Business-Reference-Model
The Business-Reference-Model (BRM) is a component of the Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEA) framework, which was developed by the United States federal government to improve the efficiency of IT investments across government agencies. Here's an in-depth look at the BRM:
Overview
The BRM provides a framework to categorize business functions into a common taxonomy. This model helps in:
- Standardizing business processes across agencies.
- Facilitating cross-agency collaboration and information sharing.
- Identifying opportunities for consolidation, reuse, and best practices.
- Enabling better alignment of IT systems with business needs.
History and Development
- Conception: The idea of a BRM was conceptualized with the introduction of the FEA in 2002 by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the E-Government Act of 2002.
- Initial Release: The first version of the BRM was released in 2003, aiming to provide a common language and structure for describing business activities.
- Evolution: Over the years, the BRM has undergone several updates to reflect changes in government operations, technology advancements, and business practices. Key updates include:
Structure of the BRM
The BRM is organized into several layers:
- Business Areas: These are high-level categories that represent the major functional areas of government operations.
- Lines of Business (LOB): Each business area is subdivided into Lines of Business, which describe specific business activities or services.
- Sub-Functions: Further breakdown of LOB into more detailed activities or processes.
Application
Agencies use the BRM to:
- Map their existing business functions to the model.
- Identify duplicative systems or processes.
- Plan for shared services or cross-agency initiatives.
- Align IT investments with strategic business objectives.
External Links
Related Topics