EAM Tool

Functionality of EAM Tools

The basic functionality provided by an EAM tool is the organized storage of enterprise architecture related information. Tools providing this functionality are called enterprise architecture repositories [RZM14]. The collected information is structured according to an underlying information model, which enables advanced querying of the data. The data can be entered into the toolmanually or sourced from other applications like project management software, ERPs or knowledge sharing portals [BBL12].

Another possible functionality of EAM tools is the generation of visualizations based on the stored data [RZM14]. Which kind of visualizations are created is defined by the Enterprise Architect.

Usually, the two functionalities introduced above are integrated into one tool [RZM14; Kel11].

Advantages of EAM Tools

First of all, to create an enterprise architecture model a lot of data which is spread out throughout the whole enterprise needs to be collected and structured [Fuh11b]. The use of an EAM tool facilitates this task by providing a data repository based on an EAM information model [RZM14]. Additionally, it can automate parts of the data collection by directly sourcing data from other applications [Far+13]. The resulting information collection provides a basis for quick decision making to the Enterprise Architect and other stakeholders [Fuh12].

Challenges of EAM Tools

One challenge connected with using an EAM tool is that often a certain information model is dictated. Therefore, first the organizations information model needs to be made explicit, if this is not the case already. Afterwards, the information model of the organization has to be mapped to the information model provided by the tool [Buc+09b].