The decision to use one UML construct vs. another is made by your experts when creating the framework. The framework then “coaches” modelers using the constructs you have built into the framework.
Using the framework ensures that model elements and connectors are drawn properly and receive the necessary tagged values. The framework relationships help ensure that the elements are properly related to each other. The designs created by different modelers are consistent, making the reports more effective. The framework makes modeling to your architectural standards the easiest way to go.
While your underlying metamodel applies to the entire framework, you can create areas that are specific to certain audiences. For example, you can create toolboxes and diagram types specific to business modeling and others for application design. This means that each stakeholder has the view appropriate for his or her role. In addition, you can create domain specific model frameworks for the different business areas of your organization, e.g. member, plan sponsor, and claims for an insurance company.
It is important to understand how modelers are using the framework and to report on its inconsistent use. With Model Guardian, you can run reports to show where modelers have “gone outside” the framework and then evaluate whether this behavior represents infractions to the architectural rules you have established or whether they represent needed extensions to the framework.
Change is inevitable and, therefore, framework evolution is one of the most important aspects of the success of a modeling program. Model Guardian allows you to make broad changes to the framework, adding new and renaming existing element types, connector types, tagged value definitions, relationships, toolboxes, and diagram types. It then automatically updates your models with the latest version of the framework. You have the same level of control when you receive updates for purchased frameworks, such as the (EA)2 Enterprise Architecture and Risk Management Framework. You can control which updates should be merged into your customized version of the those frameworks.
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