IEEE P1220-standard for system engineering-a commercial standard for improving competitiveness

The IEEE organized a standards group in December, 1989 to establish an industry-based standard for systems engineering. The standard´s development is nearing completion, and provides a common framework for understanding systems engineering as established by MIL-STD-499B, Systems Engineering (draft). Many enterprises support both defense and commercial endeavors, and strive to establish a common approach for orchestrating its programs independent of the target customer. Thus, it is necessary to establish a common understanding and interpretation of these standards to permit companies to establish a single system engineering program which satisfies the requirements of both communities. A framework for establishing such a system engineering program is discussed, and the elements of the system engineering process defined