Systems

V-Cycle Model

Synoptix employs the V-Cycle method for all aspects of systems engineering. Also known as the Verification & Validation Model, it graphically represents a system engineering life cycle. The V-cycle process provides a path for improving the cost effectiveness of complex systems as experienced by the system owner over the entire life of the system. The left hand side of the 'V' represents the development of the concept, from requirements capture through system architecture and design until implementation. On the other hand, the right side of the 'V' represents the integration and validation of the concept, including verification and appropriate testing against the left side of the V, ensuring the system satisfies the requirements.

Quality Assurance

According to Carnegie Mellon University (2006), quality assurance is a planned and systematic means of assuring management that the defined standards, practices, procedures and methods of the process are applied.

At Synoptix we strive to improve our customer satisfaction. All our processes and support documentation are accredited by Lloyd’s Register (ISO 9001). Synoptix is also an active member of the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) UK advisory board and is an approved supplier of Consultancy Services for Systems and Safety/Reliability Engineering to the Ministry of Defence.

Process Improvement

As stated by Mitre (2013), a process is a set of steps to accomplish a defined purpose or produce a defined product or service.

As systems engineering evolves, basic practises, techniques, and tools borrowed from other domains, get left behind. There are times when an existing process isn’t as effective as required. By combining project management and a systems engineering approach, Synoptix has proven the ability of assessing and improving the processes used by a business to achieve their goals. Synoptix will look at each step of an existing process from the outside, analyses them and implements improvements. Furthermore, we will make sure our clients learn these steps, hence allowing them to continue improving processes on their own.

ILS (Integrated Logistics Support)

As defined by Mitre (2013), Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) is the management and technical process through which supportability and logistic support considerations are integrated into the design of a system or equipment and taken into account throughout its life cycle. It is the process by which all elements of logistic support are planned, acquired, tested, and provided in a timely and cost-effective manner. ILS activities include: Reliability, availability, and maintainability; supply support; support and test equipment; training and training support; manpower and personnel for ILS functions; design interface; packaging, handling, storage, and transportation (PHS&T).

With the goal of optimising your system to last longer and require less support, Synoptix has Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) in ILS that can provide you with technical assistance and effective support ensuring all logistics requirements are met.

Configuration Management

As described by the Department of Defence (2001), Configuration Management is a systems engineering process for establishing and maintaining consistency of a product's performance, functional and physical attributes with its requirements, design and operational information throughout its life.

Companies can request assistance of Synoptix in a systems engineering capacity, to ensure the establishment of a configuration management framework to capture, expose and manage key activities and inform programme planning.