Lean Enterprise Architecture: The Application of Lean Principles in Enterprise Architecture Practices

Abstract

Enterprise Architecture (EA) plays a crucial role in aligning business strategies with IT infrastructure, but traditional EA practices often struggle to keep pace with rapidly changing business environments. This paper explores the application of lean principles to EA, proposing a Lean Enterprise Architecture approach. By systematically applying the core lean principles of value, value stream, flow, pull, and perfection to EA practices, organizations can potentially achieve more agile, efficient, and value-driven architecture. The research synthesizes existing literature on lean thinking and EA, presenting current progress, best practices, and challenges in implementing Lean EA. Key findings highlight Lean EAs potential to reduce waste, improve stakeholder alignment, and enhance adaptability in architectural processes. However, challenges such as organizational resistance and the need for new skill sets are also identified. The paper concludes by outlining future research directions, including the development of Lean EA metrics and the integration of Lean EA with other modern approaches like agile and DevOps. This research contributes to the evolving field of EA by providing a comprehensive overview of how lean principles can transform EA practices, offering both theoretical insights and practical implications for EA professionals and organizations seeking to enhance their architectural capabilities in an increasingly dynamic business landscape.