Systems Engineering defines a large body of knowledge pertaining to the various
life-cycle phases of complex engineering projects. Clearly engaging with these
different aspects, of the project process, can greatly increase the
manageability reduce risks.
Systems Engineering Handbook: A guide for system life cycle processes and
activities, 4th edition.
However, for any stakeholders engaged in an SE managed project, it is useful to
see a tangible summary of the distinct processes (and the acronyms) that may be
used and followed during the project. This will provide context during the
engagement. It is common for the systems engineering team, to tailor the
oversight, by selecting a subset of these processes, and then adjusting the
level of detail and rigour according to the needs of the project.
To read this table note that:
outputs flow along the horizontals: an entry on the diagonal produces outputs
that flow via the “routing” cells in the same row.
inputs flow along the verticals: an entry on the diagonal consumes inputs
that flow via the “routing” cells in the same column.
See: INCOSE SE Handbook, Appendix D.
Process Categories
AP Agreement Processes
EP External Processes
OPEP Organisational Project-Enabling Processes
RP Tailoring Processes
TMP Technical Management Processes
TP Technical Processes
Process Abbreviations
ACQ Acquisition
BMA Business or mission analysis
CM Configuration management
DD Design definition
DISP Disposal
DM Decision management
EXT External inputs and outputs
HRM Human resource management
IMPL Implementation
INFOM Information management
INFRAM Infrastructure management
INT Integration
KM Knowledge management
LCMM Life cycle model management
MAINT Maintenance
MEAS Measurement
OPER Operation
PAC Project assessment and control
PM Portfolio management
PP Project planning
QA Quality assurance
QM Quality management
RM Risk management
SAD System architecture definition (Previously: AD Architecture definition)
SA System analysis
SNRD Stakeholder needs and requirements definition