Reverse-analysis to assess and compare nominal system requirements and actual implementation, identifying hidden clashes and process issues, and indicating options for total-system optimisation. through system restructure and group education.
Structure
Systems-synthesis is a review process, consisting of the following steps:
- review original system requirements (what the system was intended to do)
- identify base-requirement for existing system (fundamental criteria)
- define assessment criteria for review
- review system implementation (what the system actually does)
- mismatches between requirements and implementation
- implementation not in requirements
- adaptations for individuals and/or assumed skill-sets
- cultural implications (HR)
- client implications (marketing)
- compare implementation to requirements (to identify covert-requirements - hidden assumptions, conflicting processes, etcetera)
- resolve covert-requirements
- assessment criteria
- energy-dynamics modelling
- technology-of-mind 'toolkit'
- construct revised total-system requirements
Application
A systems-synthesis review would be typically be used as part of
total-system modelling for an expansion or major change to an existing system, to identify and resolve covert-requirements prior to redesign of the total-system. It can also be used to review an existing system, either because of identified problems, or as a 'health check-up' to identify variances arising over time from changes in personnel, market, operating conditions and other reasons.