The main points from this module are:
A system basically is a set of entities that when put together gives the desired output. so An Engineering System is basically a collection of various entities that when put together, gives you the desired output.
We need to have a systematic approach for designing systems because a systematic approach will reduce errors and reduce the failures of the engineering systems and ensure that it actually produces the desired output.When airbags were introduced in the 1990s, this safety device actually became a cause of death for a noticeable number of individuals.
Ariane 5, the launch vehicle developed by European Space Agency, was first launched on June 4, 1996, with 4 satellites on board. At 37 seconds into the flight, Ariane 5 veered off course and disintegrated.
Space shuttle Columbia Disintegrates on February 1, 2003.
To define System Engineering, basically, it is a top-down lifecycle approach to the design, development, and deployment of large scale systems, processes, or operations to meet the affective needs of users and stakeholders in a cost-effective high-quality way.Natural systems are existing in nature. Then we have the artificial systems which are basically man-made. So, in the manmade system, we can classify them into many classes depending on the complexity and human involvement.
Characteristics of a system whose development test and applications require the practice of system engineering are:The system is an engineered product and hence satisfies a specified need.The system consists of diverse components that have intricate relationships with one another and hence are multi-disciplinary and relatively complex.The system uses advanced technologies that are central to the performance of its primary functions.Some of the examples for such systems are the man-made satellite aircraft auto assembly plant railway reservation system.
There are 6 levels of technical dimension for any engineering system. There are technical and social dimensions for an engineering system.
There are three major processes that are used for product or system development. The first one is known as a stage-gate or water.System engineers are problem solvers. The characteristics of a good system engineer are:Intelligent and creative.Good decision-makers.Eighty (80) percent of a project's cost is locked in by the first 3 phases in the Life Cycle and only 20 percent of the cost is actually accounted for in the remaining phases. The Life Cycle impact of the system and how the system engineering process takes place ensures the timely and quality delivery of the outputs.