Systems engineering is a discipline that aims to design, develop, and manage complex systems that meet the needs and expectations of stakeholders. But how do you check if your system is meeting its goals? In this article, you will learn about some methods and tools that can help you evaluate your system's performance, functionality, and quality.
Before you can check if your system is meeting its goals, you need to define what those goals are. Goals are statements that describe the desired outcomes or benefits of your system. They should be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You can use different techniques to elicit and prioritize your goals, such as stakeholder analysis, requirements engineering, or value proposition design.
Stakeholder engagement is a great way reach company goals. It does take a little more time up front, but in practice I have found that goals are more attainable, and sustainable, when stakeholders can see themselves in the goals. Focus Groups, OpEx Teams, or Tiger Teams are exellent tools to engage a balanced mix of stakeholders early on. Regular/frequent general team meetings with Q&A to hear perceptions and measure the pulse of the larger population of stakeholders are very useful in keeping the goal alive and moving forward. These techniques keep goals on the radar and can help feed realistic and SMART reporting upward.
Once you have your goals, you need to choose metrics that can measure how well your system is achieving them. Metrics are quantitative or qualitative indicators that can be used to evaluate your system's performance, functionality, or quality. You should select metrics that are relevant, reliable, valid, and feasible. You can use different frameworks to define and categorize your metrics, such as the balanced scorecard, the goal-question-metric, or the key performance indicator.
After you have your metrics, you need to collect data that can provide evidence of your system's performance, functionality, or quality. Data can be obtained from various sources, such as observations, surveys, tests, experiments, or simulations. You should collect data that is accurate, complete, consistent, and timely. You can use different methods and tools to collect and store your data, such as data collection plans, data management plans, or data repositories.
To ensure your system meets its goals, clearly define measurable objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs). Regularly monitor performance using appropriate tools, analyze data for trends and progress, and gather user feedback. Benchmark against industry standards and periodically review and adjust strategies based on findings.
When you have your data, you need to analyze it to extract meaningful insights and patterns that can inform your decision making. Data analysis can be done using various techniques, such as descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, or data visualization. You should analyze your data using appropriate methods and tools that can answer your questions and support your goals. You can use different software and platforms to analyze and present your data, such as Excel, R, or Tableau.
Finally, when you have your data analysis, you need to evaluate your results to determine if your system is meeting its goals. Evaluation is the process of comparing your actual results with your expected results and identifying any gaps or deviations. You should evaluate your results using objective and transparent criteria and methods that can justify your conclusions and recommendations. You can use different models and frameworks to evaluate your results, such as the logic model, the SWOT analysis, or the PDCA cycle.
Based on your evaluation, you may find that your system is meeting its goals, exceeding them, or falling short of them. In any case, you should always look for ways to improve your system and make it more efficient, effective, or satisfying. Improvement is the process of implementing changes or actions that can enhance your system's performance, functionality, or quality. You should improve your system using systematic and iterative approaches that can monitor and control your progress and outcomes. You can use different methods and tools to improve your system, such as the agile methodology, the lean principles, or the six sigma tools.