What is systems engineering?
What is systems engineering?
Today's system requirements are becoming increasingly complex. Complex systems need to be analyzed, defined and developed in a structured manner in order to successfully meet a wide range of challenges relating to topics such as Industry 4.0 or the Internet of Things (IoT).
This is where systems engineering (SE) comes into play; it is an interdisciplinary approach to the development, implementation and management of complex technical systems. It originally comes from the aerospace industry, where everything has to be done right from the very first attempt - the result has to meet the requirements exactly. SE has therefore established itself wherever the safety aspect is very high. Complex projects or systems require a holistic approach in order to create a common understanding of the system between all stakeholders.
What does a systems engineer do?
The tasks of a systems engineer include system analysis, requirements engineering, system development, validation and the test phase. In SE, the system is viewed holistically - the aim is to coordinate the various project participants. Various approaches can be useful here, such as Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), a non-profit membership organization, develops transdisciplinary principles for successful systems engineering. For German-speaking countries, the Society for Systems Engineering e.V. (GfSE) chapter has been founded and is committed to the further establishment of SE. Both play an important role in the areas of standardization as well as education and training.
Main elements of systems engineering
- System analysis: Reliable requirements are determined with the help of requirements engineering methods.
- Requirements elicitation: In order to define the system's objectives and success criteria, the needs and requirements of the stakeholders must be recorded and defined.
- System architecture and design: Development of a structure for the system, including the selection and organization of system components, interfaces, communication protocols and data flows.
- Simulation: Creation of mathematical and computational models to analyze, optimize and validate system behavior under different operating conditions.
- Testing and validation: Verifying the performance and reliability of the system through testing to ensure that it meets the requirements and meets the needs of the users.
- System management and operation: System management and operation: Planning and execution of maintenance, support, updates and adjustments to maintain and optimize system performance throughout its lifecycle.
- Risk management: Identifying, analyzing and prioritizing risks that may impact system performance and developing mitigation and monitoring measures.
- Project management: Coordination of resources, schedules and budgets to ensure the successful implementation of the system.
Advantages of systems engineering
- Early error detection: By taking a holistic view of a system, potential problems and errors can be identified and avoided at an early stage.
- Holistic approach: SE enables a holistic view
- Optimization of resources: Systems engineering takes all system requirements into account, making it possible to make the best possible use of resources.
- Cost and time savings: The early identification of problems, the optimization of resources and efficient interdisciplinary collaboration make it possible to reduce costs and shorten development times.
- Better product quality: The more precise recording of product requirements can enable better product quality.
Conclusion:
Systems engineering is used in a wide range of industries and applications, from aerospace engineering, telecommunications and power generation to automotive, medical technology and transportation systems. It is a crucial process for successfully and efficiently developing, implementing and maintaining complex systems.
