IT Architecture for Digital Integration: A Systematic Literature Review of Approaches, Challenges, and Solutions

Nur Aeni Hidayah, Zahra Sabila Nugraha, Fitroh Fitroh

Abstract


The rapid development of technology has accelerated digitalization across various sectors, but implementing technology within complex ecosystems presents integration challenges, including data heterogeneity, technology fragmentation, legacy systems, limited interoperability, and misalignment between business requirements and technology implementation. This study explores the roles of IT architecture in supporting digital integration, the challenges encountered, and the architectural solutions proposed to address them. A Systematic Literature Review was conducted using the PRISMA framework across Scopus, ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. From 506 retrieved articles, 17 studies published between 2021 and 2026 were selected for final synthesis. The findings show that IT architecture supports digital integration at both enterprise and system levels. At the enterprise level, it addresses fragmentation within digital ecosystems and supports digital transformation and data integration, while at the system level, it facilitates interoperability through the integration of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, blockchain, cloud computing, and Digital Twins. Enterprise architecture, particularly TOGAF, was the most frequently adopted architectural approach because it is a widely recognized industry standard. Integration challenges were categorized into five categories: data management and integration, infrastructure, strategic alignment, risk management, and standardization. Architectural solutions were categorized into five categories: application integration, data integration, architectural configuration, emerging technology integration, and governance and risk management. These findings provide an overview of how architectural approaches can address digital integration challenges across diverse technological and organizational contexts.

Keywords


Digital integration; digital transformation; enterprise architecture; information technology architecture; interoperability

Full Text:

PDF

References


C. Chen, K. Zhao, J. Leng, C. Liu, J. Fan, and P. Zheng, “Integrating Large Language Model and Digital Twins in the Context of Industry 5.0: Framework, Challenges and Opportunities,” Robot. Comput. Integr. Manuf., Vol. 94, p. 102982, 2025, DOI: 10.1016/j.rcim.2025.102982.

A. R. Akhatov, M. Sabharwal, F. M. Nazarov, and A. Rashidov, “Application of Cryptographic Methods to Blockchain Technology to Increase Data Reliability,” in 2022 2nd International Conference on Advance Computing and Innovative Technologies in Engineering (ICACITE), IEEE, Apr. 2022, pp. 642–647. DOI: 10.1109/ICACITE53722.2022.9823674.

A. S. Divatia and J. Jagasia, “Enterprise Architecture and Data Management for Digital Transformation - A Higher Education Institute (HEI) Case,” Communications of the Association for Information Systems, Vol. 57, No. 1, pp. 929–944, 2025, DOI: 10.17705/1CAIS.05740.

D. Metris, N. Azis, B. Aji, S. A. Daulay, and S. F. Yanuari, “Digitalisasi dan Adaptasi Budaya Organisasi pada Sektor Bisnis Digital,” Al-KALAM : Jurnal Komunikasi, Bisnis dan Manajemen, Vol. 13, No. 1, p. 142, 2026, DOI: 10.31602/al-kalam.v13i1.18231.

S. Douimia, A. Bekrar, Y. El Hilali, and A. Ait El Cadi, “Enterprise-Wide Data Integration for Smart Maintenance: A Scalable Architecture for Predictive Maintenance Applications at Toyota Manufacturing,” in The 1st International Conference on Smart Management in Industrial and Logistics Engineering (SMILE 2025), Basel Switzerland: MDPI, Jul. 2025, pp. 46–60. DOI: 10.3390/engproc2025097046.

B. Anthony Jnr, “Enhancing Blockchain Interoperability and Intraoperability Capabilities in Collaborative Enterprise-a Standardized Architecture Perspective,” Enterp. Inf. Syst., Vol. 18, No. 3, pp. 297–337, 2024, DOI: 10.1080/17517575.2023.2296647.

R. Visser, A. H. Basson, and K. Kruger, “An Architecture for the Integration of Product and Production Digital Twins in the Automotive Industry,” Proceedings: MODELS 2024 - ACM/IEEE 27th International Conference on Model Driven Engineering Languages and Systems: Companion Proceedings, pp. 431–441, 2024, DOI: 10.1145/3652620.3688257.

D. Plekhanov, H. Franke, and T. H. Netland, “Digital Transformation: A Review and Research Agenda,” European Management Journal, Vol. 41, No. 6, pp. 821–844, 2023, DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2022.09.007.

A. Ghaisani, D. Purnomo, D. I. Sensuse, S. Lusa, and N. Ramlan, “Trends, Frameworks, and Reference Models in Public Sector Enterprise Architecture: A Systematic Review,” Ranah Research : Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol. 8, No. 4, pp. 2256–2268, 2026, DOI: 10.38035/rrj.v8i4.2105.

D. R. Firdausy, P. De Alencar Silva, M. Van Sinderen, and M. E. Iacob, “Towards a Reference Enterprise Architecture to Enforce Digital Sovereignty in International Data Spaces,” Proceedings - 2022 IEEE 24th Conference on Business Informatics, CBI 2022, Vol. 1, pp. 117–125, 2022, DOI: 10.1109/CBI54897.2022.00020.

T. A. K. Manne, M. Jindal, S. S. Saini, A. M. Sivagnanam, G. Surianarayanan, and P. C. Jakku, “Real-Time AI–Driven Decision Intelligence for Enterprise Healthcare Operations: Cloud-Native Architecture, Workflow Integration, and Measured Operational Outcomes,” International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology, Vol. 16, No. 12, pp. 1039–1051, 2026, DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.12s.115.

T. Oak Kyaw Zaw et al., “A Systematic TOGAF-Driven Framework for Blockchain-based Food Traceability with Access Control Lists,” HighTech and Innovation Journal, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 461–475, Jun. 2025, DOI: 10.28991/HIJ-2025-06-02-07.

N. Tousert, A.-D. Lipitakis, and X. S. Papageorgiou, “A Multi-Layer Enterprise Architecture for Blockchain-Enabled Cereal Supply Chain Traceability and Decision Support,” IFAC-PapersOnLine, Vol. 59, No. 34, pp. 42–47, 2025, DOI: 10.1016/j.ifacol.2025.12.437.

L. Zambrano, E. Atencio, C. Mariani, M. Mancini, and E. Atencio, “An Enterprise Architecture Approach to Digital Transformation in Small and Medium-Sized Construction Companies,” in Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, Michigan, USA: IEOM Society International, Feb. 2024, pp. 1109–1121. DOI: 10.46254/AN14.20240278.

M. Möhring, B. Keller, R. Schmidt, K. Sandkuhl, and A. Zimmermann, “Digitalization and Enterprise Architecture Management: A Perspective on Benefits and Challenges,” SN Business & Economics, Vol. 3, No. 2, p. 46, Jan. 2023, DOI: 10.1007/s43546-023-00426-3.

M. Bernaert, G. Poels, M. Snoeck, and M. De Backer, “Enterprise Architecture for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: A Starting Point for Bringing EA to SMEs, based on Adoption Models,” in Information Systems for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2014, pp. 67–96. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-38244-4_4.

F. Grave, R. Van De Wetering, and R. J. Kusters, “Enterprise Architecture Artifacts Facilitating the Strategy Planning Process for Digital Transformations: A Systematic Literature Review and Multiple Case Study,” Iadis International Journal on Computer Science and Information Systems, Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 46–62, 2021, DOI: 10.33965/ijcsis_2021160104.

T. S. Syamfithriani, Y. Wibisono, M. Munir, L. A. Wibowo, and A. Rahayu, “Systematic Literature Review: The Role of Enterprise Architecture in Digital Transformation in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution BT,” in Proceedings of the 8th Global Conference on Business, Management, and Entrepreneurship (GCBME 2023), Atlantis Press, 2024, pp. 418–425. DOI: 10.2991/978-94-6463-443-3_55.

S. M. M. Sajadieh and S. Do Noh, “From Simulation to Autonomy: Reviews of the Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Twins,” International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing - Green Technology, Vol. 12, No. 5, pp. 1597–1628, 2025, DOI: 10.1007/s40684-025-00750-z.

V. Z. Mohale and I. C. Obagbuwa, “A Systematic Review on the Integration of Explainable Artificial Intelligence in Intrusion Detection Systems to Enhancing Transparency and Interpretability in Cybersecurity,” 2025, Frontiers Media. DOI: 10.3389/frai.2025.1526221.

D. B. Vuković, S. Dekpo-Adza, and S. Matović, “AI Integration in Financial Services: A Systematic Review of Trends and Regulatory Challenges,” 2025, Palgrave Macmillan. DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-04850-8.

T. Surve, Dr. A. Kumar Tyagi, and B. F. Balogun, “Blockchain for Smart Finance: A Review of Architectures, Integration Trends and Future Research Directions,” Procedia Comput. SCI., Vol. 259, pp. 316–325, 2025, DOI: 10.1016/j.procs.2025.03.333.

B. Bhushan, A. Khamparia, K. M. Sagayam, S. K. Sharma, M. A. Ahad, and N. C. Debnath, “Blockchain for Smart Cities: A Review of Architectures, Integration Trends and Future Research Directions,” Sustain. Cities Soc., Vol. 61, 2020, DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2020.102360.

S. I. Sion, K. Zhang, A. April, T. M. Lutete, and C. Bouchard, “A Comprehensive Review of Multi-Chain Architecture for Blockchain Integration in Organizations,” in Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing, Vol. 527 LNBIP, 2024, pp. 5–24. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-70445-1_1.

A. C. Puspitaningrum, “Literature Review: Elements and Criteria Methodology of Enterprise Architecture for E-Government,” Sistemasi, Vol. 10, No. 1, p. 26, 2021, DOI: 10.32520/stmsi.v10i1.1027.

Y. Tjong, S. U. R. O. T. O. Adi, R. Kosala, and H. Prabowo, “Exploration on Enterprise Architecture Component for Higher Education Institution in Indonesia,” ICIC Express Letters, Part B: Applications, Vol. 10, No. 10, pp. 945–952, 2019, DOI: 10.24507/icicelb.10.10.945.

Y. Soegoto, H. Prabowo, H. L. H. Spits Warnars, and A. Trisetyarso, “Analysis of Enterprise Architecture Research Trends for Higher Education Institutions using Systematic Literature Review and Vos Viewer,” in 2023 International Conference on Informatics Engineering, Science & Technology (INCITEST), IEEE, Oct. 2023, pp. 1–5. DOI: 10.1109/INCITEST59455.2023.10396881.

B. D. Rouhani, M. N. Mahrin, F. Nikpay, R. B. Ahmad, and P. Nikfard, “A Systematic Literature Review on Enterprise Architecture Implementation Methodologies,” Inf. Softw. Technol., Vol. 62, pp. 1–20, Jun. 2015, DOI: 10.1016/j.infsof.2015.01.012.

A. Trifu, E. Smîdu, D. O. Badea, E. Bulboacă, and V. Haralambie, “Applying the PRISMA Method for Obtaining Systematic Reviews of Occupational Safety Issues in Literature Search,” MATEC Web Conf., Vol. 354, p. 52, 2022, DOI: 10.1051/matecconf/202235400052.

IEEE, “IEEE Recommended Practice for Architectural Description of Software-Intensive Systems,” IEEE Std, Vol. 1471–2000, pp. 1–23, 2000, [Online]. Available: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.102.9904

K. Smolander, “Four Metaphors of Architecture in Software Organizations: Finding Out the Meaning of Architecture in Practice,” in ISESE 2002 - Proceedings, 2002 International Symposium on Empirical Software Engineering, in ISESE ’02. USA: IEEE Computer Society, 2002, pp. 211–221. DOI: 10.1109/ISESE.2002.1166942.

S. Kotusev and S. Kurnia, “The Theoretical basis of Enterprise Architecture: A Critical Review and Taxonomy of Relevant Theories,” Journal of Information Technology, Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 275–315, 2021, DOI: 10.1177/0268396220977873.

B. T. Hazen, R. V. Bradley, J. E. Bell, J. In, and T. A. Byrd, “Enterprise Architecture: A Competence-based Approach to Achieving Agility and Firm Performance,” Int. J. Prod. Econ., Vol. 193, pp. 566–577, Nov. 2017, DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2017.08.022.

R. Land and I. Crnkovic, “Software Systems in-House Integration: Architecture, Process Practices, and Strategy Selection,” Inf. Softw. Technol., Vol. 49, No. 5, pp. 419–444, May 2007, DOI: 10.1016/j.infsof.2006.07.002.

P. H. D. Valle, V. R. Tonon, L. Garcés, S. O. Rezende, and E. Y. Nakagawa, “TASIS: A Typology of Architectural Strategies for Interoperability in Software-Intensive Systems,” Comput. Stand. Interfaces, Vol. 91, p. 103874, Jan. 2025, DOI: 10.1016/j.csi.2024.103874.

D. Palade, C. Møller, and A. K. Hansen, “Enterprise Integration as a Driving Factor for Guiding Digitalization in a Manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprise,” Complex Systems Informatics and Modeling Quarterly, Vol. 2024, No. 39, pp. 48–64, 2024, DOI: 10.7250/csimq.2024-39.03.

D. Hindarto, “Supporting University Management System Digital Transformation with Enterprise Architecture,” Jurnal JTIK (Jurnal Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi), Vol. 7, No. 4, pp. 696–706, 2023, DOI: 10.35870/jtik.v7i4.1830.

M. H. Liao and C. T. Wang, “Using Enterprise Architecture to Integrate Lean Manufacturing, Digitalization, and Sustainability: A Lean Enterprise Case Study in the Chemical Industry,” Sustainability (Switzerland), Vol. 13, No. 9, pp. 4851–4877, 2021, DOI: 10.3390/su13094851.

K. T. Prawira, D. Hindarto, and E. Indrajit, “Application of Enterprise Architecture in Digital Transformation of Insurance Companies,” SinkrOn, Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 856–865, 2023, DOI: 10.33395/sinkron.v8i2.12302.

R. M. Villamil et al., “An Enterprise Architecture-Driven Service Integration Model for Enhancing Fiscal Oversight in Supreme Audit Institutions,” Applied System Innovation, Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 16–40, 2025, DOI: 10.3390/asi9010016.

B. Noranita, D. M. K. Nugraheni, M. I. Fitriyani, and Y. Nurhayati, “Business Architecture and Information System Architecture Design in Savings and Payment unit Koperasi Pegawai Republik Indonesia (KPRI) Diponegoro University using TOGAF 9 Framework,” J. Phys. Conf. Ser., Vol. 1943, No. 1, p. 012105, Jul. 2021, DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/1943/1/012105.

E. Atencio, M. Mancini, and G. Bustos, “Enterprise Architecture Approach for Project-based Organizations Modeling, Design, and Analysis: An Ontology-Driven Tool Proposal,” Alexandria Engineering Journal, Vol. 98, No. 0, pp. 312–327, 2024, DOI: 10.1016/j.aej.2024.04.052.

A. Nateghi and M. Mosharraf, “Architecting the Future: A Model for Enterprise Integration in the Metaverse,” Journal of Metaverse, Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 190–199, 2023, DOI: 10.57019/jmv.1355500.

N. Legowo and A. Sumedi, “Application and Data Integration based on Services Oriented Architecture in Enterprise,” Emerging Science Journal, Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 455–468, 2023, DOI: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-07-02-011.

S. Kotusev, “TOGAF-based Enterprise Architecture Practice: An Exploratory Case Study,” Communications of the Association for Information Systems, Vol. 43, No. 1, pp. 321–359, 2018, DOI: 10.17705/1CAIS.04320.

J. vom Brocke, A. Hevner, and A. Maedche, “Introduction to Design Science Research,” 2020, pp. 1–13. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-46781-4_1.

S. Kotusev, S. Kurnia, and R. Dilnutt, “Enterprise Architecture Artifacts as Boundary Objects: An Empirical Analysis,” Inf. Softw. Technol., Vol. 155, No. February 2022, pp. 107108–107126, 2023, DOI: 10.1016/j.infsof.2022.107108.




DOI: https://doi.org/10.32520/stmsi.v15i10.6857

Article Metrics

Abstract view : 0 times
PDF - 0 times

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.