SharePoint 
Confluence 
Case Studies 
prolaborate@sparxsystems.com
Webinar Playlist
-
Transforming Architecture Engagement at the UK Ministry of Defence -
Prolaborate Series - Collaborative Enterprise Architecture in Finance Sector -
Case Study: Enterprise Architecture Adoption from Zero to One in Government of Jersey -
Prolaborate Series – Leverage Enterprise Architecture for Energy Sector Trends -
Enterprise Architecture for Defense and NATO-Aligned Industries -
Enterprise Architecture for Government Agencies: Modernizing Public Sector Operations -
Enterprise Architecture for Telecom: Enabling Innovation, Scalability, and Future-Ready Networks -
Architecture Governance using Sparx Systems Architecture Platform -
Transforming Banking with BIAN® for Future-Ready Architecture -
Jama® Requirements Integration with Enterprise Architect
Transforming Architecture Engagement at the UK Ministry of Defence
- Posted Feburary 19, 2025
In an era shaped by rapid technological advancements and shifting geopolitical landscapes, effective information management is key to ensuring organizational success. This session explores how experts at the UK Ministry of Defence revolutionized architecture implementation and engagement.
Watch the recorded session to learn how Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect and Prolaborate foster collaboration between information architects and key stakeholders, enhancing accessibility, usability, and decision-making. Discover how a robust architecture platform can transform operations, streamline collaboration, and drive project success.
Speakers
- Agustin Martin-Mena – Information Architect, UK Ministry of Defence (British Army); oversees the Sparx Systems Architecture Platform and leads the architecture board.
- Harry Kelly – Information Architect, UK Ministry of Defence.
- Rowan Parker Jervis – Enterprise Architecture Consultant.
The UK Ministry of Defence is spearheading a transformation in architecture engagement as part of its Capability and Collective Training Transformation Program – a multi-billion-pound initiative reshaping how soldiers receive training. A core challenge in enterprise architecture has long been bridging the gap between architects and stakeholders, ensuring that decision-makers grasp the value of architecture and modeling.
Traditionally, enterprise architects have faced the recurrent burden of justifying their role, explaining why architecture is essential for understanding enterprise systems, programs, and projects. Many stakeholders struggle to interpret models built with ArchiMate, UML, or BPMN, making it difficult to derive meaningful insights from architectural frameworks.
To overcome these challenges, the UK Ministry of Defence has redefined architecture engagement, shifting the paradigm from architects being sole gatekeepers of information to enabling direct stakeholder access. Models are now treated as interactive digital libraries, where users can independently explore and interrogate architectures, rather than relying on architects for interpretation.
This transformation is underpinned by adherence to industry standards, including TOGAF and the NATO Architecture Framework (NAF), ensuring that architectures remain interoperable across Defense sectors. The initiative also prioritizes alignment with partners and allies across NATO, recognizing the importance of cross-border collaboration.
By expanding Architecture accessibility beyond Army, Air, and Maritime domains, the Ministry enables seamless engagement across joint operations, industry contractors, and international partners. This shift not only enhances collaboration but also positions Architecture as a strategic enabler, driving efficiency and informed decision-making at every level.
The UK Ministry of Defence’s innovative approach sets a new benchmark for Architecture engagement, proving that when stakeholders can directly interact with architectural models, the value of enterprise Architecture becomes undeniable.
Questions and Expert Responses
Collaborating with UK MOD: Enhancing the Defense Architecture Framework
Yes, there are plans to make the MDG available. The team needs to obtain the appropriate sign-off before releasing it. Once approved, it is expected to be available via the government website in the near future. This includes a copy of the UAFML and the ArchiMate, TOGAF, along with supporting materials on applying the standards and using the methodology. Most of this content is intended to be open source.
Yes, collaboration with others is welcomed to further develop and refine the MDG. With only two people working on it, mistakes or overlooked areas are possible, so broader input would be valuable.
Interested professionals with appropriate security clearances can visit MOD headquarters. MOD is keen to engage with industry partners to encourage the adoption of EA models for better system proposals.
Get in touch with the MOD EA team by submitting the form.
Framework Related Queries
The biggest challenge was aligning on the meta models and ensuring agreement across a large organization with over 100,000 employees. Developing the MDG was easier compared to reviewing it and securing approvals. Another challenge was the limited Stack Overflow support for ShapeScript, making it a trial-and-error process.
No, there are currently no AI tools available to assist in writing ShapeScripts. The scripts are written from scratch, and there is very little external reference material.
PowerPoint is commonly used to create graphics. Additionally, VBS4, a powerful simulation tool, is leveraged for generating graphics, particularly in the context of military modeling and simulation.
Best practices
Instead of using complex technical language, the team used familiar images from PowerPoint slides, making the MDG more accessible. Dropdown menus were implemented to streamline selections rather than overwhelming users with too many options. This approach made it easier for stakeholders to understand and adopt the framework.
Compliance is ensured through JavaScript functionality in Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect. Java Scripts are used to automatically check conformance, validate relationships between elements, and enforce the metamodel constraints. Additionally, repository checks are run to verify mandatory metadata completion. Automation helps streamline tasks that were previously manual, ensuring full traceability in requirements verification.
The key to addressing this challenge is having a well-defined methodology. Standards have been established, including process diagrams for developing NATO Architecture Framework models and ensuring they are not just single diagrams per viewpoint but follow a structured development process. Enterprises typically develop a common Architecture Roadmap, with methodology guidance available for frameworks like UAF and TOGAF. The methodology diagrams illustrate the step-by-step flow of developing Architecture models, making it easier to ensure compliance and usability across teams.
The approach involves treating the model as a backend database that holds all the complexity while allowing components to be reused in different ways for stakeholder communication. Diagrams are created to present different perspectives, and stakeholders can explore deeper levels of detail when needed. Typically, catalog pages are generated, which can be expanded for technical architects who require deeper traceability. Tools like Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect and Prolaborate help facilitate this process by offering visual representations of complex structures while maintaining technical accuracy.
- Version Control: Utilized to maintain multiple repositories for different model versions to show transition states.
- Metadata Tags: Indicate status changes (e.g., from “proposed” to “implemented”).
- Kanban Boards: Used to track elements that need changes.
Requirements are linked to services, applications, and processes within the EA model. Traceability is ensured through metadata, verifying whether requirements are met. The requirements sit just below capabilities in the model, influencing all other elements to ensure compliance.
The same MDG is used in both Sparx EA and Prolaborate. It is designed for EA and seamlessly supported in Prolaborate as is.
The MOD team has developed a de-sensitized model that can be shared as a case study. Key elements of this implementation include:
- A well-structured metamodel based on use cases.
- MDG profiles to enhance modeling efficiency.
- Supporting views, such as reports and dashboards, to improve usability and analysis.
Additional details can be shared upon request. You are encouraged to submit your queries to our experts for further guidance.
General Queries
The development of the MDG was primarily done by one person, over the past year. If started from scratch now, it could be completed in about a month or even a few weeks. The challenging part was achieving consensus on meta models. Gus played a crucial role in reviewing and ensuring alignment with standards.
The organization uses Sparx Systems EA and Prolaborate On-Premises due to security and architectural restrictions, meaning the Cloud version is not an option.
- Trust is the biggest challenge—if stakeholders find incorrect metadata, they lose confidence and stop updating the model, creating a cycle of failure.
- Stakeholder engagement is essential to ensure soldiers and team members actively maintain the model.
- Scripts and AI are being used to automate updates, including metadata tagging and model generation.
AI is being leveraged in multiple ways:
- Autogenerating models that can be imported into Sparx EA.
- Assisting with metadata tagging to improve accuracy and consistency.
- Reusability: Unlike PowerPoint and Word, models built in Sparx Systems EA can be modified and reused across multiple exercises.
- Multi-Channel Publishing: Models can be exported to Word, PowerPoint, and other formats while maintaining relationships and metadata integrity.
- Improved Collaboration: By engaging more team members in using Sparx Systems EA, organizations can leverage Prolaborate’s analytical insights.
Yes, integration is achieved by exchanging XML files between teams, ensuring that defense Architecture can be reused and correctly integrated across different systems within the UK defense sector.
AI is being used On-Premises within the Ministry of Defense (MOD) to generate models. The DNS team within MOD is responsible for this, and further details can be provided by engaging with them directly.
A single tool across the organization can be challenging. However, federating information through Prolaborate, along with integrations such as Confluence, SharePoint, ServiceNow, and Jira, is a common approach to ensure seamless collaboration and data consistency.
© Copyright 2025 | All Rights Reserved