Article #3: Mapping the Business Layer – ArchiMate’s Role in Business Process Modeling
Tags: architecture, archimate, enterprisearchitecture, digitaltransformation
Published: 2024-02-26 13:00:00

In our exploration of [ArchiMate](https://www.opengroup.org/archimate-forum)'s application within enterprise architecture, we now turn our focus to the Business layer. This layer is crucial, as it deals with the core operations and processes of an organization. Understanding and modeling this layer effectively can significantly impact how a business adapts to changes and integrates new initiatives.

Recall our ongoing fictive scenario with XYZ Company, a B2B service provider struggling with user acquisition on their digital platform. The company's initiative to integrate user logins from partner platforms presents an opportunity to examine and re-engineer their existing business processes.

Initially, XYZ's user login process is straightforward, consisting of two primary sub-processes: User Authentication and User Provisioning. These processes are designed to cater to XYZ's users efficiently. However, with the new initiative to incorporate logins from PartnerA and PartnerB, the existing business process architecture requires re-evaluation.

The transformation journey begins by expanding the User Login process to accommodate users from PartnerA and PartnerB. This expansion is not just a technical integration but a strategic realignment of business processes to meet new business objectives.

In this article, we present two distinct ArchiMate views:

**Baseline of the Business Architecture**: This view illustrates the existing user login process at XYZ, providing a clear understanding of the current state.

<p>
<figure>
<img alt="Baseline of the Business Architecture" src="https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/hyndh8kyx25029vc26ju.png" />
<figcaption>Baseline of the Business Architecture</figcaption>
</figure>
</p>

**Target of the Business Architecture**: This view delineates the evolved user login process, including the integration of PartnerA and PartnerB, showcasing the desired future state.

<p>
<figure>
<img alt="Target of the Business Architecture" src="https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/imbpncqrwenpiwlc7wqg.png"/> 
<figcaption>Target of the Business Architecture</figcaption>
</figure>
</p>

These visualizations serve as blueprints for the transition, enabling stakeholders to grasp the scope of change and plan accordingly.

By implementing these views, we not only visualize the impacted business processes but also pave the way for detailed planning in subsequent architecture layers. This clarity in the business layer is fundamental for ensuring that the changes align with the company’s overall objectives and capabilities.

Have you ever had to adapt your business processes to accommodate new partnerships or technologies? How did you approach the challenge, and what tools did you find most helpful in mapping these changes? Share your experiences and insights on navigating business process transformations.

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- [Article #1: ArchiMate – Bridging the Gap in Complex Enterprise Initiatives](https://dev.to/tmorin/article-1-archimate-bridging-the-gap-in-complex-enterprise-initiatives-b6)
- [Article #2: Navigating Motivations in Architecture – The ArchiMate Way](https://dev.to/tmorin/article-2-navigating-motivations-in-architecture-the-archimate-way-3p4f)
- [Article #3: Mapping the Business Layer – ArchiMate’s Role in Business Process Modeling](https://dev.to/tmorin/article-3-mapping-the-business-layer-archimates-role-in-business-process-modeling-ob3)
- [Article #4: Synchronizing Business and IT – ArchiMate in the Application Layer](https://dev.to/tmorin/article-4-synchronizing-business-and-it-archimate-in-the-application-layer-50lj)
- [Article #5: Integrating Technology and Applications – A Deep Dive into ArchiMate's Technology Layer](https://dev.to/tmorin/article-5-integrating-technology-and-applications-a-deep-dive-into-archimates-technology-layer-2o45)
- [Article #6: Orchestrating Change – ArchiMate in Implementation and Migration Planning](https://dev.to/tmorin/article-6-orchestrating-change-archimate-in-implementation-and-migration-planning-4p9a)
- [Article #7: Reflecting on the ArchiMate Journey – From Concept to Reality](https://dev.to/tmorin/article-7-reflecting-on-the-archimate-journey-from-concept-to-reality-47ao)