Systems of systems have defining characteristics that make it very difficult to predict how well the system will do its job.

• The component systems were not specifically designed for this application. They are often off-the-shelf.
• The major job of the system is to support real-time decisions.
• What the system does at any time is highly dependent on the current status and activities both within the various parts of the system and in the external environment.
• Large amounts of data are collected, processed, interpreted, evaluated, and disseminated.

Before you design, develop, and field a system of systems, use models to visualize how the system will work in the field. Here are some of the benefits.

• Ensure operational feasibility by visualizing the system in action.
• Get stakeholder feedback on system operation before it is built.
• Understand system limitations.
• Compare alternative system concepts to find the most cost-effective approach.

Jacoby Consulting has been analyzing complex military and transportation systems for more than 30 years.

Complex systems

Traditional systems are developed and tested as separate components. This works if the system can be designed to minimize interactions among the components. But modern systems get their power from interaction and coordination among the components. Learn how to architect and develop these complex systems when traditional approaches fail. Learn how to harness this power using adaptation and emergence.