NAFv4 ADMBw with Enterprise Architect

Create architectural data models for military and civilian purposes

Description

NATO Architecture Framework (NAFv4) is a specialized modelling language for NATO Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM). ADMBw – Architectural data model of the Armed Forces – is the national version of the German Armed Forces, which omits some views of NAFv4, but adds its own. In this training, you will learn how to use NAFv4 in the national implementation in ADMBw with the Enterprise Architect tool in order to be able to create and edit project-related architectures.

To facilitate the introduction to the Enterprise Architect tool, this training is offered in a blended learning format:

eLearning: The basics can be completed independent of time and location in self-study via our learning platform – so all participants have the same prior knowledge. The content currently comprises approx. 6 hours and is summarized here.
Live training: This is followed by the 4-day moderated online training from 9am to 4pm each day.

Target group

This training is aimed at modelers, prospective method experts as well as IPT and project managers who would like to profitably apply their knowledge of the handling of the Enterprise Architect tool in the planning and organization of a project-accompanying architecture.

If you are already working or have worked with NAFv4 ADMBw or Enterprise Architect, this course will help you to deepen and extend this knowledge.

Objectives

The objective of the training is to provide participants with the necessary user-role appropriate basis for architecture modelling using the Enterprise Architect tool in such a way that they are able to create and edit project-related architectures. Furthermore, the participants will be enabled to independently familiarize themselves with German Armed Forces specific content.

The training also provides answers to the following questions:

Where do I get and how do I install NAFv4 ADMBw?
On which UML elements is the implementation of the NAFv4 ADMBw language based?
How are these UML elements to be created with Enterprise Architect and in which NAFv4 ADMBw?
What are the specifics of these UML elements in the context of NAFv4 ADMBw and how are they to be created with Enterprise Architect?
How is BPMN used in NAFv4 ADMBw?
What are the views in NAFv4 ADMBw and how can they be created with Enterprise Architect?
How can a NAFv4 ADMBw model be built and structured in Enterprise Architect?

In modelling, in addition to the modelling language, we need a tool – the Enterprise Architect tool – to be productive, as well as a method to properly use the language with the tool. Experience helps to work efficiently and, above all, effectively.

Language

NAFv4 ADMBw combines and extends existing languages such as Unified Modelling Language (UML) and Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN), so these will be briefly explained. Then, the language elements and relationships included in NAFv4 ADMBw will be introduced. In addition, follows an explanation of the UML concepts behind them and how they are used in Enterprise Architect. Examples of selected views of the NAFv4 ADMBw are worked through in the course.

Introduction to UML

UML is a generic language and can be used for different purposes. NAFv4 ADMBw has been implemented as a UML language extension. The language elements of UML underlying NAFv4 ADMBw are introduced:

UML diagram types: class, object, component, flow diagram
UML elements: class, object, part, port, activity, action, lifeline, stereotype
UML relations: generalization, association, information flow, message
UML profiles, UML patterns

Introduction to BPMN

BPMN is a specialized modelling language that is also implemented in Enterprise Architect as a UML language extension. NAFv4 ADMBw borrows some elements and diagram types from BPMN, which are also introduced here:

basic notation and logic of flow diagrams (process, sub-process, task, gateway, information flow, swim lanes)
modelling of BPMN diagrams (process and collaboration diagrams)

Introduction to NAFv4 ADMBw

NAFv4 is a specialized modelling language for NATO Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM), in the form of a framework. ADMBw is the national version of the German Armed Forces, which omits some views of NAF, but adds its own. The focus of this course is on the use of NAFv4 ADMBw with Enterprise Architect. Selected views of the NAFv4 framework will be worked through and their use with Enterprise Architect will be taught. Separate courses are offered for a comprehensive introduction to the NAFv4 ADMBw language and methodology.

Tool

Enterprise Architect is a modelling platform that can be used in a variety of ways. In this course, we teach you how to use Enterprise Architect in the context of the NAFv4 ADMBw language. After the course you will know:

The basic structure of Enterprise Architect
The most important settings and configurations
The difference between a model and a diagram
The most important trace and navigation options in Enterprise Architect
Basics of teamwork
Basics of versioning using Baseline
Basics of document generation

Method

The NAFv4 or ADMBw specification itself does not contain a method, but guides for specific project phases. In this course, in order to obtain a consistent example that includes all the important elements and diagrams, we will follow the “Analysis phase part 1 (CPM)” guide.

Further courses deepen and extend your knowledge of methods.

Experience

In this course, we share with you our experience from over 20 years of trainings with Enterprise Architect with tips and tricks as well as specific experience working with NAFv4 ADMBw.

Prerequisites

A basic understanding of conceptual modelling and knowledge of the NAFv4 or ADMBw specification are helpful, but not a prerequisite.

All details on the technical requirements for this training, such as the hardware and software needed, Enterprise Architect versions or licenses, and the Moodle learning platform are listed here.

Next dates

01st – 04th of December, 2025 (Presentation language: German)
24th – 27th of February, 2026 (Presentation language: German)
27th – 30th of April, 2026 (Presentation language: German)
08th – 11th of June, 2026 (Presentation language: German)