Organisations worldwide struggle with disconnected IT systems, misaligned technology investments, and unclear architecture strategies. An enterprise architecture maturity model provides a structured approach to assess and improve these challenges. With the EA market growing from $1.33 billion in 2025 to $2.74 billion by 2034, understanding maturity assessment has become essential for organisational success.
This guide explains what an enterprise architecture maturity model is, how to use it, and why it matters for your organisation.
What is an Enterprise Architecture Maturity Model?
An enterprise architecture maturity model (EAMM) is a framework that evaluates how well an organisation's IT systems and IT services align with its business objectives. It provides specific criteria to measure current capabilities and defines a clear path for improvement. The model works by establishing different maturity levels, each representing increasingly sophisticated architecture practices. Organisations compare their current practices against these defined levels to identify gaps and plan improvements. This systematic approach replaces guesswork with objective measurement.
Every enterprise architecture maturity model includes assessment criteria across multiple dimensions like processes, governance, technology, and people. By evaluating these dimensions, organisations get a complete picture of their architectural maturity rather than focusing on isolated aspects. Organisations use these models to establish baselines, justify investments, track progress, and communicate architecture value to stakeholders. The structured assessment creates a common language that both technical teams and business leaders understand.
The 5 Stages of EA Maturity
Understanding the five stages of an enterprise architecture maturity model helps organisations identify their current position and plan their advancement path.
Stage 1: Initial/Ad-hoc
Organisations at this stage have no formal EA program. IT decisions happen independently without coordination. Different departments buy their own solutions, creating technology silos. Documentation is minimal or missing entirely.
Stage 2: Developing
Basic architecture processes begin to emerge. Organisations create some documentation, though standards vary between teams. Architecture groups form informally, but lack executive support and dedicated funding. At this stage, The Role of a Scaled Agile Architect becomes essential in guiding architecture maturity, ensuring alignment between IT systems, services, and evolving business objectives.
Stage 3: Defined
Formal EA processes exist with documented standards and governance structures. Architecture reviews become mandatory for projects. A central team coordinates efforts, and the enterprise architecture maturity model principles guide decisions.
Stage 4: Managed
EA operates as a strategic function. Metrics measure performance and drive improvements. All IT investments follow architecture governance. Organisations use professional EA tools and maintain comprehensive documentation.
Stage 5: Optimised
Architecture fully integrates with business strategy. Continuous improvement is standard practice. The enterprise architecture maturity model shows maximum value delivery with architecture driving innovation and competitive advantage.
Maturity Stage | Key Characteristics | Common Issues | Focus Areas |
1. Initial | No EA program, isolated decisions | High costs, integration problems | Start documentation |
2. Developing | Basic processes forming | Inconsistent practices | Standardize approaches |
3. Defined | Formal processes established | Compliance gaps | Strengthen enforcement |
4. Managed | Metrics-driven approach | Skill shortages | Build capabilities |
5. Optimised | Business-integrated EA | Sustaining momentum | Drive innovation |
Key Dimensions of EA Maturity Assessment
An effective enterprise architecture maturity model evaluates four critical dimensions that determine organisational capability.
Data and Information Management
This dimension examines how organisations collect, store, and use data. Mature organisations maintain accurate, accessible, and secure information. They use data analytics to support decisions and identify opportunities.
Governance and Processes
Governance ensures architecture decisions support business goals. This includes decision-making structures, compliance procedures, and standard processes. The enterprise architecture maturity model measures how consistently organisations apply these governance mechanisms.
Technology and Tools
Organisations need appropriate tools to manage architecture effectively. This dimension evaluates current technology infrastructure, EA software platforms, and technical capabilities. Advanced organisations use integrated platforms for modelling, analysis, and reporting.
People and Culture
Success requires skilled architects and organisation-wide EA understanding. This dimension assesses available expertise, training programs, and cultural alignment between business and IT teams.
Benefits of Using an EA Maturity Model
Implementing an enterprise architecture maturity model delivers measurable organisational improvements.
Clear Gap Identification: Assessment reveals specific weaknesses in the architecture practice. Organisations know exactly what needs improvement rather than making assumptions.
Structured Improvement Planning: The enterprise architecture maturity model provides step-by-step advancement paths. Organisations can plan realistic improvements based on their current maturity level.
Measurable Progress: Regular assessments track advancement over time. Organisations moving up one maturity level typically see 15-20% improvement in project success rates and 10-15% reduction in IT costs.
Peer Benchmarking: Standard models enable comparison with industry peers. Organisations understand their competitive position and can set appropriate improvement targets.
Better Communication: The model creates a common vocabulary for architecture discussions. Business leaders and IT teams can discuss architecture maturity using the same framework.
Popular EA Maturity Models and Frameworks
Several established frameworks help organisations implement an enterprise architecture maturity model effectively.
TOGAF's ACMM
The Architecture Capability Maturity Model from The Open Group works with the TOGAF framework. It assesses nine architecture disciplines, including business, data, application, and technology architecture. Organisations using TOGAF benefit from integrated assessment and improvement approaches.
Gartner's ITScore
Gartner focuses on business value delivery. Their model evaluates how well EA supports organisational objectives. This approach appeals to executives who need to understand architecture's business impact.
CMMI for Development
Originally for software development, CMMI principles apply well to enterprise architecture. The model's five levels provide clear progression paths with detailed improvement practices.
Framework | Best For | Key Features |
TOGAF ACMM | TOGAF users | 9 disciplines, detailed criteria |
Gartner ITScore | Business focus | Value delivery, executive metrics |
CMMI | Process maturity | Rigorous methodology, proven results |
How to Conduct an EA Maturity Assessment?
Follow these six steps to assess your enterprise architecture maturity model position effectively.
Define Assessment Scope: Determine what you're assessing and why. Set clear objectives for the assessment, whether establishing baselines, planning improvements, or measuring progress.
Select Assessment Model: Choose an enterprise architecture maturity model that fits your organisation. Consider your industry, size, and existing frameworks when selecting.
Collect Information: Gather documentation, interview stakeholders, and review current practices. Combine quantitative data with qualitative observations for a complete understanding.
Evaluate Maturity: Score for each dimension according to model criteria. Identify patterns and inconsistencies across different areas of the organisation.
Create an Improvement Plan: Develop specific actions to advance maturity. Focus on achievable improvements that deliver quick value while building toward long-term goals.
Report Findings: Present results clearly to stakeholders. Show current maturity, target state, and recommended improvement path using simple visualisations.
Conclusion
An enterprise architecture maturity model transforms subjective architecture assessments into objective measurements. Organisations gain a clear understanding of their current capabilities and specific paths for improvement. The five maturity stages provide a roadmap from initial chaos to optimised excellence. By assessing key dimensions and following structured improvement approaches, organisations achieve better alignment, reduced costs, and improved project success through modern project management best practices.
Start your maturity journey by selecting an appropriate enterprise architecture maturity model and conducting your first assessment. For professionals seeking to lead architecture transformations, pursuing TOGAF Certification provides essential knowledge and recognised credentials for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should organisations assess EA maturity?
Conduct assessments annually for consistent tracking. Major organisational changes or transformation initiatives may require additional assessments to measure impact.
How long does it take to improve maturity levels?
Most organisations need 12-18 months to advance one maturity level. Early stages may progress faster, while higher levels require more time due to complexity.
Can small organisations use these models?
Yes, small organisations benefit from simplified versions of enterprise architecture maturity model frameworks. Start with basic assessments and expand as your practice grows.
What's the most common assessment mistake?
Trying to skip maturity levels without building foundations. Organisations must establish capabilities at each level before advancing to ensure sustainable progress.
