Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect Reviews

Name: Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect
Brand: Sparx Systems
Rating: 4 (98 reviews)

Vendor: Sparx Systems

3.9 out of 5

98 reviews
87% willing to recommend

3,846 followers

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What is Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect?

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is an enterprise solution that helps streamline, accelerate, and integrate software, system, and business development. With this intuitive modeling and design solution, enterprises can stay in control of their workplaces, enable collaboration, support their teams and colleagues, and manage complex projects. Software architects, business analysts, project managers, developers, support staff, and testers can unite under a single repository. Through numerous view points and potential sub-systems, users are offered a unified view in a complex environment.

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Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is the #2 ranked solution in top Enterprise Architecture Management solutions and #5 ranked solution in Business Process Design tools. PeerSpot users give Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect an average rating of 7.8 out of 10. Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is most commonly compared to Camunda: Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect vs Camunda. Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 60% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a educational organization, accounting for 16% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect

October 2024

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Featured reviews

Anthony Houghton

Data Architect at UK Research and Innovatio

I didn't find any valuable features in Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect because you cannot use it for re-engineering. I wanted to re-engineer the database, and it was almost impossible. I couldn't find a way. One room for improvement in Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is that it's not very friendly. Another room for improvement in the tool is that it doesn't enable you to import the metadata from a database very easily, so reverse engineering of a database was very difficult. Its database modeling and entity-relationship modeling functions need improvement. An additional feature I'd like to see in the next release of Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is the re-engineering of databases into logical models, if that feature's not yet there, because I haven't checked.

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Piotr Olechno

IT Project Leader at Bank Millennium SA

In general, we now have a problem with Sparx Enterprise Architect because many analysts think it's too complicated to use in a giant environment. So, two years ago, it was used very, very often, and it was a basic tool in the organization. Now, there's a discussion. Is it worth using Enterprise Architect in the company? We need a better, lighter tool to create, for instance, user storage. So, our company is at a specific stage in our product development or software development, where there are some people who want to use it in connection with something like Papyrus, for instance. For engineering, it's not a good description because it's complicated and for analysts in a dry environment. In the agile environment, the analyst focuses on use cases or creating user stories for support. It's not user-friendly for them. It is not not user-friendly. But in general, it's complicated for very simple activities. For example, when we know and use Enterprise Architect well, and we can use all these features for such analysts, it's no problem to use it. But new analysts, modern analysts who work in a giant environment, don't want to learn how to use Enterprise Architect in the environment because they think it's too complicated and has too many functions. There should be ways to find what you need easily and use only the functions relevant to our project. For example, if we're just analyzing a small project, we don't necessarily need tracing or tons of diagrams. We've also had issues installing the Proof of Concept (POC) for Sparx Prolaborate. Many people found it overly complicated and needed improvement. Overall, user-friendliness is a major pain point for Sparx in my company. So, Sparx could look at similar products with a more user-friendly interface in the industry. There are people who use Enterprise Architect religiously, and there are others who prefer simpler tools like point UML for just drawing diagrams. It depends on the needs of the project. Another point for improvement would be enhancing the versioning of models. Although there's a way to establish timelines, it's not as powerful as it could be.

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andhdo

Software Architect at a transportation company with 10,001+ employees

Sparx can be a bit slow. If you are trying to design software architecture, sometimes we run into issues and need to refresh. HOPEX also occasionally needs to be refreshed as well, actually. The product has a unified view or a unified database with some limited functionality in the models. In the same database, it can create some problems. I don't know if the problem is that maybe there is a communication issue or we just have too many models in the company. When we're starting the scaling it started to become less capable. We've had trouble with access on the corporate usage level.

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Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect mindshare

Product category:

As of November 2024, the mindshare of Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect in the Enterprise Architecture Management category stands at 15.2%, down from 19.7% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Enterprise Architecture Management

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Nov 3, 2024

Valuable Features

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect users appreciate its support for UML, ArchiMate, and TOGAF, collaboration via a shared repository, extensive documentation generation, and integration with various frameworks and external documents. Its flexibility, traceability, and ability to handle multiple roles in software and business architecture at a low cost are highly valued. The tool's adaptability, versatility, and automated reporting features are also praised for enhancing productivity and ensuring efficient model-driven architecture practices.

"The platform is stable and reliable."
"The stability has been good and satisfactory. I would rate the stability a ten out of ten."
"The solution saved a lot of time, about 30%."

Room for Improvement

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect needs improvement in user interface intuitiveness and offering more comprehensive beginner guides. A browser-based or cloud version would enhance accessibility. Documentation and reporting features require refinement for easier use. Collaborative functions and portfolio management capabilities could be expanded. Performance issues arise with large models and remote repositories, making the integration and support for various operating systems and platforms more crucial. Furthermore, diagramming capabilities need user-friendly enhancements.

"The product could be improved in terms of its ease of use and documentation. While it offers a lot of functionality, it can be difficult to grasp how to utilize these features effectively."
"In general, we now have a problem with Sparx Enterprise Architect because many analysts think it's too complicated to use in a giant environment."
"The dashboard and connectivity could be improved."

ROI

Calculating Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect's ROI is challenging. Users find the tool pays for itself through time savings and productivity gains. Many report positive results within the first year. It enhances efficiency with reduced risk and improved decision-making. Users notice better quality and a significant increase in productivity, leading to cost recovery, especially in large projects. Although some have not measured specific returns, the tool is valued for its cost-effectiveness and impact on work quality.

Pricing

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect offers competitive pricing with options such as perpetual and floating licenses. Enterprise licenses are priced around $1,000 per seat, with flexible licensing options available for larger organizations. Many users find the cost affordable compared to other tools, especially considering its robust functionality. Setup and maintenance are straightforward, with initial setup typically taking about a day. The tool provides significant value, and savings on licensing can be allocated towards training and support.

"The pricing is reasonable."
"It's reasonably priced for large organizations."
"I rate the solution's pricing a five out of ten."

Popular Use Cases

Users employ Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect for diagram creation, data modeling, and enterprise architecture. They use it to develop architecture frameworks, design solutions, and implement systems in various sectors including federal agencies and international government environments. Users find its UML and BPMN capabilities valuable for standards development, system analysis, and project modeling, although beginners face challenges with usability. Sparx is integrated for documentation, reverse engineering, and business process optimization.

Service and Support

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect's customer service is efficient, with responses typically within 24 hours. Many users report minimal need for customer support due to the strong online resources and active user community. Technical support is generally satisfactory, well-informed, and responsive. Some users mention delayed email responses and limited regional expertise. Overall, many handle issues via online forums and documentation, highlighting the platform's reliability and robustness, though improvements in response times are desired by some.

Deployment

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect setup is often described as straightforward, requiring minimal effort for single users. Users find the installation easy, whether for local or server environments. Some report challenges with network setups or shared repositories, requiring additional configuration. While many find it intuitive, others mention complexities, especially for larger deployments or collaborative uses. Initial setup generally meets their ease expectations, although advanced configurations might demand more technical skills. The existence of useful tutorials aids the process.

Scalability

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect demonstrates strong scalability, easily supporting both small and substantial teams. Many users report no complications while expanding its use. However, some experience performance slowdowns with large model repositories or numerous simultaneous users. Scalability issues may arise with file-based setups, whereas database configurations tend to handle scaling efficiently. While some users haven't tested its full scalability, many acknowledge its potential for large projects, especially with integrations and enhancements.

Stability

Many users find Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect stable, noting no major issues over time. While some experienced occasional problems, often tied to external factors, most praised its reliability. Recent versions appear particularly robust with rare crashes. Stability sometimes depends on setup specifics, like license server connections, but remains generally reliable. Users appreciate its maturity and stability, acknowledging the need for proper management for optimal performance.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

16%

Government

11%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Computer Software Company

Manufacturing Company

Insurance Company

Retailer

Energy/Utilities Company

Transportation Company

University

Comms Service Provider

Healthcare Company

Media Company

Construction Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Wholesaler/Distributor

Non Profit

Outsourcing Company

Legal Firm

Logistics Company

Hospitality Company

Performing Arts

Pharma/Biotech Company

Consumer Goods Company

Mining And Metals Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Engineering Company

Compare Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect with alternative products

Learn more about Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect

With Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect, users are also offered a shared model option which can be accessed quickly and securely by in-office and remote team members through the Enterprise Architect’s Pro Cloud Server. Building a coherent, verifiable model can be done by connecting and integrating a variety of behavioral and structural information in visual form. As a result, Enterprise Architect offers high performance, flexibility, and the ability to model, manage, and trace every stage of the business development and modeling process.

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect Features

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect assists in creating a unified and accessible vision in business development by offering a flexible platform with a unique set of rich features. These features include:

Test and debug - Streamline software development and visualize software with the simulation process. Users can test and confirm correct behavior, set and oversee test points, and debug and examine software.

Track tasks - Track, prioritize, and assign individual and group tasks to assist in the model’s development. Users can visually monitor their progress through the Gantt chart.

Open standards - Users can visualize and analyze running software with integrated custom tools. They can also run advanced simulations, team-based repositories, testing tools, and version control. In addition, the solution supports enterprise architecture frameworks such as UPDM and TOGAF.

Simulation - Create and debug embedded solutions by simulating behaviors and state models. Users can specify events, triggers, constraints, and more. Users can also specify extensive and complex structural systems and create custom domain-specific solutions.

Reviews from Real Users

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect merges high-end tools, online availability, a dedication to open standards, and accessible pricing so enterprises can stay in control of their workplaces, whether remote or in-office. Users particularly like the architectural frameworks and the scalability.

Marc L., a principal architecture enterprise solution adviser at Cronomagic Canada, notes, "The product offers very good support for all mainstream modeling notations and architectural frameworks."

An enterprise architect at a manufacturing company writes, "Scalable solution for modeling, project sharing, and collaboration. Support for it is good."