Architectural Decoupling of Enterprise Planning Platforms: A Framework for Multi-Entity Organizations

Abstract

Enterprise architecture in multi-entity organizations has a permanent structural problem: embedded planning capabilities in transactional systems prevent scaling and flexibility across the organization. Another architectural approach separates global planning as a distinct enterprise capability from transactional execution platforms, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. A layered architecture allows for cross-entity uniform logic. Transactional platforms develop separately to meet local, regulatory, or organizational needs, and the architectural split helps firms cope with continuous structural and regulatory change. The well-designed decoupled architecture consists of three layers. The planning layer includes enterprise decision-making capabilities such as demand forecasting, supply planning, and financial alignment. The execution layer handles the transactional systems, specifically optimized to process transactions in high volumes. The integration layer consists of data transformation, master data management and data governance components. The predominant integration layer patterns are batch extract-transform-load and event-driven architectures. Canonical data models abstract specific system data representation to data entities relevant to the enterprise. Governance frameworks define approval gates for projects based on scope or cost. Methodological standardization ensures that operational and financial plans are aligned to baselines and, once implemented, that cross-functional forums are used to resolve definitional issues whilst the organizational structure evolves.