9. Systems Engineering

Unlike the first cars, which essentially have been mechanical systems, nowadays cars have become very complex mechatronic systems that integrate sub-systems created in a synergy between people from different domains such as mechanical engineering, software engineering and electric and electronics (E/E). This fact has increased product complexity in the last decades and therefore the product development complexity. Complexity is multidimensional and consists of product, process, organizational, market as well as use complexity. A methodology for mastering complexity is Systems Engineering, which actually means applying systems thinking to tackle the challenges of creating complex products. The focus of this chapter is providing a deep understanding of systems engineering (SE) as well as a rough recommendation for companies that might be interested in implementing SE. Thus concepts for implementation are proposed. As an entry point, the context of product creation is presented with the challenges that are linked to. The need of appropriate methods is emphasized and the application of SE is motivated. In order to present SE as it is applied in the practice, SE processes are described in detail and the artifacts of the different steps are highlighted. For performing the processes described, SE tools and methods are presented. The important role that the company organization and the project management both play for SE projects as well as SE success factors are highlighted. Additionally, a proposal for an introduction process for SE is elaborated. A selection of functional features that can provide a cutting-edge advantage when practicing SE are presented and discussed. Two case studies are illustrated in order to provide real applications of SE and therefore an additional orientation for SE implementation. The relation between SE and Concurrent Engineering is addressed and some future challenges of SE are identified.