Matrix
June 1, 2023
At Prolaborate, we are constantly trying to introduce new capabilities to enhance our user experience and solve key pain points. Today, we're thrilled to reintroduce an exciting new feature: The Matrix in our upcoming Version of Prolaborate V4.5. Matrix is an intuitive utility in Prolaborate that offers an easily understandable interface to view relationships between entities.
Let's dive in and discover how Matrix enhances the way we analyze model information and understand complex inter-relationships in an architecture model.
The Fact
Many of our collaborators rely on diagrams to grasp the complex connections within their models. However, for larger models, this approach proves inefficient. Though some collaborators access the model via EA SaaS and view matrix it is not an option for everyone.
The modelers create matrices, but presenting this information to a wider audience was a challenge for them. This leaves collaborators to depend upon downloaded images or published documents, which defeats the purpose of collaborative modeling. Also, printing documents often resulted in redundancy or unfit layouts. However, with Prolaborate, users can now view the Matrix defined in EA with ease.
Re-Introducing Matrix in Prolaborate
The matrix becomes a valuable tool for depicting, predicting, and analyzing connections between different entities. Prolaborate provides small yet powerful functionalities within the Matrix, such as Legends and label types, allowing users to filter and present relationships in a readable format. This convenience empowers collaborators to comprehend the importance of each connection effortlessly. Hovering over connector icons reveals their properties and implications, providing even deeper insights.
By offering Matrix capability within Prolaborate, we bridge the gap of information asymmetry, allowing collaborators without access to Sparx EA to view and refer to the Matrix. Making the right decisions for your business and Sharing information with a wider audience has never been easier!
Image 1: Matrix depicts the connections between applications and processes
Image 2: Filter and Modify Label on Matrix View
Few use cases for Matrix
- It helps business users to find the gap between entities and address the gaps with mitigations or solutions.
- Identifying the gap between business processes, capabilities, functions, or organizational units. Matrix assists in understanding process dependencies, analyzing organizational structures, or identifying areas for process improvement.
- Identifying the gap between information flows, data elements, data sources, or data repositories. Matrix helps in understanding the relationships between information components, analyzing data dependencies, or identifying data integration points.
Image 3: List of EA Matrix Profiles
Allowing Collaborators to pick matrix profiles which are defined in EA simplifies accessibility. They can pick profiles which are relevant to them based on their use cases.
Matrix functionalities – What’s supported in the upcoming release- View Matrix Defined in EA: All the EA Matrices created in Sparx Enterprise Architect can be viewed in Prolaborate.
- With the use of legend, users can show/hide connectors from the view.
- Use Display Labels to display API Names by switching from Stereotype to Name.
- Users can download the matrix.
- Users can share a matrix with other users.
- Users with write permission can create connectors between artifacts using Matrix.