Data Architecture Inputs

In short

Data architecture inputs are the materials TOGAF’s Phase C gathers before designing the target data architecture. The facts here name the project scope document, reference materials, and data principles.

Explanation

Phase C of TOGAF covers data architecture. TOGAF is a framework for enterprise architecture (see the article TOGAF). Phase C has two stated aims. First, it develops a Target Data Architecture that supports the Business Architecture and the Architecture Vision. Second, it uses the gaps between the baseline (current) and target data architectures to identify candidate parts of the Architecture Roadmap.

Before this work starts, the phase needs inputs. The verified facts name three of them.

• Statement of Architecture Work. This approved document sets the scope of the architecture project. It also outlines the objectives and deliverables. It tells the data architects what they are expected to design.
• Architecture reference materials. These guide how the Data Architecture is developed.
• Data principles. These act as guiding principles for the Data Architecture. See the articles Data Architecture Principle and Architecture Principle.

Think of inputs as the starting kit. Scope, guidance and principles give the target data architecture something to anchor to.

Example

A company starts a project to unify customer records. The project’s scope document says which systems are in the effort. The team also has company rules about data, and some existing reference materials. With these three inputs in hand, the team begins to describe the target data architecture. It then compares that target with today’s data to find gaps.

Trade-offs

The facts available here cover only part of the input list. They do not describe the other inputs or how to weigh them. Check the TOGAF documentation for the full list before relying on this article.

Checks

• The architecture document references an approved Statement of Architecture Work that sets the scope of the data architecture effort.
• Data principles and architecture reference materials are identified as guidance for the Data Architecture.
• The target data architecture is stated to support the Business Architecture and the Architecture Vision.

Related

• TOGAF
• TOGAF Architecture Development Method
• Data Architecture
• Data Architecture Principle
• Architecture Principle
• Define Target Data Architecture Method Phase
• Business Architecture
• TOGAF Phase C: Application Architecture

Sources

• Phase C: Information Systems Architectures – Data Architecture | QualiWare Center of Excellence — coe.qualiware.com, accessed 2026-11-09
• Comprehensive Guide to Phase C: Information Systems Architectures in TOGAF ADM - Visual Paradigm — togaf.visual-paradigm.com, accessed 2026-11-09