Taxonomy of Systems-of-Systems

Abstract

Abstract The study of systems-of-systems is an increasingly important topic in systems engineering. Though there is not complete agreement, a more precise definition of what these highly evolved systems are and what attributes they possess has certainly emerged. However, there are still areas in the study where the topic can be advanced by a more rigorous presentation of the basic elements. One such area is the taxonomy of systems-of-systems. This paper will begin with the definition of systems-of-systems as it currently stands and will present the taxonomy from a broader view with additional considerations for classification. These taxonomic categories will consider dimensions in the classification of systems-of-systems based on their acquisition strategy, operational mode, and problem domain with examples in each case. Introduction Systems engineers strive to understand the requirements, architectures, principals, management, and processes used in developing complex systems. As with many other scientific fields this understanding begins with the taxonomy of the elements; in this case the taxonomy of systems-of-systems. The taxonomy is simply an orderly classification of systems-of-systems according to their presumed attributes and relationships. A clearly defined classification scheme is essential in developing common systems engineering architectures and methodologies. For example, the approach used to build a network-centric C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) system may be insufficient or even incompatible for building a public transportation system. Both can be considered a system-of-systems, but each is amply different from the other that an alternate approach to the engineering process is usually required. However, the approach used to build one network-centric C4ISR system may be very similar or even identical for building any network-centric C4ISR system, just as the approach used to build one public transportation system maybe very similar or even identical for building any public transportation system.