High-Level Architecture Diagrams: Visualising Your Data Ecosystem

High-level architecture diagrams are vital for understanding the flow and connectivity of data within an organisation. They map out systems, processes, and data flows, providing a clear view of how information moves from source to destination. This overview is particularly important for identifying the “golden record” — the authoritative source of truth for critical data. And what is crucial here, is to ensure that everyone works to the same standards – so select the standard that makes the most practical sense – I’ll be outlining more below!

Why High-Level Architecture Diagrams Matter

• Clarity: They provide a visual representation of complex data systems, helping stakeholders understand relationships and dependencies.
• Collaboration: Diagrams serve as a common language for technical and non-technical teams.
• Scalability: They highlight bottlenecks and inefficiencies, paving the way for optimisation and growth.

Global Standards and Tools

• TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework): A global standard for enterprise architecture that helps organisations create and maintain architecture models.
• BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation): Used to map out data flows and processes.
• ArchiMate: A standard modelling language for enterprise architecture.

Sometimes, based on your country and your industry may have standards that you can rely on.

Best Practices for Architecture Diagrams

1. Clearly label each component and its role in the data lifecycle.
2. Identify key data assets, including their sources, transformations, and destinations.
3. Use consistent symbols and notations to avoid confusion.
4. Regularly review and update diagrams to reflect system changes.

My recommendation is to pick one standard and stick to it. My recommendation is BPMN. It’s open, easy to understand and it’s been around long enough that both technical and non-technical people can upskill in it quickly.

Tools for Creating Diagrams

Applications like Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, and open-source options like Draw.io make creating and sharing architecture diagrams simple and collaborative.

High-level architecture diagrams provide a foundation for better governance, allowing organisations to identify inefficiencies, mitigate risks, and plan strategically for future growth.

For more details on the blueprint behind implementing a good data governance program – click here!

If you’d like assistance or advice with your Data Governance implementation, please feel free to drop me an email here and I will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible!