Representing Reference Models with ArchiMate: Concepts and Guidelines

In a previous blog by Marc Lankhorst, the value of reference architectures was highlighted; this article delves deeper into the “product” we are familiar with—reference models—using ArchiMate as the modeling language.

What Is a Reference Model?

A reference model is a standardized architecture that provides a framework for a specific domain, industry, or field, offering a clear, reusable view that can be tailored to an organization.

Examples of reference model types include Business Reference Model (BRM), Technical Reference Model (TRM), and Information Reference Model (IRM).

Many industry reference models are publicly available, but the real benefit comes from adapting them into organization‑specific models that facilitate discussion, reuse, and traceability across architectural domains.

How Do I Represent This with ArchiMate?

Reference models often exist as PowerPoint slides, Visio diagrams, or Excel sheets; they are useful for communication but need to be linked to other architectural areas using a standard such as ArchiMate.

A recurring question is which ArchiMate concept should represent a “block” in a particular reference model; resolving this typically requires days of discussion, yet consistency is essential once an agreement is reached.

Business Reference Model

A Business Reference Model describes the organization’s functions in a hierarchical view, breaking down high‑level areas into sub‑areas and further into detailed elements, often aligning with business functions.

Microsoft Industry Reference Architecture for Banking

Technical Reference Model

Similar to the business model, a Technical Reference Model describes the underlying infrastructure and services from a functional perspective, without delving into low‑level server or processor details.

The Cloud Ecosystem Reference Model

Information Reference Model

The Information Reference Model focuses on the passive structures—common information objects—available within an organization, often represented by Business Objects or Data Objects in ArchiMate.

The Information Framework (SID)

Conclusion

Using ArchiMate to model reference models requires agreeing on a standard set of concepts and applying them consistently, while also being able to present the models in a way that non‑technical stakeholders can understand.