Systems Engineering Approach for Vehicle Specification

This paper discusses a practical use of the Systems Engineering Process as it is implemented in a Truck OEM. The process presented is focused on the Electrical and Electronics area, but can be applied to other systems on the vehicle and to the vehicle level requirements. Systems Engineering rationale is summarized based upon historical impacts and the application of Systems Engineering to address those impacts. Prior System Development Processes are reviewed in light of modern Systems Engineering approaches, leading to the synthesis of the Systems Engineering Documentation Set for the Vehicle and the Vehicle's Electrical and Electronic Systems. The analysis for this approach looks at the application of Systems Engineering Principles throughout the lifecycle of the vehicle, going beyond the boundaries of traditional requirements gathering and analysis.