REQID » Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering is Catching On

Mr. REQID — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:26:33 +0000

It seems to be a trend that customers are now asking for Systems Engineering Processes to be put in place on all types of contracts. It use to be just build type of contracts but now its showing up in other types of contracts for things like support programs. Systems Engineering process are a natural fit into these areas if you are flexable and can step outside of Mil-Std-1521. Those old processes are still a good standard for what they were writen for but they need some tayloring when it comes to commercial practices and support programs. With build programs you have a Physical product at the end of the process and with support programs there may be some physical elements the end product is a support process. So be creative in your design reviews and look for what is important for entry and exit criteria.

Verification Methods

Mr. REQID — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:08:30 +0000

I wanted to bring up a verification method that i am trying to revive. Its called “Process Control” and is a great way to validate requirements that have to do with Production Lines or Support Systems. Process control consist of validating requirements based on process in place to insure that things are being done the way they are suppose to be done. This could consist of audits, check lists, inspections, and Plans. The combination of these things ensure that there is a controlled process that is followed to ensure that the end product meets the requirements.

Systems Engineering

Mr. REQID — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 04:23:16 +0000

Resent and not so resent reports out of the Defense Department have blamed a “lack of systems engineering” as a major cause of program failures. These failures range the field of program cancellation to large cost and schedule overruns. The question is whose fault is it that there is a lack of systems engineering on a program.

Blame can and should fall on both sides of the fence here. Customers should insist on it and Contractors need to insist on it. It is good for both sides. Yes there is an up front cost but its better to build that cost in and know that your success rate is much higher.