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Element Catalog & 360° Reverse-Lookup

The Elements Repository (ArchitectRepository) serves as EasyEA’s Enterprise Single Source of Truth. Unlike standalone drawing tools where duplicating a shape creates disconnected entities, EasyEA elements exist as unique database assets shared across all views and frameworks.


1. Multi-Dimensional Navigation & Filtering

Inside Architect Hub ➔ Elements Repository, explore corporate assets via combined dimensions:

  • ArchiMate Layer Filter:
    • Strategy: Resource, Capability, ValueStream, CourseOfAction.
    • Business: BusinessActor, BusinessRole, BusinessProcess, BusinessFunction, BusinessService, BusinessObject.
    • Application: ApplicationComponent, ApplicationInterface, ApplicationService, DataObject.
    • Technology: Node, Device, SystemSoftware, TechnologyService, CommunicationNetwork.
    • Physical: Equipment, Facility, DistributionNetwork.
    • Implementation & Migration: WorkPackage, Deliverable, Plateau, Gap.
    • Motivation: Stakeholder, Driver, Assessment, Goal, Outcome, Principle, Requirement, Constraint.
  • Package Origin: Isolate native elements from those loaded via industry packages (BIAN, IT4IT, RAMI 4.0).
  • Lifecycle Status: Filter by Plan, Active, Deprecated, or Retired.
  • Full-Text Search: Instant search matching names, codes, documentation, and custom metadata.

2. 360° Inspector Panel

Selecting any element opens the side drawer containing comprehensive dimensions:

  1. Identity & Core Documentation:
    • Name, ArchiMate Element Type, Layer, unique identifier, and markdown documentation.
  2. APM & Financial Dimensions:
    • Annual TCO (software license, hosting, support contracts).
    • Business Fit (1-5) and Technical Fit (1-5) ratings.
    • Criticality tier (Mission Critical, Business Critical, Administrative).
    • SLA targets, RTO, RPO, and Cost Center code.
  3. Package & Custom Attributes:
    • Domain-specific extensions (e.g., BIAN Service Domain ID, IT4IT Lifecycle Stage, RAMI Dimension).
  4. Upstream & Downstream Relationship Graph:
    • Navigable list of all connected elements with their formal relationship semantics.

3. 360° “Where-Used” Reverse-Lookup

EasyEA eliminates blind updates with its Where-Used Reverse-Lookup engine. The inspection panel immediately highlights every active reference:

graph LR
E[ArchiMate Element] --> SCH[Diagrams & Schemas]
E --> BV[Custom Business Views]
E --> FI[Framework Insights BIAN / IT4IT]
E --> ADR[Architectural Decision Records]
  • Diagrams & Schemas: Displays every visual diagram containing the element, offering a 1-click shortcut to center and highlight the element in the editor.
  • Custom Business Views: Flags if the element contributes to executive TIME matrices, capability heatmaps, KPI cards, or tables.
  • Framework Landscapes: Points to industry dashboard placements (e.g., Service Domains in BIAN or Digital Products in IT4IT).
  • Architecture Decision Records (ADRs): Connects the asset to formal governance decisions documenting its adoption, migration, or retirement.