Systems engineering is a structured, interdisciplinary approach that guides the design, development, operation, and eventual retirement of complex systems.
A system is made up of various interconnected elements—such as hardware, software, facilities, personnel, and processes—that collectively deliver a required capability or meet a specific need.
The overall performance and value of a system depend not just on the individual components, but on how they interact and work together as a whole.
This approach focuses on understanding the bigger picture, helping ensure that stakeholder requirements are met throughout the system’s life span while staying within budget, time, and resource limitations.
Ultimately, systems engineering offers a logical, disciplined way to manage complexity and control costs over the life cycle of a system.