Introduction to Tools & Techniques for BABOK® Guide v3

A Business Analyst can use Enterprise Architect as a Work flow tool and a business process modeling tool. Enterprise Architect can also be used to model business rules, manage project resources and provide a collaborative modeling environment to discuss and improve your work flows. Tools and Techniques for BABOK Guide v3 helps to map Business Analysis tasks to example Enterprise Architect models, making it easier to start modeling work flows that adhere to IIBA best practice guidelines.

Yes.

Tools and Techniques for BABOK Guide v3 is available for free from the link below:

http://babok.sparxpublic.com With the access code: babok.model

The MDG Technology for BABOK Guide v3 is available from the Sparx Systems website listed below. This technology can be used in conjunction with Enterprise Architect to rapidly build models based on sample models and project structures.

http://www.sparxsystems.com/products/mdg/babok/index.html#mdg-technology

Enterprise Architect provides a comprehensive range of features that can assist a BA practitioner perform their daily tasks, covering everything from business analysis planning, requirements management through to solution evaluation. The Compare Editions page is a great place to start, as it helps to break down each edition of Enterprise Architect - outlining which features are available in each edition.

You can even download the comparison table as a PDF document to conduct a detailed analysis offline: http://www.sparxsystems.com/products/ea/compare-editions.html

A comprehensive landing page has been developed to provide information about Tools and Techniques for BABOK Guide v3. To view tutorials, demos and webinars on Enterprise Architect see: http://www.sparxsystems.com/resources/index.html

There are also whitepapers and case studies available on: http://community.sparxsystems.com/

Sparx Systems also has a comprehensive partner network all around the world that can provide training and consulting services, including some who are also IIBA EEP Trainers.

There are a number of ways that you can import Excel documents into Enterprise Architect- simplest is to export these from excel as CSV format file and import these as CSV files - see: http://sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/13.0/model_publishing/csvimportexport.html

For a more comprehensive import processes, see the MDG for Microsoft Office add-in: http://sparxsystems.com/products/mdg/int/office/index.html

The Specification Manager also presents requirements in a format that is familiar and easy to use for Office and Excel users. This can allow you to use an approach that you are familiar with, while never having to leave the Enterprise Architect modelling environment.

Yes.

You can export to RTF, PDF and DocX. Enterprise Architect also supports the generation of web based reports, If you want to customize the look and feel of a web report for your company or client, you can use the HTML And CSS Style Editor to change the HTML associated with the various sections of the report. Enterprise Architect Models can be published as Articles (HTML page) in a local Joomla! installation, using the 'Publish as Joomla! Article' dialog.

Compatible with Microsoft® Word® or OpenOffice, Enterprise Architect's RTF document generator is capable of creating entire specification documents directly from the model. Documents are generated from customizable templates, helping you to create reports and project deliverables that suit your corporate standards. You can selectively include or exclude specific information items to create tailored reports for a wide range of stakeholders. To reach a wider audience, reports can also be generated in PDF format.

For more information on reporting, please view the following webinars that focus on report and document generation:
http://www.sparxsystems.com/resources/webinar/documentation/generate-documentation-basics-enterprise-architect.html
http://www.sparxsystems.com/resources/webinar/documentation/generate-enhanced-documentation.html

Yes.

Enterprise Architect does support Roadmapping. For more information, read the Help Topic on creating a Roadmap Diagram:
http://sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/13.0/model_domains/roadmap_diagram.html

You may also like to view a brief video demonstration on how to build a Roadmap in Enterprise Architect:
http://www.sparxsystems.com/resources/webinar/release/ea121/tips/tips-and-tricks-for-using-enterprise-architect-121.html

Team based model sharing is the foundation of the workflow of Enterprise Architect. If you want to pre-define models as a stencil these can be set using a Model Pattern. These Patterns can be set to be available in a Model Wizard as starter for creating a new diagram. For details on how to use model patterns, see the Help Topics listed below: http://sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/13.0/guidebooks/tools_ea_patterns.html, and also
http://sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/13.0/modeling_tools/model_wizard.html

Enterprise Architect is based on having a shared model repository.

Yes.

Enterprise Architect does support MS SQL. It is just one of 10 DBMS that can used for housing a model Repository. This Repository can be accessed via ODBC connections or HTTP as Cloud service, or you can publish the model as a HTML report or via a Joomla! CMS.

A list of supported DBMS's is available on the Sparx Systems website: http://sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/13.0/model_domains/supported_databases.html

Yes.

BA's familiar with using text can use the Specification Manager to document tasks. The Specification Manager is a simple document-based interface to a selected Package in the model, providing the means of creating and reviewing elements as text representations of objects in the model, using a process that is familiar to all users including business professionals and management, who might not have expertise in model development.

Enterprise Architect can document tasks and model a business process flow. The Tools and techniques for BABOK Guide v3 provides a number of sample models including BPMN diagrams, business rules, decision models and Data flow Diagrams. There are a number of Business Process Modeling languages supported by Enterprise Architect and you can learn more about them via the Enterprise Architect User Guide links below: http://sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/13.0/model_domains/analysis_and_business_modeling.html

To learn more about business process modeling: http://sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/13.0/model_domains/bpmn_1_4.html

Enterprise Architect is methodology agnostic, but the software does provide many features to support Agile and Lean techniques, which includes but is not limited to User Stories, Gantt Charts, Kanban diagrams and display the schedule for sprints. The Product Owner, Scrum Master and Team Member roles can all be supported and the tool provides a cohesive platform for collaboration and requirements management. Enterprise Architect 13 also supports Burn Down Charts and the creation of dashboards that can be used in an Agile methodology.

To learn more about Dashboards, please review the following webinar: http://www.sparxsystems.com/resources/webinar/dashboards/charts-aid-decision-making.html

See the Enterprise Architect user guide to learn more about the agile requirement process: http://sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/13.0/model_domains/agile_requirements_processes.html, and
http://sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/13.0/guidebooks/tools_ba_user_story.html

Yes.

Enterprise Architect does support ArchiMate 3. Sparx Systems has currently registered for certification and ArchiMate 3 certification is pending. Please refer to the Enterprise Architect User Guide to learn more about support for ArchiMate 3: http://sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/13.0/model_domains/archimate.html

To learn more about "Using ArchiMate in Enterprise Architect", please review the following webinar:
http://www.sparxsystems.com/resources/webinar/partners/archimate/archimate-introduction-hippo.html

Yes.

For more information on running Enterprise Architect on MacOS, please take a look at the FAQ on the Sparx Systems website: http://www.sparxsystems.com/support/faq/enterprise-architect-WINE.html

Yes, Enterprise Architect does support UML 2.5.

Licensing for Enterprise Architect does not expire.

You can purchase either fixed user Licenses or use Floating Licensing. There are no limits on storage. The price of Enterprise Architect is listed on the Sparx Systems website: http://www.sparxsystems.com/products/ea/purchase.htmlEnterprise Architect is sold as a licensed product according to the terms and conditions of the EULA. Purchasing a license makes you a registered user for 12 months, which entitles you to:

• Download and activate the current, full version of Enterprise Architect.
• Access free updates and new builds for a period of 12 months.
• Access Sparx Systems' email support services for 12 months. Access the registered users area and any associated resources for 12 months.

Important: At the end of the initial free maintenance period, you can continue to use the latest build of Enterprise Architect that you have downloaded -OR- renew your maintenance agreement (see below) for a further 12 months of access to new builds, upgrades and support.

The access code for the public website is: babok.model

The Beta Version will continue to remain available for free online and will most likely evolve and expand over time to incorporate feedback from the Business Analysis community.

Kupe Kupersmith, President, B2T Training, possesses over 20 years of experience in software systems development. He has served as the lead Business Analyst and Project Manager on projects in the Energy, television and sports management and marketing industries. Additionally, he serves as a mentor for business analysis professionals.

Kupe is the co-author of Business Analysis for Dummies and is an industry requested keynote speaker. Being a trained improvisational comedian, Kupe is sure to make you laugh while you're learning. For a feel for Kupe's view on business analysis topics check out his blog on BA Times. Kupe is a connector and has a goal in life to meet everyone!