Manage Architecture Objects¶
OpenEA uses schema-driven forms for all twelve standard object types.
Create an object¶
Users with the Architect or Architecture Administrator role can create objects.
- Open Explore.
- Select New.
- Choose an object type.
- Complete the common repository fields and type-specific properties.
- Save the record.
OpenEA validates the object against the metamodel before committing it.
Common fields¶
Typical fields include:
- Name and description
- Record status
- Governance status
- Lifecycle stage
- Criticality
- Owner Organization / Owner Role
- Source and confidence
- Validity dates
- Review frequency
- Aliases and tags
The object type determines which additional fields appear.
Edit an object¶
Architecture Administrators, Architects, and Contributors can edit existing objects.
A Contributor can maintain records but cannot create or archive them.
Archive an object¶
Architecture Administrators and Architects can archive repository objects.
Archival is soft: the object receives an archival timestamp rather than being destructively deleted. This preserves architecture history and audit context.
Detail tabs¶
An object detail page can expose areas such as:
- Overview
- Relationships
- Visualize
- Lifecycle
- History
- Comments
The exact content depends on object type and available data.
Good repository practice¶
For useful downstream analysis, prioritize:
- Correct object type
- Clear name and description
- Ownership
- Lifecycle and criticality
- Relevant business and technology relationships
- Review cadence
- Source and confidence
A perfectly complete object with no relationships often provides less architectural value than a moderately complete object that is connected to the enterprise context around it.