A framework for reusing systems engineering products

As budgetary pressure on large complex systems continues to increase, the interest in reusing systems engineering products is emerging. Reuse is the idea of leveraging previously developed products (i.e., hardware, software, designs, outcomes of a process) into a new application for purposes of improving project attributes such as quality, cost, schedule, or risk. While reuse is well documented and commonly practiced in the domains of software and product-line development, limited research has been performed on the (deliberate or accidental) reuse of systems engineering products. This paper classifies such products as those generated as outputs of both the systems engineering process, including architecture elements, requirements, test plans, and interface specifications, as well as the overall system design process. Through reuse, systems engineers may not need to repeat certain development activities associated with these products, potentially reducing effort, or obtaining schedule/risk benefits through the utilization of heritage products. To begin addressing the topic of reuse from a systems engineering perspective, this paper presents a generalized framework for the reuse of systems engineering products; documenting the key considerations, activities, and resources necessary for effective reuse. Building on insight from systems engineering practitioners and previous work by the authors on systems engineering cost estimation, the framework is intended to serve as a tool for planning, executing, and managing reuse activities, as well as identifying reuse opportunities. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals. Inc. Syst Eng 16: