How do you conduct a successful Systems Engineering review?

1 Define the scope and objectives

The first step is to define the scope and objectives of the SER. You need to identify what system or subsystem you are reviewing, what lifecycle phase it is in, and what criteria you will use to evaluate its performance, functionality, and compliance. You also need to determine the purpose and expected outcomes of the SER, such as identifying gaps, validating requirements, verifying design, or approving transition. The scope and objectives of the SER should be aligned with the stakeholder expectations and the Systems Engineering plan.

2 Establish the team and roles

The second step is to establish the team and roles for the SER. You need to select the participants, reviewers, and facilitators for the SER, and assign them specific tasks and responsibilities. The participants are the people who present the system or subsystem to the reviewers. The reviewers are the people who evaluate the system or subsystem against the criteria. The facilitators are the people who coordinate and moderate the SER process. The team and roles for the SER should be defined and communicated clearly to ensure a smooth and effective collaboration.

3 Prepare the materials and agenda

The third step is to prepare the materials and agenda for the SER. You need to collect and organize the relevant documentation, data, models, and artifacts that support the system or subsystem presentation and evaluation. You also need to create and distribute the agenda for the SER, which outlines the topics, timeframes, formats, and logistics of the SER sessions. The materials and agenda for the SER should be comprehensive, consistent, and concise to enable a thorough and efficient review.

4 Conduct the sessions and capture feedback

The fourth step is to conduct the sessions and capture feedback for the SER. You need to follow the agenda and facilitate the interaction between the participants and the reviewers. You also need to record and document the feedback, comments, questions, and findings from the reviewers. The feedback may include positive aspects, negative aspects, recommendations, action items, or risks. The sessions and feedback for the SER should be respectful, constructive, and objective to ensure a fair and accurate assessment.

5 Analyze and report the results

The fifth step is to analyze and report the results of the SER. You need to review and consolidate the feedback, comments, questions, and findings from the reviewers. You also need to summarize and communicate the results of the SER, which may include the status, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, or issues of the system or subsystem. The results may also indicate the readiness, maturity, or suitability of the system or subsystem for the next phase of the lifecycle. The analysis and report of the SER should be clear, concise, and actionable to enable informed decision making.

6 Implement and track the actions

The sixth and final step is to implement and track the actions from the SER. You need to prioritize and assign the actions, recommendations, or issues from the SER to the relevant stakeholders or teams. You also need to monitor and report the progress and completion of the actions, and verify that they have addressed the feedback, comments, questions, or findings from the reviewers. The implementation and tracking of the actions from the SER should be timely, effective, and transparent to ensure continuous improvement and closure.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?