language en

Linked.Archi EDGY 23 Ontology

Release: 2026-05-12

Modified on: 2026-05-12
This version:
https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto/23#
Revision:
23
Authors:
Kalin Maldzhanski
Publisher:
Linked.Archi
Source:
https://enterprise.design/wiki/Enterprise_Elements
See also:
https://enterprise.design
https://enterprise.design/wiki/Enterprise_Design_Facets
https://enterprise.design/wiki/Enterprise_Elements
Download serialization:
JSON-LD RDF/XML N-Triples TTL
License:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Visualization:
Visualize with WebVowl
Cite as:
Kalin Maldzhanski. Linked.Archi EDGY 23 Ontology. Revision: 23. Retrieved from: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto/23#
Provenance of this page
draft

Linked.Archi EDGY 23 Ontology: Overview back to ToC

This ontology has the following classes and properties.

Classes

Object Properties

Annotation Properties

Linked.Archi EDGY 23 Ontology: Description back to ToC

OWL ontology for the EDGY 23 Enterprise Design language by Intersection Group. Defines the four base elements (People, Outcome, Activity, Object), twelve facet and intersection elements, three relationship types (Link, Flow, Tree), and two label types (Tagging, Metrics). EDGY content is available under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Cross-reference for Linked.Archi EDGY 23 Ontology classes, object properties and data properties back to ToC

This section provides details for each class and property defined by Linked.Archi EDGY 23 Ontology.

Classes

Activityc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Activity

What is being done or going on in our enterprise or its ecosystem.
Example
A car manufacturer describes the automated and manual activities needed to produce a car.
An inbound call centre describes how agents can handle customer calls.
Two partnering companies work together and decide each one's contribution as a set of activities.
has super-classes
Base Element c
has sub-classes
Journey c, Process c, Story c

Architecture Elementc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#ArchitectureElement

Abstract superclass for elements belonging to the Architecture facet — answering how the enterprise runs, what it is capable of, and what makes everything work together.
has super-classes
Facet Element c
has sub-classes
Asset c, Capability c, Process c

Assetc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Asset

An object we need and use to perform our capabilities.
editorial note
Base element: asset is an object.
Example
A public healthcare provider operates with hospital buildings, medical records, and planning systems.
A railroad maintenance company requires fuel and gravel, and operates power lines and tracks.
An air traffic control organisation runs applications and databases to track flights.
has super-classes
Architecture Element c, Object c

Base Elementc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#BaseElement

Abstract superclass for the four generic base elements that describe what is happening in an enterprise and its ecosystem.
has super-classes
Enterprise Element c
has sub-classes
Activity c, Object c, Outcome c, People c

Brandc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Brand

Our name and what it stands for.
editorial note
Base element: brand is an object. Intersection of Identity and Experience facets.
Example
A label used by different companies to communicate a sustainability certification.
A product name used for sales on commercial markets and within franchising partnerships.
The name a consumer goods company uses to represent itself, protected as a trademark.
has super-classes
Intersection Element c, Object c

Capabilityc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Capability

What we are able to do by orchestrating people and assets.
editorial note
Base element: capability is an outcome.
Example
A design studio excels in its digital product design practice, building upon research and prototyping capabilities.
A national government develops the capability to warn citizens about potential environmental dangers.
A technology company sets up a government relations capability to affect upcoming regulation.
has super-classes
Architecture Element c, Outcome c

Channelc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Channel

The means people use to engage and interact with us.
editorial note
Base element: channel is an object.
Example
A tech company builds a virtual Metaverse presence to interact with their job candidates.
An airline uses an instant messenger app to communicate with their customers synchronously.
An insurance company operates physical stores to sell printed tickets to use their services.
has super-classes
Experience Element c, Object c

Contentc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Content

What is being communicated to people.
editorial note
Base element: content is an object.
Example
A car manufacturer displays the latest models and their features on a website, including videos and animations.
A consultant develops a mission statement and a process dashboard available to employees on the intranet.
has super-classes
Identity Element c, Object c

Enterprise Elementc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#EnterpriseElement

Abstract superclass for all EDGY enterprise elements — the building blocks used to describe what an enterprise consists of.
has super-classes
element c
has sub-classes
Base Element c, Facet Element c, Intersection Element c

Enterprise Labelc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#EnterpriseLabel

Abstract superclass for EDGY label types used to differentiate or quantify elements.
has super-classes
model concept c
has sub-classes
Metrics c, Tagging c

Enterprise Relationshipc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#EnterpriseRelationship

Abstract superclass for all EDGY relationship types that connect enterprise elements.
has super-classes
relationship c
has sub-classes
Flow c, Link c, Tree c

Experience Elementc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#ExperienceElement

Abstract superclass for elements belonging to the Experience facet — answering what role the enterprise plays in people's lives.
has super-classes
Facet Element c
has sub-classes
Channel c, Journey c, Task c

Facet Elementc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#FacetElement

Abstract superclass for elements that describe an enterprise using a specific enterprise design facet (Identity, Architecture, or Experience).
has super-classes
Enterprise Element c
has sub-classes
Architecture Element c, Experience Element c, Identity Element c

Flowc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Flow

An element influences another by passing objects.
Example
A business pays another by transferring money.
A business process involves data passed from one information system to another.
A supply chain involves transferring raw materials and physical goods between locations.
has super-classes
Enterprise Relationship c

Identity Elementc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#IdentityElement

Abstract superclass for elements belonging to the Identity facet — answering why the enterprise exists, who it is, and what matters to it.
has super-classes
Facet Element c
has sub-classes
Content c, Purpose c, Story c

Intersection Elementc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#IntersectionElement

Abstract superclass for elements that sit at the intersection of two facets (Organisation, Product, Brand).
has super-classes
Enterprise Element c
has sub-classes
Brand c, Organisation c, Product c

Journeyc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Journey

The events and activities people experience in their lives.
editorial note
Base element: journey is an activity.
Example
A new employee goes through a journey of signing the contract, onboarding activities, and meeting their team.
A traveller goes through a journey of making travel plans, booking tickets, and embarking on the actual trip.
has super-classes
Activity c, Experience Element c

Metricsc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Metrics

Used to add a quantity or quality to an element that can be measured or otherwise determined.
has super-classes
Enterprise Label c

Objectc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Object

A structure that is relevant to the enterprise.
Example
A broadcasting company provides a public website about food including recipes, food and famous chefs.
A hospital manages beds, drugs and equipment, patient medical records, and teams of doctors and nurses.
An airport handles infrastructure such as taxiways and buildings, as well as planes, passengers and flights.
has super-classes
Base Element c
has sub-classes
Asset c, Brand c, Channel c, Content c, Organisation c, Product c

Organisationc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Organisation

A group of people working together.
editorial note
Base element: organisation is an object. Intersection of Identity and Architecture facets.
Example
A commercial company is structured into a hierarchy of roles and responsibilities.
An NGO defines volunteer roles and processes needed to direct the organisation.
has super-classes
Intersection Element c, Object c

Outcomec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Outcome

A result or change that occurs within our enterprise or its ecosystem.
Example
Double our market share in a country by the end of the following year.
Explore the potential outcomes of a physical infrastructure upgrade.
React to an important development in the labour market as an outcome of regulatory change.
has super-classes
Base Element c
has sub-classes
Capability c, Purpose c, Task c

Peoplec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#People

The individuals co-creating the enterprise or using products.
Example
A manufacturing business makes goods for private household customers and relies on investors and suppliers.
An NGO works with volunteers to run campaigns and make their case to parliamentarians.
An open-source software company works remotely with thousands of independent developers.
has super-classes
Base Element c

Processc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Process

A set of related activities our enterprise carries out.
editorial note
Base element: process is an activity.
Example
A car company has largely automated their production process.
A software company uses agile methods to manage their development process.
An insurance provider treats incoming claims in a structured fashion.
has super-classes
Activity c, Architecture Element c

Productc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Product

What we make, offer and deliver for people's benefit.
editorial note
Base element: product is an object. Intersection of Architecture and Experience facets.
Example
A car manufacturer makes cars and offers them for leasing or buying with custom loans.
A law office offers advice, contract creation and legal representation as services.
A railway company offers different trains, tickets and discount subscriptions.
has super-classes
Intersection Element c, Object c

Purposec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Purpose

A reason why an enterprise exists and what people pursue and believe in.
editorial note
Base element: purpose is an outcome.
Example
A public hospital seeks to provide everyone with the care they require.
A technology company wants to make use of the latest innovations in engineering.
An enterprise makes the best doohickies in the world - that's all they focus on.
has super-classes
Identity Element c, Outcome c

Storyc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Story

The way we make sense of our enterprise and communicate to people what it does.
editorial note
Base element: story is an activity.
Example
An enterprise has its roots in manual manufacturing before moving on to be a leader in automated production systems.
An enterprise in the food industry is all about sustainable and eco-friendly production.
has super-classes
Activity c, Identity Element c

Taggingc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Tagging

Used to differentiate elements based on a set of values.
has super-classes
Enterprise Label c

Taskc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Task

What people want to achieve and get done.
editorial note
Base element: task is an outcome.
Example
A customer checks their insurance coverage before starting the procedure to file a claim.
A private investor compares the financial performance of various stocks.
An airline official looks up current delays to inform passengers waiting at the airport.
has super-classes
Experience Element c, Outcome c

Treec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#Tree

An element is part of another element of the same type.
Example
A capability decomposition is structured as a tree of sub-capabilities.
A product portfolio is structured as a tree of categories, products and components.
An organisation is structured as a tree of departments, teams and roles.
has super-classes
Enterprise Relationship c

Object Properties

achieves outcomeop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#achievesOutcome

People achieve outcomes through their activities.

appears in journeyop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#appearsInJourney

A brand appears in a journey, manifesting in people's experiences over time.

authors storyop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#authorsStory

An organisation authors a story, creating the narrative about itself.

builds brandop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#buildsBrand

An organisation builds a brand as a symbolic representation of itself.

contextualises purposeop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#contextualisesPurpose

A story contextualises a purpose by providing narrative context for why the enterprise exists.

conveys storyop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#conveysStory

Content conveys a story by carrying the narrative through media and messages.

creates productop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#createsProduct

A process creates a product through its activities.

embodies brandop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#embodiesBrand

A product embodies a brand, carrying its identity and promise to people.

evokes storyop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#evokesStory

A brand evokes a story, triggering narratives in people's minds.

expresses purposeop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#expressesPurpose

Content expresses purpose by communicating the enterprise's reason for being.

features in journeyop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#featuresInJourney

A product features in a journey, appearing in people's experiences over time.

has capabilityop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#hasCapability

An organisation has a capability it can perform.

is part of journeyop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#isPartOfJourney

A task is part of a journey, representing what people want to accomplish within their experience.

leads to outcomeop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#leadsToOutcome

Activities lead to outcomes as their results.

makes productop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#makesProduct

An organisation makes a product for people's benefit.

needed to achieveop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#neededToAchieve

Objects are needed to achieve outcomes.

performs activityop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#performsActivity

People and objects perform activities.

performs processop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#performsProcess

An organisation performs a process as part of its operations.

pursues purposeop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#pursuesPurpose

An organisation pursues a purpose as its reason for existing.

realises capabilityop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#realisesCapability

A process realises a capability by executing the activities needed to produce its outputs.

represents purposeop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#representsPurpose

A brand represents a purpose, standing for what the enterprise believes in.

requires assetop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#requiresAsset

A capability requires an asset to be performed.

requires asset (process)op back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#processRequiresAsset

A process requires an asset to operate.

requires capabilityop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#requiresCapability

A product requires a capability to be created and delivered.

serves taskop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#servesTask

A product serves a task by helping people accomplish what they want to get done.

supports taskop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#supportsTask

A brand supports a task by creating expectations that help people accomplish their goals.

traverses channelop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#traversesChannel

A journey traverses a channel, moving across interaction points over time.

uses channelop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#usesChannel

A task uses a channel as the means of interaction with the enterprise.

uses objectop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/edgy/onto#usesObject

People use objects in their activities.

Annotation Properties

createdap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: http://purl.org/dc/terms/created

creatorap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: http://purl.org/dc/terms/creator

definitionap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition

descriptionap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/description

domain includesap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/core#domainIncludes

editorial noteap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#editorialNote

exampleap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#example

licenseap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: http://creativecommons.org/ns#license

modifiedap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: http://purl.org/dc/terms/modified

pref labelap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#prefLabel

preferred namespace prefixap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: http://purl.org/vocab/vann/preferredNamespacePrefix

preferred namespace uriap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: http://purl.org/vocab/vann/preferredNamespaceUri

publisherap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/publisher

range includesap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/core#rangeIncludes

scope noteap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#scopeNote

sourceap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/source

statusap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: http://purl.org/ontology/bibo/status

titleap back to ToC or Annotation Property ToC

IRI: http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/title

Legend back to ToC

c: Classes
op: Object Properties

Acknowledgments back to ToC

The authors would like to thank Silvio Peroni for developing LODE, a Live OWL Documentation Environment, which is used for representing the Cross Referencing Section of this document and Daniel Garijo for developing Widoco, the program used to create the template used in this documentation.