The SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework is built upon five interrelated pillars that work together to support effective and adaptable architecture capabilities:
The SAP EA Methodology is based on industry standards (such as TOGAF®, BPMN™, UML®, APQC®) and supports enterprise architect journeys from the definition of target architectures to implementation and continuous transformation. It introduces concepts, artifacts, techniques, and principles. This pillar provides a standardized approach for managing enterprise architecture across the software lifecycle. Based on TOGAF and other recognized industry standards, SAP’s methodology outlines clear guidance for planning, designing, and governing architecture practices.
SAP Reference Business and Solution Architecture Content maps the business strategy and architecture to SAP solutions. SAP provides a rich set of reference content to help describe and visualize business and IT architectures. It includes Reference Business Architectures and Reference Solution Architectures, which serve as blueprints for modeling business processes and mapping them to SAP solutions. These resources help accelerate project initiation and reduce complexity in the early design phases.
EA Tooling supports documentation, adjustment, and consumption of EA artifacts complying with SAP EA Methodology. Tools are essential for creating, maintaining, and sharing architecture models and documentation. SAP offers a range of internal and external tools to support architecture activities—from modeling to lifecycle management and integration. These tools enhance visibility and consistency across stakeholders.
The EA Practice is the organizational implementation of EA. It operates enterprise architecture within the organization, by adopting the EA methodology and establishing governance processes incl. change management process for the framework. This pillar focuses on embedding enterprise architecture into the organization. It includes setting up the right governance, roles, and responsibilities, and integrating architecture with strategic initiatives. Building EA capability as an organizational practice ensures that it delivers value consistently over time.
EA Services are supporting transformations by applying the methodology and using EA tooling and reference architecture content. Services can be sourced from SAP, other external providers, or provided by the practice. They can include enablement of different EA target roles in customers’ and partners’ organizations provided. SAP provides standardized enterprise architecture services to guide organizations through their transformation journeys. These services support activities like assessing the current state, defining target architectures, and planning road maps to achieve business and IT alignment.