Why Use Systems Engineering on Your Project?

The primary benefit of doing systems engineering is that it will reduce the risk of schedule and cost overruns and will provide a system of higher integrity. Other benefits include:

1. better system documentation
2. higher level of stakeholder participation
3. system functionality that meets stakeholders’ expectation
4. potential for shorter project cycles
5. systems that can evolve with a minimum of redesign and cost
6. higher level of system reuse
7. more predictable outcomes from projects

Many studies show the importance of using systems engineering principles. These reports document how using systems engineering principles has reduced the risks of project overruns and schedule delays when applied correctly.  The Systems Engineering Guidebook resources include several good studies of the value of systems engineering including: 1) The Standish Group “Chaos” study, 2) NASA studies, and 3) the INCOSE Center of Excellence “Value of Systems Engineering” study.