Introduction to systems engineering - Implementation

The article [S 7 300] developed the implications of the definition of a system, as being "an integrated set of elements – personnel, products, processes – organized and interconnected" satisfying one or more defined objectives.

Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary approach to solving complex problems, transforming a need or objectives into an optimized solution so as to increase the chances of success (reduce the risk of failure) and optimize the total cost of ownership. It can be seen as the ability to federate and control diverse but complementary engineering activities to deliver "good" systems on time, on budget, and with the required levels of quality and performance. It is not restricted to the application of sound technical knowledge, but integrates and manages it as part of an overall engineering effort.

This is what this article sets out to do, firstly by highlighting the salient aspects of the systems engineering approach, and secondly by illustrating it through an example: the engineering of a transport system.