CHAPTER 1 - Introduction

Abstract

Systems engineering integrates all disciplines and describes a structured development process, from the concept to the production to the operation phase and finally to putting the system out of operation. It looks at both technical and economic aspects to develop a system that meets the users' needs. The SIMILAR process model provides a good overview of a systems engineering process. One of the important tasks of a systems engineer is to investigate and weigh alternative concepts. A systems engineer is the connecting link between the disciplines in a project, which are sometimes very different. Systems engineers think along the line of the entire system, independent of software, hardware, or other specific views. The development of large systems in which many different disciplines participate requires holistic lines of thinking. This means that the requirements and structures of a system are looked at totally detached from the knowledge of specific details. The entire lifecycle from the idea to the disposal is planned to develop a system that fulfills the wishes of all participants. The Unified Modeling Language (UMLTM) is a modeling language from this field. It has established itself as a worldwide standard. What systems engineering has been lacking is a standardized modeling language. This situation will change with the new Systems Modeling Language (OMG SysMLTM). SysML is based on UML and is supported by leading organizations from the systems engineering industry, including the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE).