Systems Engineering 2021 in Germany - a study
For the second time, Prozesswerk and the Gesellschaft für Systems Engineering (GfSE) are publishing a study on systems engineering in Germany. Reason enough for the readers of SE-Trends to take a look inside. In addition to current findings from 2021, the comparison with the 2018 study also makes it possible to identify trends. Below are the most important findings from the current study:
The study
As a non-profit organization, the GfSE naturally like studies like this one, which Download area of the process plant are available. The richly illustrated studies are only 13 and 15 pages long and are a quick read.
The framework that the study uses for structuring is helpful for decision-makers. This is based on approaches from NASA, INCOSE and GfSE. Responsibilities are allocated according to the questions of who, what and how.
The interaction of clearly assigned responsibility (who?), defined activities (what?), a structured approach (how?) and the appropriate use of tools (with what?) is key.
SE study 2021
In a comparison with the old study, respondents rate processes and methods much higher in 2021, while organization and tools have only increased slightly. Unfortunately, the study lacks concrete figures. Instead, there is only a bar chart without a reasonable scale.
Complexity as a driver
Of the six drivers identified for remained Complexity with 84% remained by far the number one in the two studies (multiple answers were possible).
Interestingly, the issue of traceability has decreased (from 51% to 41%). I'm not really surprised by this: Traceability is a means to an end to achieve something, for example compliance or agility (through better change management). Ironically, the report also mentions the importance of Modelingwhich implicitly enables extensive traceability.
Conflict management is critical
It has long been recognized that systems engineering is a strategic issue. Accordingly, the participants see management as being responsible. It is difficult to compare the studies here, as the 2021 study further subdivides into top management and middle management.
The realization that existing employees need to undergo further training is also rather unchanged. Hiring new employees with the desired specialist knowledge is desirable, but unrealistic on a large scale.
In the 2021 study, it is striking that 74% of respondents rated conflict management as "very important". This is remarkable, as conflict management does not appear at all in the 2018 study.
Only experienced modelers desired
The survey also looks at skills. It is a pity that only four are considered here: Norms and standards, agile methods, modeling with SysML and dealing with requirements.
This list seems somewhat arbitrary to me. In particular, it is unclear whether the interviewees actually need the skills in their company. Quite provocatively, not every product requires modeling, and if it does, there are many other notations besides SysML.
The answer regarding modeling in particular reveals a major problem: Teams are urgently looking for employees with several years of experience. But if there is no need for inexperienced modelers, where should they come from?
Conclusion
The 2021 study confirms what I have already written here several times: Complexity is a key driver for systems engineering. The study is a helpful tool for all stakeholders in systems engineering to assess their own status and plan implementation.
Photo by Christian Lue on Unsplash
