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As the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) embarks on one of the largest coordinated deployments of ITS and communication infrastructure programs in the US with the deployment of ITS on the five principal FIHS corridors and potentially a fiber optic network, a comprehensive systems engineering approach is needed to ensure that the maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these deployments is achieved in alignment with FDOT’s overall mission, goals, and objectives. The systems engineering approach also serves as FDOT’s plan for implementing the requirements for systems engineering in FHWA Rule 940, Intelligent Transportation Systems Architecture and Standards.
Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary approach to enable the realization of successful systems. It focuses on defining customer needs and required functionality early in the development cycle, documenting requirements, then proceeding with design synthesis and system validation to ensure that the functional requirements identified early in the process are met.
Systems engineering is not a new discipline and has its origins in transportation systems such as traffic control and high-speed rail systems, military applications, and aerospace programs. (Shiners: Systems Engineering Techniques, 1967) Systems engineering approaches have been used in deployments of ITS for several decades; however, no uniform or consistent processes have been adopted as an ITS industry standard.
The benefits of a consistent systems engineering process for ITS deployment include:
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Reduce the time required to move from concept to deployed systems |
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Ensure that the systems deployed meet users’ needs |
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Reduce the costs of deploying systems |
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Reduce the number of engineering changes and therefore, improve the time reliability and reduce the costs of deployment |
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Improve system quality, reliability and performance |
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Improve communications during the engineering of the system |
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Improve ability to sustain and upgrade system products after deployment, and |
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Reduce development risks. |
FDOT has initiated a process to identify and define a consistent systems engineering approach for ITS deployments in Florida. The first step was preparation of an issue paper that outlines the basic functions and steps for successful deployment. This approach reflects the requirements of the FHWA Rule 940; tailors professionally accepted system engineering approaches and standards of the Department of Defense, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE), and the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE); and is consistent with professional, engineering, and procurement requirements of the Florida Statutes.
The next steps in the process include developing consensus on the approach outlined in the Issue Paper. A System Engineering Management Plan (SEMP) will be developed. The SEMP will outline the process requirements and roles and responsibilities for the implementation of the approach in greater detail. The intent is to apply the systems engineering approach for the deployment of ITS along the five principal FIHS corridors being evaluated in the ITS Program Plan.
Please contact Chester Chandler at (850) 410-5600 or chester.chandler@dot.state.fl.us for additional information on this process and to provide any comments.
