A new systems engineering structured assurance methodology for complex systems

• Published in: Reliability engineering & system safety 2019-03, Vol.183, p.298-310
• Main Authors: Farnell, G.P., Saddington, A.J., Lacey, L.J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Assurance; Complex; Complex systems; Control systems; Engineering; Fighter aircraft; Life cycle engineering; Life cycles; Methodology; Pragmatism; Reliability engineering; Safety; Structured assurance; Supply chains; Systems; Systems engineering
• ISSN: 0951-8320; 1879-0836
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ress.2018.11.024

•We present a methodology to achieve assurance in novel and complex systems•The methodology is called ‘systems engineering structured assurance’•It offers a means to optimise the relationship between stakeholders•It bridges the gaps in engineering expertise and transformational systems knowledge As technology advances, systems behaviour becomes more difficult to predict and control, resulting in a lack of systems assurance across the supply chain. Here we describe a structured approach to address the assurance of complex systems developed and operated within highly regulated environments. The new approach is based on a methodology that can address both new and legacy systems, and influences system intervention. We propose an enterprise approach by observing the importance of all organisational contributions to a safe working system throughout the intended project life cycle. This research was catalysed by the need to address the certification of the F-35B stealth fighter for UK operations from 2012 onwards. We offer a pragmatic strategy to achieve systems control by adopting a holistic approach to systems engineering while promoting the development of an enabling environment that can determine system threats and enable appropriate controls. We propose a systematic coordination process to minimise the potential for ‘organisational drift’. This holistic approach to systems engineering and assurance is defined as ‘systems engineering structured assurance’. The methodology provides a confidence assessment for a particular product or system while remaining agnostic to regulatory constraints. The diligent completion of the methodology increases systems confidence and informs the regulatory environment.