How to develop and deploy system integrators within component-focused engineering organizations

Abstract

Thesis statement: The purpose of this thesis is to provide a roadmap for how a component-focused engineering company can effectively introduce system integrators in their organization. To this end, the question of how to analytically identify the necessary skills and characteristics of an ideal system integrator will be addressed. In this thesis, it is assumed that a company is currently component-focused and trying to migrate towards system-focused product development, or that previous efforts to transition to systems thinking have not yet been effective. It is also assumed that there are system-level issues that have emerged in current or past products, such that a need for System Integrators (SIs) is recognized. This thesis will not address the issue of how a company determines whether or not SIs are required for their organization, but will help companies effectively identify, develop, and deploy SIs given that they are needed. In other words, a framework that outlines the necessary elements for successful introduction and sustainment of SIs will be developed. These key elements contain both technical and organizational/cultural aspects, providing a holistic approach to the institutionalization of SIs.