Improving System Maturity Assessments by Incorporating a Design Structure Matrix

Abstract

This paper evaluates a design structure matrix (DSM) as a new approach for assessing the system readiness level (SRL) of complex systems. A framework to demonstrate how a current SRL calculation method can be incorporated into the DSM tool is presented to demonstrate the benefits of DSMs for improved confidence in system readiness assessments. A cross-comparison of the modeled system readiness results obtained with a current SRL approach with nesting assumptions and the proposed DSM approach suggests that the DSM approach provides more accurate results and may be more practical for complex system analysis. The application of the DSM approach to a real-world example is also presented to demonstrate how a DSM framework facilitates the decision-making process for system readiness assessment by providing a more evidence-based maturity assessment for complex systems. The DSM approach discussed in this research can be easily adopted by program managers and practitioners for a wide range of complex systems and system architectures with multiple subsystem components.