A system lexicon is a simple tool which can have a big impact on the success of the system. It aligns terminology among technical teams, the customer, subcontractors, support personnel, and end users. This creates shared understanding and improves consistency. Read on to learn how to implement this powerful tool on your program.
Read MoreCategory: Systems Engineering
An Engineering Touchstone to Enable Successful Designs
Successful systems are created by engineers who understand and design to the ultimate objectives of the project. When we lose sight of those objectives we start making design decisions based on the wrong criteria and thus create sub-optimal designs. Scope creep, group think, and simple convenience are frequent causes of this type of variation. An effective design assessment tool is a touchstone by which we can evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing design decisions and keep the focus on the optimal solution.
Read MoreThe Lopsided Hourglass – A Model for Successful Systems Engineering
Have you ever seen a lopsided hourglass? Me neither. I imagine it wouldn’t be very practical.
Lately I’ve been thinking of the defense acquisition system as an hourglass. The symmetry of the hourglass reflects the success of the system. Allow me to explain…
Read MoreThe Value of HSI
The application of human systems integration (HSI) throughout a project results in improved system performance, reduced lifecycle cost, reduced development risk, and no increase in development cost when executed effectively.
Read MoreHow the Department of Defense Influences Systems Engineering Practice
The title of this post is slightly misleading. The Department of Defense (DoD) doesn’t just influence systems engineering practice, it practically dictates it. And the reason is simple: The DoD acquires more types of systems and more complicated systems than any other organization in the world1 Read More