Concept Definition
Let us define Concept
What does Concept mean in the field of enterprise architecture? Why do enterprise architects work with Business Concepts and IT Concepts rather than elements or components?
Enterprise Architecture is a field of science concerned with the design and realization of total concepts. Concepts are the most important parts of the architecture.
Misunderstandings Concepts
Architecture is not about components, but it is about Concepts.
Patterns are often mistaken for Concepts. Patterns are a type of concept and not the other way around.
Concept Examples
A concept is an approach, a way of working, an abstraction of an implementation, or an idea.
Examples of Concepts are:
- A business concept like: intermediary insurance, cross-selling, and up-selling
- An information concept like: 360 client view, loosely coupled interfacing, and single source of truth
- A technology concept like: virtualization and robotics
Symbol for Concept
In the architecture, a concept is displayed as a crumbly oval:
Concept Mapping
Concept mapping is a visual representation technique that organizes and connects ideas, helping individuals understand complex concepts and their relationships.
By conceptualizing a solution, one takes away a bit of context and vendor-specific (locking) details and makes the solution concept applicable to a wider range of problems.
With Concepts, one can even project a solution concept from one domain or industry into the other.
Often, Concepts of nature are a model for solutions in fields of science such as IT, pharma/medicine, and consumer goods.
Related Terms
If you have comments or remarks about this Concept definition or other terms, please email specs@dragon1.com