2005 PRICE INSight
PRICE Research Addressing New Challenges Introduced by System of Systems (SoS) Development
DoD has migrated from a platform-based acquisition strategy to a capabilities-based strategy. A System of Systems (SoS) approach that calls for integrating groups of systems into one impacts how suppliers do business. Standard system development practices are still necessary but insufficient to meet SoS needs.
Software Requirements Intensify SoS Challenges
DoD and other developers of large systems face unprecedented planning and control challenges in the development and fielding of SoS projects. The fact that a System of Systems tends to be heavily dependent on software only intensifies the challenges. Examples such as the Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) and Network Centric Warfare demand a thorough understanding of all issues associated with large-scale software integrations across multiple hardware platforms.
New activities are required and must be properly planned at the concept, design, integration, testing and program management levels. There is an obvious need for project planners to understand the risks and pitfalls associated with SoS integrations. Because of the newness of the technology, very little historical data is available to help them.
PRICE Methodology Will Provide Strategy for SoS Cost and Management Challenges
PRICE Research, led by Chief Scientist Arlene Minkiewicz, is developing methodology for planning and tracking costs and effort throughout an SoS development. Our approach puts emphasis on the issues associated with evolutionary builds and on-going integrations. While the methodology focuses on predicting cost and effort, it also elaborates on the steps required for successful integration and testing of systems, providing a strategy for SoS project success.
PRICE System's engagements on several fronts in the Government sector drive our ongoing research to develop Cost Estimating Relationships for SoS activities. Our available TruePlanning® cost estimating framework makes possible SoS modeling in one breakdown structure.
Stay tuned to PRICE INSight for exciting developments in overcoming SoS costing challenges.
Click here to view presentation on "Cost and Management Challenges of System of Systems".
