Enterprise Architects are navigating rapid technological changes that require new skills and perspectives to deliver value. Here are 5 things you need to know about evolving EA skill needs. Live from the 2025 Next Generation SAP Enterprise Architecture Learning Forum
We Discuss:
- What does an architect need to know and develop skill-wise to navigate the coming transformation?
- What are the skills for the future that an architect needs to have?
- What do consultants need to do to take the journey of transformation, whether with AI, robotics, or other technologies?
- What are the most important skills for enterprise architects helping organizations with transformation now and in the future?
Key Highlights:
- Enterprise architects need to understand data quality, integrations, and data flow to effectively implement AI solutions, as poor data quality leads to irrelevant AI responses (00:02:46 – 00:04:39).
- Architects must be flexible, agile, continuous learners who understand both business and technology domains to navigate ongoing transformations in the industry (00:07:04 – 00:08:02).
- Consultants need to develop three key abilities: continuous learning across domains, wearing multiple “hats” to understand different contexts, and gaining deep understanding of specific business domains (00:10:21 – 00:13:17).
- Enterprise architects should operate across three levels: implementation/integration, business strategy/capability definition, and the “mystic” layer where they discern important future trends and opportunities (00:15:10 – 00:16:39).
- When implementing new technologies like AI, organizations should focus first on their core strategy and purpose, then determine how the technology fits to advance or optimize their goals rather than creating technology-specific strategies (00:19:16 – 00:19:40).
5 Takeaways:
- Enterprise architects must understand how data quality affects AI outcomes, as emphasized by examples of poor or outdated training data that leads to irrelevant AI responses in practical applications like customer service.
- The role of enterprise architects is rapidly evolving beyond technical specialization, requiring them to develop flexible mindsets and continuously learn about emerging technologies from cloud to AI to quantum computing.
- Effective consultants need to master the ability to “switch hats” and understand different perspectives, using question-based approaches to better comprehend client contexts before recommending solutions.
- Linda Finley describes a three-layered approach to enterprise architecture: implementation/integration at the base, business strategy/capability definition in the middle, and a “mystic” visionary layer that anticipates future opportunities and disruptions.
- Technology initiatives like AI should not be developed as standalone strategies but rather integrated into the organization’s existing direction and purpose to maximize business value and optimization.
Check out the Audio-Only version of this episode!
Episode 79: The One About Enterprise Architect Skills for the Future
