A Framework for Enterprise Systems Engineering Processes

In this paper, we describe how traditional systems engineering processes, such as those delineated in the ANSI//EIA 632 standard, are becoming inadequate for today’s complex systems, in which there is a rich set of interconnections and interrelationships between all of the systems in an enterprise. We further suggest that a new discipline (or an extension of the old discipline) is developing in response, called Enterprise Systems Engineering (ESE). We next explain some salient characteristics of complex adaptive systems and motivate how these properties, such as variation, interaction, and selection can be used to shape the evolution of the enterprise. We outline five important new processes: Technology Planning, Capability-Based Engineering Analysis, Enterprise Architecture, Strategic Technical Planning, and Enterprise Analysis and Assessment that can be used to exercise a degree of control beyond that which can be afforded by traditional means.