TdSE 2020: Mastering complexity through systems engineering

The Day of Systems Engineering (TdSE), the annual event of the Society for Systems Engineering (GfSE), began yesterday. This year, the conference is taking place online due to corona. Even if this poses major organizational challenges for the organizers, it still makes the conference a good deal more accessible. On the one hand, this makes traveling unnecessary, on the other hand, the tickets are a good deal cheaper than usual.by the way, I will actively participate in the event myself and moderate the SysML track on Friday morning.

The motto of the event is: Mastering complexity through systems engineering. In the following, I will summarize how the organizers came up with this motto and what it means for GfSE.

TdSE 2020 virtual

As with the ProStep ivip Symposium This year, the organizers of the TdSE had their own studio (see picture), from which Christian Tschirner moderated the conference. The opening keynote was also given by Walter Koch in the studio.

For participants, there was a login-protected area with a lounge, sponsor areas and more. Somewhat annoying: The system does not support multiple open tabs. This means, for example, that it is not possible to ask a sponsor a question and discuss in the lounge at the same time. In the conference software itself (WebEx), the chat history was lost after a restart. But these are teething problems that we can certainly live with.

Mastering complexity

In his opening keynote, Walter Koch sensitized us to the topic of complexity using the example of home entertainment and development in the automotive sector. In 1950 we had a single television program, today we have hundreds of programs that form a complex system with players, smartphones, receivers and much more. However, I am convinced that all viewers are confronted with complexity every day in their working lives. This is certainly one of the main reasons for being a GfSE member and attending the conference.

The next question was what we actually mean by "control", because there are different interpretations here. But in concrete terms, we usually mean "keep under control". Until not too long ago, this wasn't too much of a problem. However, since the advent of software in product development, complexity has increased faster than the means to control product complexity can keep up. That is a challenge. How can systems engineering help here?

A challenge not only in product development

We need to take a step back here, because we encounter the problem of complexity not only in product development, but also in socio-technical and social systems. Wherever there are more elements involved that influence each other, we face this challenge. This includes, for example, management in companies or society through the influence of politicians.

The last examples clearly show why a new tool, or even a new language (keyword: SysML) cannot be the solution. This is important because many of those affected all too often suggest this as an answer.

A fool with a tool is still a fool

Experienced systems engineers have long known this: There is no success without mastering the methods.

... no end in sight

So we have a problem (increasing complexity). There is no end in sight. We have to swallow two bitter truths here:

• The increase in complexity will not stop for the time being
• Not everyone learns and masters SE methods and languages

Even if we call ourselves engineers, we have to understand that it is not engineering that is at the forefront and can solve these challenges. The problem is bigger. That's why we need Systems thinking. This is a discipline that is also relevant outside of systems engineering, but unfortunately is not (yet) widely taught.

The solution

Unfortunately, there is no magic pill or shortcut to solve this problem. Instead, we need suitable training programs. And this brings us full circle back to the GfSE and the TdSE. After all, the TdSE is an open and affordable event that democratizes systems engineering. In addition to the TdSE, the GfSE itself organizes many other activities that ensure the dissemination of systems thinking. These include research projects. working groups, student competitions and much more.

At this point, Walter Koch once again expressly called on everyone to get actively involved in the GfSE. The non-profit association has now grown to over 800 members. Anyone who would like to make an active contribution is welcome.

Register quickly for TdSE 2020

This article will be published on the second day of the TdSE 2020, November 19, 2020. register quicklyAnd since it's a virtual event, everyone has a front row seat. And don't forget: On Friday, November 20, 2020, I will be moderating the SysML track with Sanford Friedenthal, Tim Weilkiens and many other experts.

Image source: TdSE 2020