OME753 SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

UNIT -1
INTRODUCTION
LECTURE 1

UNIT I INTRODUCTION

Definitions of Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering Knowledge, Life cycles, Life-cycle phases,
logical steps of systems engineering, Frame works for systems engineering.

SYSTEM

A system comprises a complex combination of resources (in the form of human beings, materials,
equipment, hardware, software, facilities, data, information, services, etc.), integrated in such a manner
as to fulfill a specified operatSystem may be classified as a natural system, human-made system,
physical system, conceptual system, closed-loop system, open-loop system, static system, dynamic
system, and so on.

Significant importance is the realization that ultimate system performance is dependent not only on the
complete and timely integration of its various components, but also on establishing the proper
interrelationships among these components.

A system may be defined further in terms of the following general characteristics:

1. A system constitutes a complex combination of resources in the form of human beings, materials,
equipment, hardware, software, facilities, data, money, and so on. To accomplish many functions often
requires large amounts of personnel, equipment, facilities, and data (e.g., an airline or a manufacturing
capability). Such resources must be combined in an effective manner, as it is too risky to leave this to
chance alone.

2. A system is contained within some form of hierarchy. An airplane may be

included within an airline, which is part of an overall transportation capability, which is operated in a
specific geographic environment, which is part of the world, and so on. As such, the system being
addressed is highly influenced by the performance of the higher-level system, and these external factors
must be evaluated.

3. A system may be broken down into subsystems and related components, the extent of which depends
on complexity and the function being performed. Dividing the system into smaller units allows for a
simpler approach relative to the initial allocation of requirements and the subsequent analysis of the
system and its functional interfaces. A system is made up of many different components; these
components interact with each other, and these interactions must be thoroughly understood by the
system designer and/or analyst. Because of these interactions among components, it is impossible to
produce an effective design by considering each component separately. One must view the system as a
whole, break down the system into components, study the components and their interrelationships, and
then put the system back together as an integrated whole.

4. A system must have a purpose. It must be functional, able to respond to some identified need, and
able to achieve its overall objective in a cost-effective manner. There may be a conflict of objectives,
influenced by the higher-level system in the hierarchy, and the system must be capable of meeting its
stated purpose in the best way possible.

EIA/IS-632, defines a system as “an integrated composite of people, products, and processes that
provide a capability to satisfy a stated need or objective.”

INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering) after a few iterations, the following definition
evolved:

A “system” is a construct or collection of different elements that together produce results not
obtainable by the elements alone. The elements, or parts, can include people, hardware, software,
facilities, policies, and documents; that is, all things required to produce system-level results. The results
include system-level qualities, properties, characteristics, functions, behavior, and performance. The
value added by the system as a whole, beyond that contributed independently by the parts, is primarily
created by the relationship among the parts; that is, how they are interconnected.

Categories of Systems

There are any different types of systems, and there are some variations in terms of similarities and
dissimilarities.

1. Natural and man-made systems. Natural systems include those that came into being through natural
processes. Examples include a river system and an energy system. Man-made systems are those that
have been developed by human beings, which results in a wide variety of capabilities. As all man-made
systems are embedded in the natural world and there are numerous interfaces that must be addressed.
For instance, the development and construction of a hydroelectric power system located on a river
system creates impacts on both sides of the spectrum, and it is essential that the systems approach
involving both the natural and man-made segments of this overall capability be implemented.

2. Physical and conceptual systems. Physical systems are those made up of real components occupying
space. By contrast, conceptual systems can be an organization of ideas, a set of specifications and plans,
a series of abstract concepts, and so on. Conceptual systems often lead directly into the development of
physical systems, and there is a certain degree of commonality in terms of the type of processes
employed. Again, the interfaces may be many, and there is a need to address these elements in the
context of a higher-level system in the overall hierarchy.

3. Static and dynamic systems. Static systems include those that have structure, but without activity . A
highway bridge and a warehouse are examples. A dynamic system is one that combines structural
components with activity. An example is a production system combining a manufacturing facility, capital
equipment, utilities, conveyors, workers, transportation vehicles, data, software , managers. Although
there may be specific points in time when all system components are static in nature, the successful
accomplishment of system objectives does require activity and the dynamic aspects of system operation
do prevail throughout a given scenario.

4. Closed and open-loop systems. A closed system is one that is relatively self-contained and does not
significantly interact with its environment. The environment provides the medium in which the system
operates; however, the impact is minimal. A chemical equilibrium process and an electrical circuit (with
a built-in feedback and control loop) are examples. Conversely, open-loop systems interact with their
environments.

Boundaries are crossed (through the flow of information, energy, and/or matter), and there are
numerous interactions both among the various system components and up and down the overall system
hierarchical structure. A system/product logistic support capability is an example.
THE NEED FOR SYSTEM ENGINEERING

The challenge is to be more effective and efficient in the development and acquisition of new systems as
well as in the operation and support of those systems already in use. This can be accomplished through
the proper implementation of system engineering concepts, principles, and methods.

the life cycle includes the entire spectrum of activity for a given system, commencing with the
identification of need and extending through system design and development, production and/or
construction, operational use and sustaining maintenance and support, and system retirement and
material disposal. As the activities in each phase interact with the activities in other phases, it is
essential to consider the overall life cycle in addressing system-level issues, particularly if one is to
properly assess the risks associated with the decision-making process throughout.

Although the life-cycle phases conveyed in Figure 1.10 reflect a more generic

sequential approach, the specific activities (and the duration of each) may vary somewhat, depending
on the nature, complexity, and purpose of the system. Needs may change, obsolescence may occur, and
the levels of activity may be different, depending on the type of system and where it fits in the overall
hierarchical structure of activities and events. In addition, the various phases of activity may overlap
somewhat, as illustrated in the two examples presented in Figure 1.11.

Figure 1.11 shows how an airplane, a ground transportation vehicle, or an electronic

device may progress through conceptual design, preliminary design, detail design, production, and so
on, as reflected through the series of activities for Example A. When this example is evaluated further,
the top row of activities is applicable to those elements of the system that relate directly to the
accomplishment of the mission (e.g., an automobile). At the same time, there are two closely related life
cycles of activity that must also be considered. The design, construction, and operation of the
production capability, which can have a significant impact on the operation of the prime elements of the
system, should be addressed concurrently along with the system maintenance and support activity.
Further, these activities must be addressed early during the conceptual and preliminary design of those
prime elements represented by the top row. Although all of these activities may be presented through
an illustrated single flow, as conveyed in Figure 1.10, the breakout in Figure 1.11 is intended to
emphasize the importance of addressing all aspects of the total system process and the various
interactions that may occur.

The life cycle includes the entire spectrum of activity for a given system, commencing with the
identification of need and extending through system design and development, production and/or
construction, operational use and sustaining maintenance and support, and system retirement and
material disposal.