Overview
The ArchiMate® modelling language and the TOGAF® Standard are both The Open Group standards designed to support Enterprise Architecture. While each can be used independently, they are most powerful when applied together. This article explains how the two standards complement one another and how they can be combined to strengthen architecture practice, communication, and governance.
1. Purpose of Each Standard
TOGAF Standard
The TOGAF Standard provides:
- A method for developing and governing Enterprise Architecture (the ADM)
- A framework for structuring architecture work
- A Body of Knowledge for capability, governance, and architecture practice
- Guidance for aligning business, data, application, and technology domains
The TOGAF Standard focuses on process, structure, and governance.
ArchiMate Language
The ArchiMate Language provides:
- A visual modelling language for representing architecture
- A consistent notation for business, application, data, and technology layers
- A way to model motivation, strategy, capabilities, and implementation
- A shared visual vocabulary for architects and stakeholders
The ArchiMate language focuses on representation, communication, and analysis.
2. How They Work Together
The TOGAF Standard Defines the Method; The ArchiMate Language Visualizes It
- The TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) describes what to do.
- The ArchiMate Specification provides a modelling language to show the architecture developed through the ADM.
For example:
| TOGAF ADM Phase | How the ArchiMate Language Supports It |
|---|---|
| Phase A: Architecture Vision | High‑level capability, motivation, and stakeholder views |
| Phase B–D: Business, Information Systems, Technology Architecture | Layered ArchiMate models showing structure, behavior, and relationships |
| Phase E–F: Opportunities & Solutions, Migration Planning | Plateau, gap, and work package modelling |
| Phase G: Implementation Governance | Traceability from requirements to implementation |
| Phase H: Architecture Change Management | Impact analysis using ArchiMate relationships |
3. Shared Concepts and Alignment
The two standards share conceptual alignment across:
- Architecture domains (business, application, data, technology)
- Capabilities and strategy
- Motivation and requirements
- Implementation and migration
The ArchiMate language provides a formal notation for many concepts described in the TOGAF Standard.
4. Benefits of Using the TOGAF Standard and the ArchiMate Language Together
Clearer Communication
ArchiMate diagrams make TOGAF concepts easier to communicate to stakeholders.
Stronger Traceability
ArchiMate’s relationships allow traceability from:
- Drivers → Goals → Capabilities → Architecture → Work Packages
This supports TOGAF’s governance and assurance processes.
Better Analysis and Decision‑Making
ArchiMate models support:
- Impact analysis
- Gap analysis
- Scenario modelling
- Dependency mapping
These activities align directly with TOGAF ADM phases.
Consistent Architecture Practice
Using both standards together creates:
- A shared vocabulary
- A repeatable method
- A consistent modelling approach
- Better integration across architecture teams
5. When to Use Each Standard
| Situation | Best Tool |
|---|---|
| Planning and governing architecture work | TOGAF Standard |
| Modelling and visualizing architecture | ArchiMate Language |
| Communicating architecture to stakeholders | ArchiMate Language |
| Structuring architecture capability and processes | TOGAF Standard |
| Supporting agile or iterative architecture | Both (TOGAF Standard for method, ArchiMate Language for modelling) |
Conclusion
The ArchiMate Language and the TOGAF Standard are designed to be complementary:
- The TOGAF Standard provides the method and framework
- The ArchiMate Specification provides the visual modelling language
Together, they enable architects to plan, design, communicate, and govern architecture in a consistent and effective way.