- By “an integrated set,” means that a system, by definition, is composed of hierarchical levels of physical elements, entities, or components.
- By “interoperable elements,” we mean that elements within the system’s structure must be compatible with each other in form, fit, and function,
- By each element having “explicitly specified and bounded capabilities,” means that every element should work to accomplish some higher level goal or purposeful mission. System element contributions to the overall system performance must be explicitly specified. This requires that operational and functional performance capabilities for each system element be identified and explicitly bounded to a level of specificity that allows the element to be analyzed, designed, developed, tested, verified, and validated—either on a stand-alone basis or as part of the integrated system.
- By “working in synergistically,” means that the purpose of integrating the set of elements is to leverage the capabilities of individual element capabilities to accomplish a higher level capability that cannot be achieved as stand-alone elements.
- By “value-added processing,” means that factors such operational cost, utility, suitability, availability, and efficiency demand that each system operation and task add value to its inputs availability, and produce outputs that contribute to achievement of the overall system mission outcome and performance objectives.
- By “enable a user to predictably satisfy mission-oriented operational needs,” means that every system has a purpose (i.e., a reason for existence) and a value to the user(s). Its value may be a return on investment (ROI) relative to satisfying operational needs or to satisfy system missions and objectives.
- By “in a prescribed operating environment,” means that for economic, outcome, and survival reasons, every system must have a prescribed—that is, bounded—operating environment.
- By “with a specified outcome,” means that system stakeholders (Users, shareholders, owners, etc.) expect systems to produce results. The observed behavior, products, byproducts, or services, for example, must be outcome-oriented, quantifiable, measurable, and verifiable.
- By “and probability of success,” means that accomplishment of a specific outcome involves a degree of uncertainty or risk. Thus, the degree of success is determined by various performance factors such as reliability, dependability, availability, maintainability, sustainability, lethality, and survivability.
Kavungya answered the question on May 10, 2019 at 06:40