Introduction: Good Models Go Bad
Sparx Enterprise Architect (EA) is a powerful platform for enterprise and solution architecture. But like any tool, its power depends on how it's used. We've seen projects where EA repositories became assets — and others where they became liabilities.
This article presents common modeling anti-patterns in Sparx EA and how to avoid them — based on lessons from actual client engagements across sectors.
Anti-Pattern #1: Everything Is a Package
What It Looks Like:
- Capabilities modeled as packages
- Requirements as packages with notes
- All detail hidden in folders, not diagrams or elements
Why It's Bad:
- Hard to visualize relationships
- No metadata, traceability, or reuse
- Breaks reporting and dashboards
Solution:
Model concepts as
Elements
— use packages only to organize scope or ownership. Define stereotypes like «Capability», «Requirement», «Domain» with tagged values for metadata.
Anti-Pattern #2: Copy-Paste Modeling
What It Looks Like:
- Same server or application duplicated across diagrams
- Changes made in one view don’t propagate to others
Why It's Bad:
- Inconsistent models
- No reuse or analysis possible
Solution:
Reuse elements by dragging them from the Browser. If needed, use
Virtual Packages
to include shared components across projects.
Anti-Pattern #3: Notes-Only Models
What It Looks Like:
- Descriptions, classifications, decisions stored only in Notes
- No use of Tagged Values, Constraints, or Links
Why It's Bad:
- Unstructured text can’t be queried
- Hard to govern, audit, or automate
Solution:
Use
Tagged Values
for metadata,
Constraints
for limits, and
Relationships
for context. Use Notes for narrative, not structure.
Anti-Pattern #4: Monolithic Diagrams
What It Looks Like:
- One diagram with 300+ elements
- All applications, flows, and servers in one view
Why It's Bad:
- Hard to read or review
- No layering or stakeholder targeting
Solution: Create multiple focused views:
- Business Capability Map
- Application Integration View
- Technology Deployment View
Use packages or viewpoints to manage complexity.
Anti-Pattern #5: No Meta-Model
What It Looks Like:
- Elements used inconsistently (e.g., “Service” = Process or API?)
- Uncontrolled connector usage
- Inconsistent stereotypes and tags
Why It's Bad:
- Models become meaningless to others
- No shared language or standards
Solution:
Define a
meta-model
:
- What elements exist?
- How are they related?
- What metadata must they carry?
Use stereotypes, tagged values, and toolbox profiles.
Anti-Pattern #6: No Governance or Review
What It Looks Like:
- Anyone can model anything, anywhere
- No review, validation, or cleanup process
Why It's Bad:
- Model quality degrades over time
- Trust in architecture repository is lost
Solution: Define a modeling lifecycle:
- Roles and permissions
- Review workflows (e.g., in Prolaborate)
- Validation scripts or dashboards
Anti-Pattern #7: Static, Non-Living Models
What It Looks Like:
- Models created once, then forgotten
- No update during project lifecycle
Why It's Bad:
- Outdated models are worse than none
- Decisions based on stale data
Solution: Make EA part of delivery lifecycle. Connect to Jira, Azure DevOps, testing tools. Embed architecture diagrams in Confluence or Prolaborate. Use EA as a living source of truth.
Conclusion: From Chaos to Clarity
Anti-patterns happen when modeling is ad hoc and undocumented. By establishing clear standards, tools, and practices — and training your teams — Sparx EA becomes not just a modeling platform, but a strategic asset.
Model with purpose. Reuse with discipline. Govern with tools. That’s how you avoid the anti-patterns — and turn architecture into value.
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