Automation specifications. Functional analysis

The design of automated production systems is based on an expression of requirements formalized in functional specifications. The specifications not only constitute a working tool, but also the contractual basis between the customer and his supplier.

The growing sophistication of automatic systems is making it increasingly difficult to draw up the corresponding specifications. In an attempt to resolve this difficulty, numerous studies have been carried out, methods devised and tools created.

Numerous studies carried out in several countries, notably the United States, have shown that many project specifications are incomplete, ambiguous or even incoherent, and that this is the reason for the failure of many projects (unachieved performance, missed deadlines, ballooning budgets).

After a few definitions and thoughts on the particularities of automation compared to other industrial goods, methods for identifying and then formalizing requirements will be presented, followed by a generic summary of specifications.