System requirements analysis: A management tool

Most of the equipment performance and data problems experienced on recent aerospace programs suggest inadequate consideration of performance and data requirements and the absence of a discipline to assure complete definition of system hardware and software elements. A system requirements analysis (SRA) technique is described which is a discipline for complete system definition and also provides a medium for effective program management. To demonstrate by example how this SRA technique provides thorough consideration of all program objectives, data management is considered as a unique system element relative to its influence on the definition of operational equipment and procedures. This includes assumption of scientific data objectives, as initiated by a principal investigator (PI). The SRA technique, as originally developed and subsequently refined, is intended for extremely complex systems. Since some of the efforts identified in the analysis procedures are not applicable to less complex systems, it is recommended that the procedures of MIL-STD-499, AFSCM 375–5, or the equivalent be adapted to the individual needs of each program. To provide an added degree of flexibility and increased assurance of program uniformity, the discussion presents a modified approach to the current analysis procedures. Although the analysis technique was developed for military programs, its flexibility permits adaptation to any commercial enterprise regardless of whether the end item product is equipment, service, or a computer program.