TOGAF
Vendor-neutral framework for enterprise architecture governance
ISO 30301
International standard for records management systems
Quick Verdict
TOGAF provides enterprise architecture methodology for aligning business and IT globally, while ISO 30301 establishes certifiable records management systems for evidence governance. Companies adopt TOGAF for transformation efficiency; ISO 30301 for compliance, auditability, and defensible records.
TOGAF
TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition
Key Features
- Iterative ADM lifecycle across architecture domains
- Content Metamodel ensures consistent traceable artifacts
- Enterprise Continuum enables reusable asset governance
- Reference models promote interoperability and standards
- Capability Framework builds organizational governance maturity
ISO 30301
ISO 30301:2019 Management systems for records Requirements
Key Features
- High-Level Structure for integrated management systems
- Normative Annex A operational records controls
- Explicit records requirements analysis Clause 4.1.2
- Top management leadership and commitment requirements
- Flexible conformity pathways self-declaration to certification
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
TOGAF Details
What It Is
TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition (The Open Group Architecture Framework) is a vendor-neutral enterprise architecture framework. It provides a proven methodology for designing, planning, implementing, and governing enterprise-wide change across business and IT. The core is the iterative Architecture Development Method (ADM), a cyclical lifecycle from preliminary preparation to change management.
Key Components
- **ADM phases10 phases (Preliminary, A-H, Requirements Management) for domain architectures (Business, Data, Application, Technology).
- **Content FrameworkDeliverables, artifacts (catalogs/matrices/diagrams), building blocks, supported by Content Metamodel.
- **Enterprise Continuum/RepositoryClassifies reusable assets.
- **Reference ModelsTRM, SIB, III-RM for standards and interoperability.
- **Capability FrameworkGovernance, skills, maturity models; practitioner certification available.
Why Organizations Use It
- Aligns strategy with execution, reduces duplication, accelerates delivery via reuse.
- Improves governance, risk management, ROI in complex environments.
- Enables Boundaryless Information Flow, avoids vendor lock-in.
- Strategic for large enterprises, regulated sectors; builds stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
- Tailored, phased ADM: preparation, vision, domains, migration, governance.
- Iterative pilots scaling to enterprise; tools/repositories essential.
- Suits large/mid-sized organizations globally; no mandatory audits, internal Architecture Board oversight.
ISO 30301 Details
What It Is
ISO 30301:2019 (Information and documentation — Management systems for records — Requirements) is a certifiable management system standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a Management System for Records (MSR). It ensures organizations create reliable evidence of business activities to support mandates, strategies, and goals. Applicable to any organization, it follows a risk-based PDCA approach via the High-Level Structure (HLS) in Clauses 4–10.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement
- **Annex A (normative)operational controls for records lifecycle (creation to disposition)
- Principles: authenticity, reliability, integrity, usability
- Conformity: self-declaration, external confirmation, or third-party certification
Why Organizations Use It
- Strengthens governance, compliance, and risk management (e.g., litigation, data loss)
- Boosts efficiency in retrieval, retention, and disposition
- Integrates with ISO 9001, 27001 for unified systems
- Enhances trust, transparency, and competitive differentiation
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, policy/roles, controls/systems, audits
- Activities: requirements analysis, risk planning, training, metrics
- Suits all sizes/industries globally; certification optional via audits
Key Differences
| Aspect | TOGAF | ISO 30301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Enterprise architecture design, ADM lifecycle, governance | Records management system, lifecycle controls, evidence governance |
| Industry | All industries, large enterprises, global applicability | All organizations, regulated sectors, global certification |
| Nature | Voluntary methodology/framework, no certification required | Certifiable management system standard, auditable requirements |
| Testing | Internal maturity assessments, no formal audits | Internal audits, management reviews, third-party certification |
| Penalties | No penalties, loss of framework benefits | No legal penalties, loss of certification status |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about TOGAF and ISO 30301
TOGAF FAQ
ISO 30301 FAQ
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