The “Systems” Nature of Enterprise Architecture

The strategic management of enterprise performance development includes assessment-based planning which in turn depends upon accurate representations of the enterprise. These representations include ontologies, architectures and models. Enterprise architecture is becoming the cornerstone of performance development initiatives which are driving the emergence of the disciplines of enterprise engineer and enterprise architect. Ontologies, architectures and other more detailed models must reflect the systems nature of the enterprise, demonstrating that it is an intelligent complex adaptive system of systems. Recent developments in the creation of architecture for the total enterprise include initiatives by the US federal government, other national, state and local governments, universities and private sector corporations. The emergence of enterprise engineering and continuing emphasis on enterprise architecture can have a profound impact on traditional disciplines such as industrial engineering and systems engineering. In this regard a word of caution and an exciting opportunity can be considered.