The matrix (see Fig.1), first of all, is a specification of the Generic Architecture of an Entity, such as the enterprise. Each area in the matrix has
- collating these specifications one can produce the terms of reference for the entity, the life-cycle of which is under consideration.
- such that the language is suitable for expressing descriptions/models that belong to the subject matter.
The various modelling views (as derived from CIM-OSA and GIM) and the corresponding classes of models may have to be expanded with additional ones, such as cost, economy, or time. However, these views should be (as they are appropriately called) only projections of an underlying model. In other words, adding for example a view of temporal behaviour can only be done by incorporating time in the underlying model and then expressing the temporal aspect through a view mechanism.
A "Candidate Architecture" is an alternative presentation of a generic architecture. Such candidates are the PERA two tiered diagram, the CIM-OSA cube or GIM.
Candidate Architectures can be mapped onto the matrix by graphically presenting them as a collection of ellipsoids drawn on the matrix diagram. Each ellipsoid corresponds to a description category of the candidate architecture and an ellipsoid normally covers more then one Subject Matter of the matrix. If not all Subject Matters are covered by ellipsoids representing a Candidate Architecture then that candidate architecture is not yet complete.
Given a matrix for the life-cycle of an entity it is then possible to define a Methodology. A methodology is a set of procedures and methods which enable the user to produce the descriptions of a set of areas (Subject Matters). The graphical representation on the matrix of a methodology's coverage is by shading the ellipsoids that correspond to the components of the Candidate Architecture.
If not all ellipsoids are shaded for a methodology that means that the methodology is not yet complete relative to its own architecture definition.
For some areas of the matrix there can be Generic Models available. Notably, for the most generic (left hand) column, these "models" are ontological theories that describe the meaning of common concepts of the subject matter.
If such model is available, then the graphical representation on the matrix of this fact is a filled triangle in the corresponding area.