SYSTEM ENGINEERING

System engineering, or the art of decompartmentalising engineering

System engineering is a global method making it possible for many participants to work together effectively. This interdisciplinary approach, structured by a standard or a defined process, is intended to make the design phases more reliable and to optimise them.

STANDARDISED OR SPECIFIC, A PROCESS TO STRUCTURE

INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION

System engineering (or the engineering of systems) is a methodological approach used to coordinate the work of the different stakeholders in the framework of a complex system design. Thermal engineers, mechanics, optronics specialists, hydraulics experts and electronics technicians are all well known disciplines but they are not used to spontaneously working together. The purpose of system engineering is to decompartmentalise engineering. Beyond compliance with the standard or process, ARIAMIS fully plays its role as organiser. Indeed, the design department is well versed in this pluridisciplinary work group organisation role, with its own engineers and other stakeholders, whether partners or clients.
 

From conceptual modelling to physical organic formulation

THE FIRST STEP: DEFINING THE STANDARD OR THE REFERENCE

Before any attempt at a design, the choice of the standard or the reference is essential. This choice may be dictated by the field of study or defined by the client. As for the standard, it will either come from known references (ISO, AFNOR, LEAD, etc.), or be defined as a proprietary standard, or be the result of a commonly agreed process between the different stakeholders. To simplify, the standard could be described as a sequence of tasks to be carried out: system modelling, organic structuring, assessment, selection, verification, integration, validation, etc.

COLLABORATION LOOKING TO MEET REQUIREMENTS

Drawn up as a list of “requirements”, the purpose of the specifications for any system design is to lay down the prerequisites before any design. Targets, constraints, system use, life cycle...all the players taking part in system engineering thereby get to become familiar with the issues involved. The work of each participant is to find solutions to meet the requirements.