Always in control of your project with Systems Engineering

The biggest challenge in any large-scale project is maintaining control over the entire process from start to finish. For a successful result, it is crucial that all parties work together perfectly, that the flow of information is clearly channeled and that the progress of the project is carefully monitored. Not an easy task, but Systems Engineering can help you with that.

The importance of Systems Engineering

At its core, Systems Engineering (SE) involves responsibly recording and implementing customer and system requirements, making clear agreements and sharing information. This approach helps prevent misunderstandings, failure costs, delays and damage claims. And not to forget: SE often results in a final product that better meets the customer's needs.

When starting with SE, the initial focus is on writing and managing requirements, as well as establishing and strictly following processes. Then, it is often applied in making design choices explicit. But the more you work with it, the more you will ultimately apply system architecture. This architecture captures the coherence of the entire system, considering the needs, usage and necessary functionalities, as well as the evaluation of system concepts and their applications. This way, you continuously maintain focus on the integrality of the system and meet the needs of both the customer and the end user.

Meet expert Paul Schreinemakers

Someone who knows everything about Systems Engineering is Paul Schreinemakers from How2SE. He is certified as an ESEP (Expert Systems Engineering Professional) and he likes to share his knowledge in the PAOTM courses Introduction to Systems Engineering and System Architecture and Integral Design with SE.

With his many years of experience in civil engineering, aerospace, defense and industrial sectors, Paul has built up enormous knowledge and skills, which he likes to apply with clients and pass on to course participants. Paul was one of the founders of Systems Engineering in the Netherlands and made a significant contribution to the development of the ‘Leidraad Systems Engineering’, the Dutch guideline for SE in rail, water and road infrastructure. For Paul, SE is the balanced combination of process, content, and competencies.

SE applied in the extension of the Rotterdam - Hoek van Holland metro line

At the end of March 2023, the long-awaited extension of the Rotterdam - Hoek van Holland metro line was put into operation. After the construction and transformation of the Rotterdam - Hoek van Holland train connection into a metro line, a long commissioning process had to be completed. Therefore, for the extension of the route, a more intensive use of System Engineering was chosen from the start, with the assistance of How2SE. Together with the project team and the contractor, How2SE was able to lay the foundation for verification and ensure traceability.

Want to learn more about the further application of SE?

Then check out the course Introduction to Systems Engineering or the in-depth Dutch course System architecture and integral design with SE led by Paul Schreinemakers.

Photo: Sneeuwvlakte, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons