Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect Reviews

Name: Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect
Brand: Sparx Systems
Rating: 3.9 (99 reviews)

Vendor: Sparx Systems

3.9 out of 5

99 reviews
87% willing to recommend

3,847 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. Based on the analysis of the 99 most recent Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 6.9. Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is most commonly compared to LeanIX: Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect vs LeanIX. 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

November 2024

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Featured reviews

Milan Sterba

Senior Enterprise Architect at Deepview S.r.o.

Whenever I begin a new project with Sparx, I have to spend time training people on how to use it since it is not straightforward. Although it's a powerful product with plenty of features, it's not easy for even experienced users to find their way without guidance. This is not the most user-friendly solution.

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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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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 19, 2024

Valuable Features

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect's most valuable features include robust UML and BPMN diagram support, comprehensive modeling languages, and seamless collaboration through a centralized RDBMS repository. Users appreciate its document generation, traceability, and ability to support various architectural frameworks. The tool's flexibility, extensive integration capabilities, and intuitive interface cater to diverse modeling needs across business and technical domains. It offers cost-effective pricing, making it accessible for enterprise-level projects.

"The solution allows us to quickly present designs and concepts to customers and get their feedback, thereby moving the project forward step by step."
"The solution allows us to quickly present designs and concepts to customers and get their feedback, thereby moving the project forward step by step."
"The platform is stable and reliable."

Room for Improvement

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect could improve in user interface intuitiveness and ease of use, with better support for collaboration, reporting, and cloud integration. There's a steep learning curve for new users. Visualization capabilities, mobile adaptability, and data modeling features are limited. The software's complexity makes it challenging for less technical users, and its documentation and support for team workflows could be enhanced. Compatibility with other tools and platforms would benefit its adoption.

"Whenever I begin a new project with Sparx, I have to spend time training people on how to use it since it is not straightforward."
"Whenever I begin a new project with Sparx, I have to spend time training people on how to use it since it is not straightforward."
"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."

ROI

Users of Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect often find it difficult to quantify the ROI, yet many agree it recoups its cost through time savings and improved productivity. They report indirect benefits like quality enhancements and better decision-making. Costs are quickly recovered, even in small engineering firms, with positive ROI noted after a single project or the first year. With increased efficiency in modeling and architecture processes, Sparx Systems facilitates significant productivity gains.

Pricing

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is considered affordable with flexible licensing options such as perpetual and floating licenses. Users highlight its excellent cost-to-value ratio, with an EA Ultimate Edition seat priced under $1,000. Additional daily costs for shared MS SQL Server repositories are minimal. Initial setup is quick, often requiring around half an hour, and maintenance efforts are negligible. The tool's pricing is deemed economical compared to competitors, supporting both small and large-scale deployment.

"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 primarily engage Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect for enterprise architecture, UML modeling, and generating architecture artifacts. It supports designing solution architecture, business modeling, and project documentation. Users create comprehensive models integrating various notations such as ArchiMate, BPMN, and UML. Teams utilize it for data modeling, business process modeling, and developing standardized IT architectures for organizations. Despite its wide application, users find a steep learning curve, especially for inexperienced individuals, necessitating improvements in usability and entry-level training.

Service and Support

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect customer service is frequently praised for quick responses, often within 24 hours. Emails are the primary method of contact, with a strong user community and resources available for additional support. Many users rely on forums, online help, and external resources instead of direct contact. Technical support is generally well-regarded, but some report limited availability or responsiveness, especially in different regions. Many users note they rarely need direct support.

Deployment

Many users found Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect's initial setup straightforward and easy, especially for single installations. However, setting up a repository or collaborative environments may pose challenges. Some faced difficulties with network setups and cloud server configurations, while others noted the need for technical skills. Helpful resources include tutorials and support, which aid in overcoming potential complexities for larger deployments or advanced configurations.

Scalability

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect demonstrates strong scalability, handling small to moderately large teams effectively. It manages complex models well but may require robust infrastructure for extensive use. While performance is good, scaling challenges arise with larger user bases and projects. Some manage hundreds of users without problems, yet others experience slowdowns during simultaneous access. Organizations appreciate its capability to support growth, though certain setups report integration challenges. Scalability ratings vary but lean positively for general use.

Stability

Users find Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect to be very stable and mature. Many experience no issues, with only minor concerns related to database connections or specific configurations like NFS or license servers. Some note that stability varies by version, while others mention occasional synchronization errors. Despite these, the platform is widely appreciated for its reliability, though some suggest improvements in handling complex projects or certain technical aspects. Regular updates appear to address past challenges effectively.

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

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Review data by company size

By reviewers

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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

University

Transportation Company

Comms Service Provider

Healthcare Company

Media Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Construction Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Non Profit

Wholesaler/Distributor

Outsourcing Company

Legal Firm

Hospitality Company

Logistics Company

Performing Arts

Pharma/Biotech Company

Consumer Goods Company

Mining And Metals Company

Recreational Facilities/Services 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."