ZachmanFramework

The Zachman Framework is an enterprise architecture framework that provides a structured method for classifying and organizing the artifacts of an enterprise. Created by John Zachman in the 1980s at IBM, it remains a widely cited reference for understanding and communicating complex organizational architectures. It emphasizes a descriptive, non-prescriptive approach aimed at ensuring comprehensive coverage of enterprise artifacts.

The framework is a two-dimensional classification matrix with six columns and six rows. The columns—What, How, Where, Who, When, Why—represent fundamental questions about data or objects, processes, locations, actors, timing, and motivations. The rows describe levels of abstraction: Scope (contextual), Enterprise Model (conceptual), System Model (logical), Technology Model (physical), Detailed Representations (as-built), and Functioning Enterprise (operational). Each cell in the matrix is intended to hold models or artifacts that address the intersection of a given aspect and a given level of detail.

Purpose and use: The Zachman Framework serves as a taxonomy to ensure that architecture artifacts are complete and consistently described across stakeholders and levels of detail. It is typically used to organize requirements, models, and documentation, facilitate cross-disciplinary communication, and guide governance and alignment between strategy and implementation. It is not a step-by-step methodology; rather, it is commonly applied in conjunction with other frameworks and development processes to frame architecture efforts.

Reception and considerations: The framework has been influential in both public and private sectors for fostering holistic thinking about enterprise structure. Critics note that it can be complex, vague without accompanying processes, and resource-intensive to implement. Its value largely depends on disciplined modeling and governance practices.