Mistaking IT Integration vs. Enterprise Integration: The Fundamental Problem with IT Architects
- Sunil Dutt Jha
- Mar 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 12
Enterprise integration is a strategic goal pursued by almost every organization today. But there's widespread confusion: too many organizations mistakenly equate enterprise integration with merely integrating IT systems, databases, or cloud platforms.
Clearly Defining the Problem: The Bank Example
Consider a large bank with approximately 40,000 employees. IT architects proudly claim they've "integrated" the enterprise simply because all employees can access the core banking software.
However, does this represent true enterprise-wide integration?
These 40,000 employees interact with the banking software, but the majority of their tasks still heavily rely on manual, physical, or human-driven activities.
Departments like customer relations, regulatory compliance, cash management, and document handling rely heavily on manual processes and judgment calls.
If IT alone genuinely delivered enterprise-wide integration, why do thousands of employees still spend millions of manual working hours each year?
Why This Misconception Exists: The TOGAF Lens
Architects certified in frameworks like IT centric-EA like TOGAF typically define integration narrowly, focusing purely on IT system integration. For them, "enterprise" simply means databases, systems, and infrastructure.
However, the reality is vastly different:
Enterprise integration includes far more than IT—it spans strategic decision-making, operational alignment, regulatory compliance, customer experience, financial management, and human factors.
By reducing enterprise integration to IT systems, TOGAF-certified architects overlook critical enterprise anatomy components.
Remember clearly: IT integration is just one aspect—not the entirety of enterprise integration.
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