Creating synergies for Systems Engineering: Bridging cross-disciplinary standards

Abstract

The increasing complexity of technical systems can only be managed by a multi-disciplinary and holistic approach. Besides technical disciplines like aerodynamics, kinematics, etc. cross-disciplines like safety and project management play an immanent role in the Systems Engineering approach. In this chapter, standards from different cross-disciplines are discussed and merged together to elaborate synergies which enable a more holistic Systems Engineering view. After this introductory section, definitions of the terms system and complexity are given and the problems associated with the development of complex systems are introduced. The third section presents existing development philosophies and procedures. Additionally the mentioned cross-disciplines are introduced together with international standards widely established in the respective fields. Because the selected standards are not only complementary but also overlapping, the fourth section describes the harmonization approach carried out, together with the resulting holistic view. This combination of the standards enhances the benefits of the “traditional” Systems Engineering approach and solves many of the mentioned problems associated to the development of complex systems by taking also project management and safety aspects into a deeper and therefore, more holistic, account.