The Technology Readiness Analysis of Electronic Information System

Abstract

Based on the synopsis of electronic information system and technology readiness theory, this paper puts forward the technology readiness model and the technology readiness levels of electronic information system, sets forth a series of technology readiness criteria, gives an application of technology readiness assessment to one information processing system, and introduces the relevant measures such as strengthening overall scheme, reinforcing assessment basis and consolidating process management. This will benefit the further technology improvement of electronic information system. Introduction Along with the rising of independent innovation mode, the application of a great deal advanced and novel technology has accelerated the rapid progress of electronic information system, and brought system development a lot of unexpectedness. Technology Readiness (TR) is the maturity state and extent of one technology after investigation, exploitation, validation and application. Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is the partition and metric of the technology maturity state during the process of rationale foundation, technology investigation, test validation and engineering application, which indicates the technology mastery degree and application level. Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) is an approach that quantitively measures and evaluates the fulfillment extent of technology with respect to engineering project goal, and it is helpful to carry out the identification and control of technology risk [1][2]. Technology Readiness theory has widely been applied to equipment development and related technology assessment since the birth on seventies of twenty century. It is the important tool that could accelerate technology maturity, ensure development quality and support milestone decision. (1) It can enhance the management of system technology state. (2) It can strengthen technology programming management and help to establish evolution road map of engineering technology. (3) It can improve the schedule management via the actualization and supervision of technology evolution by the comparison between present and target technology state. Technology Readiness theory aims at the technology conception, technology state and technology capabilities according to standardized metrics and grades so as to ascertain and improve the maturity extent of relevant technologies during the system construction. Technology Readiness Model The engineering process of electronic information system generally includes user demands, scheme design, primary system and testing, formal system and testing, system finalization and system operation phases. The Technology Readiness Model of electronic information system is shown in Figure 1. In addition, the analysis steps of system TR are usually as follows. (1) Establishment of TRL demands. TRL demands are generally derived from operational needs of electronic information system, and thus TRL plan is formulated so as to establish personnel arrangement, work assignment, schedule node and outcome modality. (2) Identification of critical technology elements. Critical technology elements are identified via work breakdown structure. The key extent of system technology mainly lies in the significance and 4th International Conference on Computer, Mechatronics, Control and Electronic Engineering (ICCMCEE 2015) © 2015. The authors Published by Atlantis Press 852 difficulty level, and the related TRL objective should be made certain with respect to each development phases. (3) Listing of TRA criteria. TRA criteria are practically thought over and set out in detail. And project team need make sure the assignment and requirements of critical technology investigation, and achieve technology evolvement in the light of technology maturity rules, so as to arrive at the target level from present level. (4) TRA implementation. TRAs are implemented before milestones such as scheme, formal system and finalization phase reviews, so that the development state of each critical technology can be exactly grasped and properly managed. (5) TRA report. TRA report is compiled and referred to organization department that concerns task situation, assessment result and related suggestions so as to assist the decision of project phase transfer. (6) TRL improvement. In respect to those technology items that have not achieved the demands of TRL, project team should set down the pertinent plan, and put it in practice after examination and approval to step up the related technology readiness of electronic information system.