What is Systems Engineering?
The International Council of Systems Engineers uses the following definition for “systems engineering”: Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary approach and means to enable the realization of successful systems. It focuses on defining customer needs and required functionality early in the development cycle, documenting requirements, and then proceeding with design synthesis and system validation while considering the complete problem: • Operations • Cost & Schedule • Performance • Training & Support • Test • Manufacturing • Disposal Systems Engineering integrates all the disciplines and specialty groups into a team effort forming a structured development process that proceeds from concept to production to operation. Systems Engineering considers both the business and the technical needs of all customers with the goal of providing a quality product that meets the user needs.
Since the term was coined in the 1950s, systems engineering has evolved from a process focused primarily on large-scale defense systems to a broader discipline that is used in all kinds of project development. Systems engineering can be applied to any system development, so whether you are developing a household appliance, building a house, or implementing a sophisticated transportation management system, systems engineering can be used. INCOSE defines systems engineering like this: Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary approach and means to enable the realization of successful systems. It focuses on defining customer needs and required functionality early in the development cycle, documenting requirements, then proceeding with design synthesis and system validation while considering the complete problem. Systems Engineering integrates all the disciplines and specialty groups into a team effort forming a structured development process that proceeds from concept to production to o
Before one can develop a definition for systems engineering (SE), one must develop a taxonomy for what constitutes a system, including the hierarchy of the elements of any complex system (Table C-1). Depending on one’s perspective, the term “system” can be used to describe any element of this hierarchy, from a part to a system of systems (SoS). SE has been defined in many different ways, ranging from high-level statements to detailed process overviews. These definitions are often tailored to illustrate a particular background or perspective. However, most accepted definitions have common themes describing a top-down process that is life-cycle-oriented and involves the integration of functions, activities, and organizations.1 The most widely accepted definitions of systems engineering are presented in Table C-2.
