The challenges of Systems Engineering
Systems Engineering (SE) is a proven method for developing complex (hard-and software) systems with multidisciplinary teams. It ensures that you make a high quality product that meets the demands of the customer or the business. We see that organizations that are switching to Systems Engineering are not always able to implement this improvement properly. The application of SE then feels slow with a lot of administrative work and does not promote cooperation between multiple disciplines. One of the reasons for this is the lack of good process-oriented methods to make hard-and software disciplines work together.
We combine product-oriented methods, such as Systems Engineering, and process-oriented methods, such as Lean and Agile, to develop the best products together with our customers. We not only look at development of process, but also at development of people and supporting software to make the work comfortable and reliable.
What is Lean Systems Engineering?
Lean Systems Engineering (LSE) is a philosophy in which Systems Engineering is enriched with the Lean-Agile mindset. It is an approach that suits the more iterative and ''Set based'' development of robust, high-quality solutions. LSE improves the interaction between different disciplines (e.g. hardware and software), the flow of the work and the way in which (sub)solutions are integrated and tested. This makes LSE an important success factor to be able to deliver high-quality solutions that meet customer requirements in an ever-changing world.
The 5 main points of Lean Systems Engineering
Value-driven development
It is not the technical solution to the problem, but the needs of stakeholders during the life cycle of the system, are the central topic enabling to focus on value.
Systems Thinking
The best solutions only arise if the complete system is taken into account as part of a larger system, the life cycle and all parties involved in the chain.
Achieving transparency
Applying Systems Engineering ensures transparent decision-making, traceable information and demonstrable work processes throughout the system’s life cycle.
Continuous learning and integration
Iteratively work in short sprints to get feedback earlier and learn faster. And parts of the solution integrate as early as possible to reduce the risks involved in system integration.
Agile collaboration
Interaction over processes
Solutions over documentation
Cooperation over contracts
Responding to change over following a plan
