7. Systems Engineering Tasks and Products

Developing of a cohesive technical plan, requires engineering efforts to follow established guidance at each tier of the architecture, and is critical to achieve successful system engineering processes. A technical plan should establish the guidance and/or work instructions for the technical artifacts, so that a standards-based approach can be maintained across both small and large development, taking into account time, schedule and personnel turn-over. When guidance is established, it allows for management and tracking of activities at each development level ensuring system design and implementation meets development objectives. As the program progresses, refinement of technical guidance may occur. If so, it is critical that changes in guidance flows down efficiently to the entire engineering staff and that the new direction is followed. Although many optimizations can be found during development, it is important for Systems Engineering to watch closely for and to avoid unnecessary shortcuts during all technical engineering efforts, as each shortcut can lead to increased development and cost risks.