised documents and processes that aligned better with their operational realities, instead of rigidly adhering to TOGAF.
- The study highlights the importance of contextual intelligence in EA, suggesting that frameworks must be tools rather than rigid tenets.
- Real enterprise architecture success stems from adaptability, contextual design, and a relentless focus on delivering value.
Why should I read this?
This case study provides valuable insights into the limitations of formal frameworks like TOGAF when faced with real-world complexities. It demonstrates how organisations can effectively navigate the challenges of EA by focusing on stakeholder engagement and practical outcomes. CIOs and IT leaders will find actionable strategies for evolving EA practices that are not only theoretically sound but also operationally viable, relevant, and impactful in today’s dynamic business landscape.