What is Systems Engineering?

The International Council of Systems Engineers uses the following definition for “systems engineering”:
Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary approach and means to enable the realization of successful systems. It focuses on defining customer needs and required functionality early in the development cycle, documenting requirements, and then proceeding with design synthesis and system validation while considering the complete problem:

1. Operations
2. Cost & Schedule
3. Performance
4. Training & Support
5. Test
6. Manufacturing
7. Disposal

Systems Engineering integrates all the disciplines and specialty groups into a team effort forming a structured development process that proceeds from concept to production to operation. Systems Engineering considers both the business and the technical needs of all customers with the goal of providing a quality product that meets the user needs.