Technical Products

Technical Product Pipeline

Last Updated: August 6, 2024

Project Requests and Pitches

Identifying and Overcoming Barriers to Integrating Systems Engineering in Enterprise Culture

Description: In the pursuit of program and project success, we can no longer prioritize group methodologies over system architecture and resulting enterprise methodology, enabling siloed activity to hinder overall performance. Systems engineering is a crucial discipline for successfully developing and managing complex systems, but many organizations face significant hurdles when attempting to integrate systems engineering practices into their workflows. The Embedding Systems Engineering Into Organizations Working Group (WG) explores the reasons that enterprises have not integrated systems engineering principles into their organizational culture. Systems engineering is inherently cross-organizational and integrated, whereas enterprises can fall short of achieving this level of cohesion. Recognizing this disparity is key to finding the connection and bridge between an organization's ability to implement systems engineering and effective enterprise culture. Therefore, this project aims to identify and explore the common themes, roadblocks, and hazards that organizations encounter during the implementation of systems engineering. By exploring the experiences of various organizations, we will develop a comprehensive list of likely problems, such as the intimidation factor associated with systems engineering terminology, resistance to change, lack of resources, and difficulties in aligning systems engineering with existing processes. The WG proposes to produce a report (potentially 15 pages) describing the common problem themes associated with embedding Systems Engineering into an organization, and also produce a summary for Section 5 of SEBok, to give insights and guidance for organizations seeking to enhance their systems engineering capabilities. After the definition of the challenges, the WG will propose potential solutions and best practices to overcome these obstacles and successfully adopt systems engineering methodologies. Hopefully the current work on the problems, and the “ideas” for solution guidance will be the subject of a paper for IS2025.

Project Lead: Jo Vassallo

Proposal Submission

Systems Engineering Reference Enterprise Architecture (SEREA) for Systems Life Cycle Management

Description: The SEREA proposes a reference enterprise architecture model that exploits the possibilities of UAF in order to connect the “Drivers” with the “Capabilities” and the Stakeholder Requirements of systems of systems, systems and supporting systems. This Reference Architecture is meant to be used by Enterprises to create a reference resources architecture (first level of tailoring). From this later architecture the projects of the enterprise are meant to tailor a project resources architecture (second level of tailoring).
Start Date: June 2024 | Completion Date (Expected): November 2025 | Project Lead: Hugo Ormo

In Development

MBSE Cheat Sheet for Managers

Description: This concise guide will demystify Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) for business and non-technical managers across various industries. This collaborative effort between NAFEMS and INCOSE aims to explain the value of MBSE, its key concepts, and practical applications in complex system development. The guide will cover essential topics such as the definition of MBSE, its benefits, common use cases, implementation strategies, and required skills. By providing clear, accessible information and links to more in-depth resources, this "cheat sheet" will empower managers to understand and support MBSE initiatives within their organizations, ultimately contributing to more effective digital transformation efforts in systems engineering..
Start Date: August 2023 | Completion Date (Expected): December 2024 | Project Lead: Phyllis Marbach

Decision Analysis Data Model

Description: The Decision Analysis Data Model (DADM) is a cutting-edge, model-based framework designed to bring consistency and clarity to decision making. Developed by the Decision Analysis Working Group (DAWG) to align with the INCOSE Vision 2035, the DADM empowers practitioners to make data-driven decisions, promoting trusted digital collaboration, and fostering reuse practices. The DADM features conceptual and logical data models that define the data and interactions required for a quality decision analysis, as well as the INCOSE recommended process for conducting that analysis.
Project Lead: Devon Clark

Digital Engineering: Practical Considerations for Implementation across the System Lifecycle

Description: The adoption of digital engineering processes is being accelerated by the increasing use of digital technologies, the growing demand for software-based solutions to address complex business problems, and the proliferation of internet-connected devices, platforms, and systems. The pace of development in Digital Engineering has led to an explosion of ideas and new practices in how it can support Engineering requirements, architectures, design, manufacturing, deployment, and sustainment. The rapid pace of the adoption of digital engineering has also led to a lack of agreement and understanding of purpose, outcomes, activities, and terms. This document will provide key digital engineering definitions, considerations, and activities across the systems lifecycle to engineering practitioners.
Start Date: October 2023 | Completion Date (Expected): December 2024 | Project Lead: Darryl Howell

A Primer on Artificial Intelligence and the Role of Systems Engineering

Description: INCOSE membership at large who are interested in learning about artificial intelligence, its capabilities, and the role that systems engineering needs to take to both leverage and advance AI.
Start Date: September 2020 | Completion Date (Expected): TBD | Project Lead: Ali K. Raz

Application Guide for Systems Engineering in the Infrastructure Domain

Description: The SE Handbook defines the DSE processes overall on a high and abstract level, but does not provide guidance nor examples to the audience on how to apply SE in domains like Infrastructure. One (1) Word document, to be written, intended to complement the 5th edition of the SE Handbook. A paragraph for the Infrastructure Domain in the 5th edition of the SE Handbook will reference the
Application Guide.
Start Date: March 2022 | Completion Date (Expected): TBD | Project Lead: Marcel van de Ven

Systems Engineering Quality Management Primer

Description: SEQM is based on a body of knowledge that exists outside INCOSE, originated by quality leaders including Edwards Demming, Philip Crosby and Joseph Juran. More recently the Quality Management Institute, founded by Larry Kennedy, a protege of Philip Crosby, has developed the ideas and approach further. The SEQM Primer is designed to given an overview of SEQM, as a leadership discipline, and show the applicability of quality management leadership attributes to systems engineering workflows and processes.
Start Date: August 2021 | Completion Date (Expected): TBD | Project Lead: Barclay Brown

Knowledge Map

Description: INCOSE needs to be able to identify areas of knowledge & skills to be able to connect people and groups with specific knowledge and skills. By connecting people, INCOSE will be able to grow these areas of knowledge to advance Systems Engineering. When looking at workgroup integration, people with similar interests need to be able to find each other.
Start Date: August 2020 | Completion Date (Expected): TBD | Project Lead: Eric Burgers

Under Review

Agile Systems Engineering Decision Guidance Method

Description: Applying system engineering in accordance with the precepts of Agile is a relatively new practice except in direct support of software development efforts. Deciding when and where to apply Agile Systems principles and practices in a systems engineering project lifecycle requires insight into behavior in practices and culture that span the customer operational space, the development environment space, and the solution architecture space itself. Specifically, a team or organization needs a working understanding of the dynamics of these three spaces as well as its own capability to respond to those dynamics in order to effectively identify and implement targeted improvements to its operating strategies and practices.
Start Date: August 2022 | Completion Date (Expected): August 2024 | Project Lead: Ron Lyells

Formatting

Guide to ISO/IEC/IEEE 42020

Description: The ISO/IEC/IEEE 42020 standard elaborates on architecture processes compatible with the Architecture Definition process contained in ISO/IEC/IEEE 152882015 and ISO/IEC/IEEE 122072015. In order to adopt the 42020 standard in an organization, additional effort for adapting the outcomes, work products, activities and tasks in accordance with the needs of the organization will be required. Some parts of the standard are conceptual in nature and customization is desirable in order to deal with the different architecture domains (such as the enterprise, systems, services and software domains) for use by a broad range of managers, architects and other stakeholders involved in these practices.
Start Date: January 2021 | Completion Date (Expected): August 2024 | Project Lead: Anand Kumar

INCOSE Systems Engineering Competency Framework Version 2

Description: With the recent publication of the INCOSE Systems Engineering Competency Assessment Guide (SECAG), the associated INCOSE Systems Engineering Competency Framework published in 2018 is out of date. An updated version of the Framework will be developed and made available in the INCOSE store as a Version 2 edition.
Start Date: November 2023 | Completion Date (Expected): May 2024 | Project Lead: Ian Presland

Technical Production Information

Technical Products Plans

Working groups are encouraged to submit their technical product plans to the Impactful Products Committee (IPC). Once the proposal is approved, the working group develops their technical products. Use your INCOSE account to click here and fillout the Technical Product Plan (TPP).

Help Shape INCOSE's Future!

Become a technical reviewer and evaluate upcoming INCOSE products, publications, tools, and models. Your expertise will ensure quality and keep you at the forefront of systems engineering. Apply here.

Technical Review and Publication Assistance

Upon completion of the product, the working group resubmits it to the Impactful Products Committee for a thorough technical review. If approved, INCOSE provides assistance with formatting, marketing, and publication distribution.

TPP Submissions and Question

For submissions or any questions regarding the technical product process, please contact Christian Sprague, Technical Project Manager, at [email protected], or Dean Norfleet, Assistant Director of Technical Information, at [email protected].

Technical Product Office Hours

Office Hours provide an opportunity for teams to seek guidance, ask questions, and receive support from appropriate INCOSE leadership. We encourage teams to come to office hours to:

Clarify aspects of the publication process
Discuss challenges you're facing in your project
Receive advice on content development
Explore potential collaborations or additional resources
Get feedback on your progress or ideas

Schedule: Office Hours are held every Tuesday (except for holidays), with times rotating on a four-week cycle to accommodate the international nature of INCOSE:

First Tuesday of the Month: 12:00 UTC (8:00 AM ET) (download calendar invite)
Second Tuesday of the Month: 14:00 UTC (10:00 AM ET) (download calendar invite)
Third Tuesday of the Month: 20:00 UTC (4:00 PM ET) (download calendar invite)
Fourth Tuesday of the Month: 01:00 UTC (Next day) (9:00 PM ET) (download calendar invite)

This rotating schedule help ensure that team members from different time zones have regular opportunities to participate.