Popular enterprise architecture frameworks like TOGAF and ArchiMate each provide meta models, but none are broad enough to fully support strategic planning, contextual analysis, and business architecture alongside risk, change, and programme management in an integrated way. This paper describes the development of HAL2023 — an updated version of the Inspired Holistic Architecture Language — synthesising concepts from TOGAF 10, ArchiMate 3.2, BizBOK 11, SABSA, MEMO, and the Inspired consulting practice into a single, coherent meta model validated across multiple industries. It addresses not only what the model contains, but how it can be practically applied without overwhelming practitioners.
Extending and Automating Maturity Models for More Value
Maturity models are widely used for organisational self-assessment, but their value is often limited to producing a score. This paper argues that far greater value is achievable by extending models to include prioritised recommendations and action planning — and by automating the whole process to remove the friction that discourages use. Drawing on the development of a generic domain model implemented in the EVA platform, it demonstrates how a range of maturity models can be rapidly deployed, assessed, scored, and translated into actionable improvement plans with minimal custom code.
AI Goes Mainstream: What Business Architects Need to Know
A 2022 overview of artificial intelligence and machine learning for business architects — covering the history of AI, the emerging ecosystem of tools and platforms, and the practical implications for business strategy, process design, and customer engagement. Presented at the Inspired Business Architecture Forum, this talk maps the landscape at a pivotal moment when AI shifted from niche technology to mainstream business reality.
New Technology Creates Architecture Opportunity
Exponential advances in computing, communications, big data, semantic technology, robotics, and 3D printing are not just technical curiosities — they fundamentally alter what business architectures can and should do. This 2013 presentation by Graham McLeod surveys the landscape of emerging technologies and draws out the architectural implications for enterprise and application design. A timely reminder that architects who ignore technology trends risk designing for a world that no longer exists.
A Business and Solution Building Block Approach to EA Project Planning
Enterprise architecture programmes frequently struggle with scope confusion, misaligned stakeholder expectations, and poor traceability between business requirements and delivery plans. This paper presents a building block approach — distinguishing Business Building Blocks (capabilities) from Solution Building Blocks (systems and technologies) — developed and validated on a multi-project transformation programme at a rapidly expanding South African telecoms company. The result was dramatically improved communication between sponsors, stakeholders, programme managers, and development teams, and a shared, navigable picture of what would be delivered, when, and in what sequence.
What Should an EA Management Tool Actually Do?
Most organisations attempting enterprise architecture have reached for ad-hoc tools — Word, Excel, Visio — or CASE-derived modelling tools never designed for the job. This 2005 presentation by Graham McLeod sets out a comprehensive framework of requirements for a purpose-built EA management tool, drawing on Zachman, TOGAF, Spewak, and Schekkerman, before presenting the design and architecture of Archi/WebModeler, Inspired's own web-based EA repository solution. It covers everything from meta-modelling and collaboration to inferencing, scenario management, and governance support.