ArchiMate — IT definition
An open standard modeling language for enterprise architecture, maintained by The Open Group, complementary to TOGAF.
ArchiMate is an open standard modeling language dedicated to enterprise architecture, maintained by The Open Group (the same consortium behind TOGAF). It provides a unified graphical notation to describe, analyze, and visualize the different domains of an enterprise — from business to technology — and their interdependencies.
Where TOGAF describes "how to do it" (the ADM method), ArchiMate describes "what to draw" (visual vocabulary). The two complement each other: most serious enterprise architecture programs combine TOGAF for methodology and ArchiMate for deliverables.
The three ArchiMate layers
ArchiMate organizes modeling around three main layers:
- •Business Layer: processes, actors, business services, events. Describes "what the business does".
- •Application Layer: applications, application services, components, data. Describes "how IT supports the business".
- •Technology Layer: infrastructure, nodes, networks, platforms. Describes "where it runs".
Two extensions complete the picture:
- •Strategy Layer: strategic capabilities, resources, courses of action.
- •Physical Layer: physical equipment, materials, facilities (useful for industry).
- •Motivation Extension: goals, constraints, stakeholders, principles.
- •Implementation and Migration Extension: plateaus, work packages, milestones.
Element types
ArchiMate distinguishes three types of elements:
- •Active elements: what acts (actor, role, application component, node).
- •Behavior elements: what happens (process, function, service, event).
- •Passive elements: what is manipulated (business object, data, artifact).
Plus a grammar of relationships (composition, aggregation, flow, triggering, usage, realization, assignment, access) that links elements across layers.
ArchiMate vs UML vs BPMN
- •ArchiMate: enterprise architecture — wide, multi-layer view, strategic focus.
- •UML: software design — technical detail, classes, components.
- •BPMN: business process — activity sequence, executable.
These languages are complementary rather than competing. A mature architecture practice uses all three depending on the granularity needed.
Why ArchiMate matters to the CIO
- •Open standard: no vendor lock-in, unlike proprietary notations.
- •Shared readability: the same diagram is understandable by an architect, a CIO, a business stakeholder — provided they know the basic semantics.
- •Rich tooling: Archi (open source), Sparx EA, BiZZdesign, LeanIX, Ardoq, Mega HOPEX all support ArchiMate.
- •TOGAF compatibility: ADM deliverables can be produced directly in ArchiMate.
- •Certification: The Open Group offers an ArchiMate 3 certification, valued on the EA job market.
Certifications
- •ArchiMate 3 Foundation: entry level, MCQ exam.
- •ArchiMate 3 Practitioner: advanced level, case study.
Both are often combined with TOGAF Foundation/Certified for a complete enterprise architect profile.
ArchiMate and application mapping
ArchiMate provides the notation; mapping provides the substance. Without an up-to-date application inventory, an ArchiMate model drifts in months. Kabeen automatically feeds the application layer (and part of the technology layer) with live data, exploitable by ArchiMate modeling tools.
Frequently asked questions
What is ArchiMate?
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ArchiMate is an open standard modeling language dedicated to enterprise architecture, maintained by The Open Group (the same consortium behind TOGAF). It provides a unified graphical notation to describe an enterprise's business, application, and technology layers and their interdependencies. The current version is ArchiMate 3.2.
What is the difference between TOGAF and ArchiMate?
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TOGAF is a methodology (the ADM method describes how to develop enterprise architecture). ArchiMate is a language (a visual vocabulary that describes what to draw). The two complement each other: TOGAF says how to do it, ArchiMate provides the notation for the deliverables. Most serious architecture programs combine both.
Does ArchiMate replace UML or BPMN?
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No, the three are complementary. ArchiMate targets enterprise architecture (wide, multi-layer, strategic view). UML targets detailed software design (classes, components). BPMN targets business process modeling and execution. A mature architecture practice uses all three depending on the granularity required.
Which tools support ArchiMate?
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Archi (open source, the most used to get started), Sparx Enterprise Architect, BiZZdesign Horizzon, Mega HOPEX, LeanIX, Ardoq, Avolution ABACUS. All support ArchiMate 3 and allow standardized model export. The Open Group also offers two professional certifications: ArchiMate 3 Foundation and ArchiMate 3 Practitioner.
All terms
5R Method
A strategy used during application rationalization to determine the best approach for managing applications.
8R Method
An extended version of the 5R method used in application portfolio management and migration strategies.
Application
A computer program or set of programs designed to automate a business process or deliver value to end users.
Architecture
Refers to the structure and behavior of IT systems, processes, and infrastructure within an organization.
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