What’s Matrix Modelling

Matrix modeling is a very simple, yet powerful, technique for showing the interrelationship between various elements of an enterprise. The most common and well known matrix model is that which shows the interrelationship between Business Functions and data, called the CRUD Matrix.

C=Create : R=Read : U=Update : D=Delete

Matrix Models can be used to show the presence, or absence, of interrelationships between any two elements of an enterprise.  For example between Business Function and technology, between technology and location, between technology and data, etc, etc.

Matrix models can be used to answer questions such as “At what locations do we carry out the Business Function ‘Accept Customer Order’?” or “How many applications implement the Business Function ‘Sell Product to Customer’?”

More powerfully, they can be used to answer negative questions, for example, “how many Business Functions are not yet automated?” or “How may Business Functions are not implemented on the central accounts system?”

Good repository based modeling tools will easily produce matrix reports that will allow the enterprise to ask and answer such questions.

Matrices can also be used to represent business rules, for example, the rules for discounting orders based on value and deposit.

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