Enterprise Architecture (EA) is a critical enabler for aligning strategic IT decisions with overall business objectives. It provides transparency across complex structures and dependencies, empowering organizations to make informed decisions and implement change in a targeted and effective manner.
But how well is your EA truly embedded in practice? Where are your strengths – and where is there room for improvement?
A structured maturity model offers the clarity and foundation needed to answer these questions. It enables you to assess your current state across clearly defined dimensions and derive concrete, targeted improvement measures.
Five Key Areas of a Comprehensive EA Maturity Assessment
An effective EA maturity assessment typically evaluates your capabilities across these five dimensions:
- Business Value – What contribution does your EA function make toward achieving business goals?
- Leadership – How well is EA integrated into management, governance, and decision-making processes?
- Methods & Artifacts – Which methods, models, and tools are in use, and how mature are they?
- Team & Skills – How is the EA team structured in terms of expertise, capacity, and internal recognition?
- Use & Participation – To what extent is EA adopted and embedded across the organization?
Most models define five maturity levels – from initial, informal practices to a fully institutionalized, strategically aligned EA function. Regardless of whether your organization is just starting or already has an established practice, an assessment provides a clear baseline and action plan for growth.
Seven Steps to Evolving Your EA Practice
In our proven framework, our international EA experts outline a practical seven-step approach to maturing EA skills:
- Clarify Purpose – Clearly define the value and mission of your EA function.
- Assess Current State – Understand where your organization currently stands.
- Define Target State – Articulate a realistic yet ambitious vision for EA maturity.
- Build Roadmap – Develop a practical, phased roadmap for achieving that vision.
- Align & Engage – Ensure alignment and buy-in from key business and IT stakeholders.
- Establish Governance – Put in place the structures, roles, and decision rights to support EA.
- Review & Evolve – Continuously measure progress and refine your EA strategy over time.
This step-by-step model enables organizations to transform EA from a conceptual framework into a business-critical capability – strategic, operational, and cultural.
Why Conduct an EA Maturity Assessment?
A structured EA maturity assessment delivers tangible value:
✔ Clear starting points for improvement
✔ Alignment with industry best practices
✔ Prioritization of high-impact measures
✔ Engagement of key stakeholders
✔ A solid foundation for updating your EA strategy
Ready to Take Your EA Practice to the Next Level?
👉 In a customized EA Maturity Workshop, we analyze your current situation together, evaluate your strengths, and identify concrete areas for action. You’ll receive tailored recommendations to advance your architecture practice – practical, strategic, and results-driven.
» Learn more or book your individual session now
After a the short EA Maturity Assessment you can accelerate your EA practice more or use the results to drive maturity yourself.
Turn your EA into a real success factor!
🔎 Want to test yourself first?
Use our free self-assessment and get a quick, personalized insight into your EA maturity:
» Get the “EA Maturity Self Diagnostic Assessment” for free
🛠️ Evaluating or replacing your EA tool?
Our independent EA Tool Selector helps you find the right tool for your organization – with expert guidance and practical insights:
» Get the “EAM Tool-Selector” for free
🤝 Connect with EA Experts at the Lean Leader Summit on July 2 & 3 in Munich
Take the opportunity to network with Enterprise Architects and digital transformation professionals.
Gain practical insights into Enterprise Architecture Management, discuss current challenges, and learn about new methods, tools, and best practices.