ABSTRACT
So how does this life cycle look in real life? We will use a dishwasher to show the flow through a top-level life cycle (Figure 2.3). You may ask why it is important for the systems engineer to consider the entire life cycle. While many engineers are only trained in their specific area of expertise (e.g., electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, etc.), there needs to be someone to consider the entire system despite its stage of development. For example, an electrical engineer is concerned with the power system of a dishwasher. The machine has to work with household current and not electrocute anyone. The systems engineer has to ensure the machine will meet the customer needs, which may include being environmentally friendly. Think about Figure 2.3 and consider the different hats the systems engineer must wear when having discussions with the other members of the product team. An example of questions the systems engineer needs to consider and address with specific domain engineers follows:
1. Environmental engineer: Is the dishwasher environmentally friendly? 2. Human factors engineer: Is the dishwasher easy to use? 3. Software engineer: Does the software control the dishwasher properly? 4. Fluid engineer: Does the dishwasher use the proper hose connectors? 5. Electrical engineer: Does the dishwasher support both the 60-Hz standard
used in the United States and the 50-Hz standard used in the rest of the world? 6. Safety engineer: Does the dishwasher sanitize the dishes to a safe bacterial
level without violating the other needs?
