Definition, classification, and methodological issues of system of systems

Abstract

This thesis presents a systems view of production, where production systems are compared and contrasted with other large and complex systems, commonly labeled System of Systems (SoS). The rationale for this approach lies in the evolution of production systems towards being holistic, sustainable, and agile; which increases the need for an improved understanding of both how internal system are interrelated, and how the production system interacts with its environment. In turn, this leads to an increase of complexity for the production system, which leads to new requirements on systems engineering.The definition of SoS is extensively discussed, and in this thesis formalized with regards to certain system characteristics that SoS exhibit. The presence of these characteristics is evaluated for three different levels of production systems to determine if they should be considered SoS. In the second part of the thesis, the SoS characteristics are addressed from an engineering point of view, i.e. if and how SoS properties are currently addressed in production systems engineering.Two main results are presented in this thesis: (1) production systems exhibit SoS characteristics; (2) SoS characteristics are not and cannot be addressed with current systems engineering methods. How SoS characteristics can be addressed is briefly discussed in the frame of reference.An additional purpose of this thesis is to initiate a new research area where production systems research and complex systems research are merged.