The Tools We Use

We use tools to help create project deliverables because tools allow us to work more quickly and to manage large amounts of information. We have worked with repository-based modeling tools since their introduction in the 1980s, and our deep experience with these tools means we can be more effective, more quickly on our clients' projects.

Repository-based modeling tools

Over the years, we've used many off-the shelf modeling tools. Our current choices include ER/Studio from Embarcadero Technologies for data modeling and database design, and System Architect from Telelogic (formerly Popkin) for enterprise architecture, business process modeling and analysis, data modeling, and system requirements. We also work with Enterprise Architect from SparxSystems for UML modeling.

Web-based collaboration tools and tracking tools.

Assessment of off-the-shelf tools resulted in an awareness that none existed to fulfill our needs. As a result, we built two tools to help share and track deliverables.

Requirements LINK ™ is a project-focused tool that allows you to post information on a web site for review, collaboration, management and tracking. For example, if the team has gathered application, data and security requirements in models and text, these are extracted by DEA's transfer program and turned into requirements that can be viewed and shared by team members no matter their location. The requirements are uniquely identified.

Enterprise LINK ™ is a web-based tool intended to support your enterprise architecture needs. It can be organized to support business information (strategy, business area missions, business processes and products), data information (meta data and tracking to physical implementation), and/or technology information (applications, platforms, and networks). It serves as a central knowledge asset management repository for your organization – whether that organization is the data architecture group, IT, or the business.

Methodology tools

We have developed a methodology to guide the way we do projects.

LINK Process ™ is a proven process for approaching business analysis, enterprise architecture analysis, and requirements analysis. We use this process as part of our engagements, but we can also provide LINKProcess™ for your internal use and tailor it to meet your needs. We can deliver the methodology in document form or as an interactive “coach” available on the web.