Avolution ABACUS Reviews

Name: Avolution ABACUS
Brand: Avolution
Rating: 4 (14 reviews)

4.0 out of 5

14 reviews
87% willing to recommend

553 followers

What is Avolution ABACUS?

ABACUS is the enterprise architecture tool designed to have the quickest time-to-value. You can use it to build and maintain rich visual models from existing company data. ABACUS comes with standard industry frameworks as well as advanced analytic tools and best-in-class roadmapping and reporting functionality.

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Avolution ABACUS is the #8 ranked solution in top Enterprise Architecture Management solutions. PeerSpot users give Avolution ABACUS an average rating of 8.0 out of 10. Avolution ABACUS is most commonly compared to Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect: Avolution ABACUS vs Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect. Avolution ABACUS is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 71% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 18% of all views.

Helped 814,763 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

BPMexp67

BPM Expert at a consultancy with 1-10 employees

The user interface needs improvement because it is not user-friendly. They need dashboards because I think that it is really important in the market at the moment. Dashboards seem to be the solid bridge between the business and IT departments, and I didn't see anything there. The people that are going to decide to buy the product are the top management, and they are not interested in seeing the everyday operational aspects. Rather, they want to see results, which is why you need dashboards. They have an open door for integration with the model, but that's all. Integration with third-party tools needs to be improved. We did some research on this, and they have open doors with certain tools, but at least in this assessment, it was not clear how to do it. They say that you can do it, but we could not figure out how. So, this is an odd part that I think they can make more clear. I asked whether they have APIs available, or whether we had to create them from scratch, but I didn't get an answer. There is a feature called the versioning of the models, and it is not easy. It is hard because it requires a lot of technical skill to work with a model, process, or another artifact. If they want to expand in the European market then they are going to have to improve their technical support.

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Andrew Wykurz

Enterprise Architect at Enterprise Architecture Perspectives

It's an out-of-the-box capable tool. For myself, I think that it works extremely well and it's very useful because, for the most part, I know what I am doing. For some of the functionality, it might be a little complicated for people getting started. The reporting could be easier to configure. In the next release, I would like to be able to float some more menus. When I am inputting information about an object into the database, getting that information entered can be done in multiple ways. This is good but sometimes you have to go to a different screen in order to input additional information.

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Andrew Wykurz

Enterprise Architect at Enterprise Architecture Perspectives

In the federal government where I do most of my work, they're stuck on a tool called QualiWare. I don't particularly have a high opinion of it due to its complex integration and complex configuration. It is not really easy to use out of the box, and it lacks the decision support capabilities. So, I use the Abacus tool as an example of what enterprise architecture tools should be doing, which is providing decision support capabilities. It is not being used that much, but it is definitely a tool that more people should be using. Abacus is a better tool. I have used a different solution previously, and it was called Provision by Metastorm. I stopped using Provision pretty much when Metastorm took over it because they stopped developing the real true EA capabilities of the tool. That's when I started searching for a different solution, and I came across Abacus. I have also played with MEGA HOPEX a few years ago.

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Avolution ABACUS mindshare

As of November 2024, the mindshare of Avolution ABACUS in the Enterprise Architecture Management category stands at 3.9%, down from 4.8% 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

Avolution ABACUS offers valuable features like customization of the meta-model and extensive use of catalogs. Its traceability and 3D modeling enhance connectivity awareness while the analysis engine aids impact assessments. The integration capabilities simplify data handling. Comprehensive dashboards and reports support decision-making. Predefined components and frameworks streamline project setups. Its role-based functionality, ease of modeling, and support for multiple frameworks make it user-friendly across various industries. The tool facilitates enterprise architecture using the Zachman ontology.

"You can design using a diagram tool installed on your desktop, a key difference from other vendors."
"The tool's implementation is straightforward as everything is readily available. For instance, setting up a portal is seamless, allowing easy publishing and access to data. However, integrating with other tools like BI, Power BI, or Grafana requires setting up pipelines between them."
"It is a very stable solution...The initial setup of Avolution ABACUS is very easy."

Room for Improvement

Avolution ABACUS requires improvements in its user interface and dashboards. There is a need for enhanced integration capabilities and more flexible model selection. Users find the platform resource-intensive with limited support for third-party tools and complex versioning, causing difficulties in usability. The tool needs expanded regional support and better data filtering options. Enhanced workflow features and support for up-to-date technologies are also desirable to improve functionality and streamline operations.

"The tool doesn't have any intelligence built in. We have to design the dashboards ourselves, which is a challenge because we have to depend on the vendor for customizations."
"Avolution ABACUS has the drawback of needing data filtering at the development level, unlike some tools that offer filtering at deployment. Two areas where Avolution ABACUS could be improved are regional support and flexibility in model selection. Sometimes, it's challenging to access support or updates in certain regions, which can slow down progress. Additionally, it would be beneficial if the tool allowed more flexibility in selecting multiple models within a single unit."
"The usability of the tool is an area with shortcomings that need improvement."

Pricing

Avolution ABACUS offers competitive pricing with an annual fee of around $2000, including maintenance, which is seen as reasonable compared to other enterprise architecture tools. Users appreciate its cost-effectiveness, especially for smaller user bases, and note that it is server-based with strong capabilities. The tool provides good value for its features, although it's pricier than some rivals. Subscriptions come with possible discounts for longer commitments, enhancing its appeal to enterprise buyers.

"It is expensive."
"The solution's pricing is not an issue."
"My company makes annual payments toward the licensing costs of the solution. Considering the product's capabilities, its prices are very reasonable."

Popular Use Cases

They use Avolution ABACUS for enterprise architecture, primarily with an on-premises model. Applications include handling architecture planning, accessing development code and databases, creating reports, and demonstrating EA tools. It supports different enterprise architectural approaches like Zachman. Users include banks and consultants who integrate solutions or make clients aware of EA tool capabilities, enabling business process management modeling, analysis of project interdependencies, capability overlaps, gaps, and standards.

Service and Support

Avolution ABACUS customer service is highly praised, but experiences with technical support vary. Many find their team responsive and helpful, while others, especially in Europe and the Middle East, encounter delays and insufficient assistance. Support offices in Australia and North America impact response times. Technical resources are generally extensive, yet some users feel the need for stronger local expertise and quicker support compared to competitors like LeanIX and Essential Cloud.

Deployment

Initial setup experiences with Avolution ABACUS vary. Some find it straightforward, especially for single users or smaller setups, noting robust enterprise options. Others mention complexity due to customization needs, requiring time and preparation. Installation can range from a few hours to weeks, often needing vendor support. Training and documentation are praised for their clarity. While some setups take a month, others complete in a day with comprehensive setup guides provided.

Scalability

Avolution ABACUS is considered scalable by many, though it does have limitations such as not running on Mac or Linux and requiring both client and server components. Some find it suitable for large-scale environments with complex architecture, while others see it as better for limited architects. Its scalability is praised for including different versions and enterprise options with features like business intelligence views and dashboards, adding versatility to its use.

Stability

The stability of Avolution ABACUS is generally perceived as strong, with many users reporting no issues. However, some have encountered technical problems, requiring restarts. Occasional slowness and crashes may occur when managing numerous records, but recovery is quick with vendor support. Users often express satisfaction with its performance, detailing a lack of crashes or glitches. The tool's performance is commended, particularly in environments with fewer users.

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

Download our Avolution ABACUS Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

18%

Government

15%

Computer Software Company

Educational Organization

Construction Company

Transportation Company

Insurance Company

Manufacturing Company

University

Energy/Utilities Company

Retailer

Healthcare Company

Media Company

Non Profit

Wholesaler/Distributor

Comms Service Provider

Logistics Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Hospitality Company

Legal Firm

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Outsourcing Company

Local Government

Consumer Goods Company

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Learn more about Avolution ABACUS

With Avolution ABACUS You Can:

Strategize and analyze your organizational architecture with ease using data-driven diagrams
Enjoy connected data, models, and metrics across your whole enterprise
Work directly and securely in your browser, which is ideal for global teams and remote working

Avolution ABACUS Features:

Modeling and roadmapping: ABACUS offers a fully provisioned modeling environment for enterprise and IT architecture, strategic planning, and digital business management.
Digital collaboration: Avolution ABACUS includes a feature that allows you to set up dashboards so you can tell data stories using business-friendly visualizations.
Portfolio management: Anyone can update their own data, which, in turn, reduces the workload of the enterprise architecture team.
Data-driven architecture: ABACUS’s data-driven architecture gives you the opportunity to design and automate key calculations using out-of-the-box or simple no-code algorithms.
Collaborative data management: Using this feature, you can save time with single sign-on (SSO) and AD Integrations; You can embed directly in MS Teams, Confluence, or other workplace social software.
Dynamic data visualizations: ABACUS’s graph view allows you to navigate through systems in a dynamic environment, as opposed to static diagram views.

Avolution ABACUS Benefits:

Time efficient: Models and roadmaps automatically stay up-to-date, saving your organization a lot of time so you can focus on other priorities instead.
Centralized location: With Avolution ABACUS, you can connect all data in one place, keeping everything both consistent and accurate.
Full flexibility: ABACUS gives you full flexibility to adapt and configure your own metamodels with ease.
Complete visibility: Your whole enterprise can have visibility of the architecture through the use of digital collaboration and visually clear dashboards.
Machine learning: With Avolution ABACUS, you can employ machine learning to speed data management and analysis.
Spot dependencies: ABACUS helps your organization spot dependencies and impacts that might trip up your projects.
Fully customizable: Avolution ABACUS is fully customizable; Select, configure, or adapt your repository and metamodel. You can also automate metrics and analytics specific to your business.

Reviews from Real Users:

Andre W., Enterprise Architect at Enterprise Architecture Perspectives, says, "The most valuable feature is that it has a customizable meta-model, which is key.”

The Lead Enterprise Domain Architects at a financial services firm feels that "The product is easy to use and well-structured for the integrations we need it to make.”

"There are plenty of features available, such as the ability to test applications for issues and a user-friendly dashboard,” says Suresh T., Enterprise Digital Solution Architect at a tech services company.