Systems and Software Interface Working Group

Increase the relevance of systems engineering in software- and data- intensive organizations, programs and products through improved understanding and work products focused at the interfaces.

Working Group Purpose & Mission

Mission:

Increase the relevance of systems engineering in software- and data- intensive organizations and programs by

  • improving mutual understanding of what each discipline does, and the value provided
  • developing work products to address additional knowledge or capabilities for each discipline, how they work together, what they jointly design and build,  and how to honor respective accountabilities
  • focusing at the interfaces of systems and software engineering and related disciplines, where there are gaps, duplications, conflicts and missed opportunities (leverage and synergy) to drive value
people6

Transformation Enablers

TechOps Domain

26 Active

Members

(+67 Active Followers)

2012

Established


Chair

Jeannine Siviy


Scope

The Systems and Software Interfaces Working Group (SaSIWG) addresses interfaces between systems and software and data, including but not limited to organizational, operational, process, project, design, technical and product (or service).  "Data" is included in scope for its role in digital software and systems, and Data Science for its software development dimensions.

We span multiple sectors,  addressing with intention both those where systems engineering is familiar (e.g., aerospace, automotive) and those where it goes by other names (e.g., healthcare, e-commerce).

We use all relevant tools and techniques from our domain (e.g., modeling, systems thinking) and others (e.g., product, human centered design, storytelling) to analyze and smooth the interfaces and create relevant work product (e.g., ebooks, BoKs, other guidance).


Goals

The overarching objective of this WG is to generate actionable work products for INCOSE’s Corporate Advisory Board (CAB) members, in response to the systems-software interface challenge they identified as one of their top six needs and in alignment with the INCOSE Vision.

During the past year, we focused on themes of "Business Relevance" and "Data & Architecture," which led to our soon-to-be-launched ebook and was a springboard for a longer term holistic roadmap which serves as our frame to realize the following goals and achieve mission.  See the work product section for a roadmap summary.

Product & Outreach Goals
• Create 2+ publications/year, with at least 1 via a non-INCOSE channel (e.g., a relevant, accessible channel for software and data disciplines)
• Contribute to at least 2 Bodies of Knowledge or other reference guidance (BoKs, standards, reusable training, cases, and so forth)
• Organize or participate at least 2 community events to foster information exchange and relationship building across disciplines

Learning Goals
• Conduct up to 2 book clubs per year
• Launch and Conduct a monthly “Learn & Discuss” invited Speaker Series

Working Group Engagement Goals
• Engage 7 to 10 active members  (we have over 20!)
• Engage participants from software, data and "non-traditional" systems engineering sectors (such as finance, health, gig economy)
• Participate in 1 to 2 non-INCOSE events 
• Establish a CAB sponsor or liaison


Outcome & Impact Goals: As our product portfolio expands, we will define measures, baseline and set targets

Outcomes

As our product portfolio expands, we will baseline and set goals for outcomes and impact. 

To move toward desirable outcomes, we have established target outputs that span people (roles), process and technical guidance: 

  • Business Relevance ebook (to be launched in early 2023)
  • Role Clarification across Systems, Software, Data (with attention also to Product, Business, HCD)
    • role relationships via social network analysis (WiP)
    • title-neutral role functions
    • communications gap closure
  • Kickstart Workshop for Systems-Software-Data Implementation
  • "Beer Game"* Style Simulation for Systems-Software-Data Roles
  • Ontology Patterns
  • Harmonized Architecture Case Studies
  • Data+Architecture Patterns

*the "Beer Game" is a supply chain simulation used in MBA programs and industrial training settings.  We envision a corollary simulation or gamification experience for Digital settings.

IW23: International Workshop Focus

 

At IW, we will hold an open house session to share

  • our Business Relevance eBook and storytelling journey,
  • our current roadmap and active subteam effort on Role Relationships and Social Network Analysis and
  • opportunities to engage with us

 

Planned Activities

  • Monthly Meetings are held 2nd Thursday of each month, noon ET
  • Book Club Meetings are held alternate Thursdays
  • Subteam meetings are scheduled at the convenience of members

Planned Work Products

In final production:
  • Business Relevance ebook (to be launched in early 2023)

In analysis, with specific work product format to be determined

  • Role Clarification across Systems, Software, Data (in context of Product, Business, HCD)
    • role relationships via social network analysis (WiP)
    • title-neutral role functions
    • communications gap closure

On roadmap

  • Kickstart Workshop for Systems-Software-Data Implementation
  • "Beer Game"* Style Simulation for Systems-Software-Data Roles
  • Ontology Patterns
  • Harmonized Architecture Case Studies
  • Data+Architecture Patterns
*the "Beer Game" is a supply chain simulation used in MBA programs and industrial training settings.  We envision a corollary simulation or gamification experience for Digital settings.

 

Yammer is INCOSE's social media platform for members. Use your INCOSE-issued Microsoft credential to login and join the conversation. INCOSE credentials are in the form of first.last@incose.net or first.last@incose.buzz.   

Contact Us