Next-Generation Enterprise Modeling

Abstract

In the Western world, digital has become the new normal, both in our daily lives and at our work. Additionally, Western countries have seen a transition from a goods-oriented economy to a services-oriented economy. Whereas, in the recent past, it was already the case that change was the only constant, these intertwined, and mutually amplifying, trends even further increase the pace of change. As a result, enterprises are confronted with a need to transform (continuously) accordingly.

During any enterprise transformation, coordination among the key stakeholders and the projects that drive the transformations is essential. A shared understanding, agreement, and commitment are needed on (1) what the overall mission/vision of the enterprise is, (2) the current affairs of the enterprise and any ongoing changes, (3) the current affairs of the context of the enterprise, and (4) what (given the latter) the ideal future affairs of the enterprise are.

Models, and ultimately enterprise (architecture) modeling languages and framework, are generally considered as an effective way to support such (informed) coordination. In the past, different frameworks and languages have been developed to this end, including the ArchiMate language. The latter has evolved to become a widely accepted industry standard.

The objective of this chapter is threefold: (1) we intend to illustrate some of the key challenges which the digital transformation, and the two intertwined trends that drive it, puts on enterprise (architecture) modeling languages, (2) assess to what extent ArchiMate meets these challenges, and (3) draft the outline of a next-generation enterprise (architecture) modeling language (framework) that may be more suited to meet the challenges of these trends.