Digital transformations are, by their very nature, complex. There are multiple moving parts, integrated processes and technologies, and the need for expertise that cannot already be found in the company. In most firms, however, there is a small cadre of technology professionals who can impose relative order on the proceedings. CEOs and CIOs should consider the benefits of pulling enterprise architects closer to the center: bringing them to the table with business leaders, devising metrics that reveal the value of their work, and creating the type of incentives that will challenge them and prompt them to stay for the long term. Such an approach is critical not just for limiting risk and protecting against the potential challenges and downsides of digital transformations but also for ensuring a clear upside—a close and lasting partnership between the business and IT.
WHY IT MATTERS: this article relates to a recent post on EA tools. The conclusion is clear: EA should focus on delivering what business needs instead of pushing for technology infrastructure. Instead of having milestones related to building single sign on or identity management solutions, align roadmap to the delivery of employee self-service portal for HR or supplier B2B eCommerce for supply chain BU. Basically align the EA roadmap on the business priorities.