How do you use systems engineering in facilities engineering?

1 Define the problem and the requirements

The first step in any systems engineering process is to identify and understand the problem that the facility needs to solve, and the requirements that the system must satisfy. This involves gathering and analyzing information from the users, customers, regulators, and other stakeholders, as well as from the existing or potential site, environment, and resources. You need to define the scope, objectives, constraints, assumptions, and risks of the project, and document them clearly and unambiguously.

2 Generate and evaluate alternative solutions

The next step is to generate and evaluate possible solutions that can meet the requirements and solve the problem. This involves brainstorming, researching, modeling, simulating, testing, and comparing different concepts, designs, architectures, and technologies that can be applied to the facility. You need to consider the technical, economic, social, environmental, and ethical aspects of each option, and weigh the trade-offs among them. You need to select the best solution based on the criteria and metrics that you have established.

3 Implement and verify the solution

The third step is to implement and verify the solution that you have chosen. This involves planning, scheduling, budgeting, procuring, constructing, installing, integrating, and commissioning the system components and subsystems that make up the facility. You need to follow the relevant standards, codes, regulations, and best practices that apply to the facility. You need to monitor, measure, and test the performance, functionality, reliability, safety, and quality of the system, and ensure that it meets the requirements and specifications.

4 Operate and maintain the system

The fourth step is to operate and maintain the system that you have implemented. This involves managing, controlling, optimizing, and improving the system processes, functions, and outputs that enable the facility to achieve its purpose and goals. You need to provide training, support, and feedback to the users, operators, and managers of the system. You need to perform preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance on the system components and subsystems, and repair or replace them as needed.

5 Dispose or upgrade the system

The final step is to dispose or upgrade the system when it reaches the end of its useful life or becomes obsolete. This involves decommissioning, dismantling, recycling, reusing, or disposing of the system components and subsystems in a safe and responsible manner. You need to assess the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the disposal or upgrade process, and mitigate any negative effects. You need to capture and document the lessons learned, best practices, and feedback from the system life cycle, and use them to improve future projects.

6 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?