Orthogramic introduces a structured, schema-driven approach to business architecture that differs significantly from traditional BIZBOK practices. While BIZBOK encourages a craft-based, often selective documentation of capabilities and value streams, Orthogramic requires a more technical and comprehensive engagement across all business architecture domains. Business architects using Orthogramic must adapt by systematically expanding documentation coverage and curating a cohesive, organisation-wide perspective.
The https://guide.user.orthogramic.com/wiki/spaces/OM sets clear expectations for full domain coverage. Business architects are expected to create and collect documentation across the following domains, among others:
Strategy
Capability
Value Stream
Information
Product and Service
Stakeholder
Organisation
Initiative
Policy
Performance
Each domain requires not just high-level descriptions, but structured, schema-aligned data. For example, documenting a Capability is not limited to a name and a broad definition; it must also include relationships to value streams, stakeholders, supporting information, policies, performance indicators, and initiatives.
To meet these expectations, business architects should:
Audit existing documentation
Identify which domains are currently well-documented and where significant gaps exist. In many organisations, existing material will cover only a small subset, often focused on high-level strategy or operating models.
Prioritise initial coverage
Begin by filling critical gaps that support current strategic initiatives, regulatory obligations, or operational imperatives. This ensures early value while building momentum for wider coverage.
Create domain-specific document sets
For each domain, create dedicated documents or data entries aligned with Orthogramic's schemas. These can include detailed Capability maps, Policy catalogues, Initiative portfolios, Information asset registries, and Stakeholder mappings.
Use structured templates
Orthogramic provides structure through its schemas. Use the available templates and guidance to ensure each domain entity includes mandatory properties and relationships. Where necessary, retrofit existing artefacts into the schema requirements.
Establish curation routines
New documents should not be created once and forgotten. Regular review and curation are essential to maintain accuracy, relevance, and traceability as organisational strategies and structures evolve.
Unlike traditional approaches where documentation efforts can remain fragmented, Orthogramic requires that all domain perspectives converge into a single, synthesised organisational view.
Cross-link related domain entities
For example, ensure that every Capability is mapped to relevant Value Streams, Stakeholders, and supporting Information Assets.
Resolve inconsistencies and duplication
When multiple documents or entries describe similar concepts differently, work towards harmonisation and consolidation.
Maintain alignment with organisation structure
Link each domain entity to the appropriate organisational unit, ensuring visibility of where capabilities, stakeholders, information, and initiatives reside and operate.
Support traceability and analysis
Capture relationships, dependencies, and performance measures systematically, enabling analysis of strategic alignment, operational gaps, and risk exposure.
Promote a living architecture
Treat the documentation as a dynamic, evolving asset. Embed curation into governance and operational rhythms, ensuring ongoing relevance as business priorities and environments change.
Business architects using Orthogramic must think beyond traditional practice. Moving towards a schema-driven, full-domain approach elevates business architecture from a craft focused on selected artefacts to a technical discipline capable of providing a real-time, holistic, and actionable view of the enterprise. This transition will not only improve the quality of architectural insights but will also enhance the business' ability to plan, align, execute, and adapt strategically.