The Zachman Framework is a structured methodology for enterprise architecture (EA), providing a formal and comprehensive way to define, design, and manage an enterprise’s systems and processes. This cheat sheet covers its principles, structure, applications, and best practices in detail, formatted for WordPress compatibility.
1. Introduction to the Zachman Framework
Definition: The Zachman Framework is an enterprise ontology, a two-dimensional classification schema that organizes architectural artifacts to provide a holistic view of an enterprise. It uses a grid to map perspectives (rows) and aspects (columns) to ensure comprehensive coverage of enterprise architecture.
Purpose: Facilitates understanding, communication, and management of complex enterprise systems by categorizing artifacts systematically.
Key Features:
Two-dimensional grid: Perspectives (rows) and Aspects (columns).
Technology- and methodology-agnostic, applicable to any industry.
Focuses on “what, how, where, who, when, why” questions.
Supports traceability and alignment across enterprise layers.
Use Cases:
Enterprise architecture planning and design.
IT system development and integration.
Business process optimization.
Digital transformation initiatives.
Governance and compliance frameworks.
2. Key Concepts and Terminology
2.1 Core Concepts
Enterprise Ontology: A structured classification of enterprise artifacts, ensuring all aspects of an organization are addressed.
Perspectives (Rows): Represent different stakeholder views, from high-level strategy to detailed implementation.
Aspects (Columns): Address fundamental questions (What, How, Where, Who, When, Why) to describe the enterprise comprehensively.
Artifacts: Documents, models, or deliverables that populate the framework’s cells, such as process diagrams or data models.
Primitive vs. Composite Models: Primitives focus on a single cell (one perspective, one aspect); composites combine multiple cells for practical use.
Normalization: Ensures artifacts are unique and non-redundant within each cell.
Abstraction: Separates concerns to focus on specific aspects of the enterprise without overlap.
2.2 Key Terms and Abbreviations
Term
Abbreviation
Definition
Zachman Framework
ZF
A grid-based ontology for enterprise architecture
Perspective
–
Stakeholder view (e.g., Planner, Designer)
Aspect
–
Fundamental question (What, How, Where, etc.)
Artifact
–
Deliverable or model in a framework cell
Primitive
–
Single-aspect, single-perspective model
Composite
–
Model combining multiple cells for practical use
EA
Enterprise Architecture
Holistic management of enterprise systems and processes
3. Structure of the Zachman Framework
3.1 The Zachman Grid
The framework is a 6×6 grid with rows (perspectives) and columns (aspects). Each cell contains artifacts specific to that perspective and aspect.
Aspect →
What (Data)
How (Function)
Where (Location)
Who (People)
When (Time)
Why (Motivation)
Scope (Contextual)
List of entities
List of processes
List of locations
List of organizations
List of events
List of goals
Business Model (Conceptual)
Business data model
Business process model
Business locations
Organization chart
Business event cycle
Business strategy
System Model (Logical)
Logical data model
Application architecture
Network architecture
Role definitions
System event cycle
System objectives
Technology Model (Physical)
Physical data model
System design
Network topology
Security architecture
Timing definitions
Technology goals
Detailed Representations (Out-of-Context)
Database schema
Program code
Network configuration
Access controls
Schedules
Rules and constraints
Functioning Enterprise
Actual data
Running applications
Physical network
Active roles
Event triggers
Enforced policies
3.2 Perspectives (Rows)
Scope (Contextual): Planner’s view, defining the enterprise’s boundaries and high-level components.
Business Model (Conceptual): Owner’s view, describing business operations and strategies.
System Model (Logical): Designer’s view, outlining logical system designs.
Technology Model (Physical): Builder’s view, specifying technology implementations.
Detailed Representations (Out-of-Context): Sub-contractor’s view, focusing on detailed configurations.
Functioning Enterprise: Real-world operations, reflecting the implemented enterprise.
3.3 Aspects (Columns)
What (Data): Entities and data structures (e.g., customers, products).
How (Function): Processes and activities (e.g., order processing).
Where (Location): Geographic and network locations (e.g., data centers).
Who (People): Roles and responsibilities (e.g., employees, stakeholders).
When (Time): Events and schedules (e.g., business cycles).
Why (Motivation): Goals and constraints (e.g., business objectives).
4. Methodology and Usage
4.1 Steps to Apply the Zachman Framework
Identify Stakeholders: Determine who will use the framework (e.g., executives, architects).
Define Scope: Establish the enterprise’s boundaries and objectives (Scope row).
Populate the Grid:
For each cell, create artifacts addressing the perspective and aspect.
Start with high-level perspectives (Scope, Business Model) and drill down.
Ensure Normalization: Verify artifacts are unique to each cell, avoiding overlap.
Validate Completeness: Check that all cells are addressed for a holistic view.
Iterate and Refine: Update artifacts as the enterprise evolves.
Use Composites: Combine cells for practical deliverables (e.g., a system architecture diagram).
4.2 Example: Building an E-Commerce Architecture
Scope (Contextual):
What: List of entities (products, customers, orders).
How: List of processes (browse, purchase, ship).
Where: List of locations (website, warehouses).
Business Model (Conceptual):
What: Business data model (ERD for products, customers).
How: Process flow for order fulfillment.
Why: Goal to increase sales by 20%.
System Model (Logical):
What: Logical data model (normalized tables).
How: Application architecture (microservices for catalog, checkout).
