Defining a method for identifying architectural candidates as part of engineering a system architecture

Abstract

Engineering system architectures for complex systems involves the tasks of analyzing architectural drivers, identifying architectural concerns, identifying valid architecture candidates, and evaluation of alternatives. One problem to overcome when architecting a system is the identification of valid of architectural candidates. We have developed a step-wise method for performing system architecture analysis and tested it on a subsystem in a project developing a drive system for heavy automotive applications. In this paper we present the complete method of nine steps for engineering an architecture and we elaborate in detail on the procedure to identify architectural candidates based on previously identified architectural drivers. We present a diagram depicting the proposed information model, its concepts and their relationships. In addition, the expectations on such a method as expressed by practitioners have been elicited, and we elaborate on the validity by examining how well the method indicate fulfillment. Our conclusion is that the proposed method does not fail to deliver on any of the needs and this gives an indication of usefulness. When identifying architectural candidates it is important to use proper criteria in the process. Our conclusion is that the practitioners should focus on candidates that affect the system at hand (within system boundaries), and on the candidates that address the architecturally significant system use. This is reflected in our method where we prescribe evaluation of the design candidates by validating that they solve only the right problem and by ensuring that they address the system at hand.

Analyzing improvements for a mine maintenance system of connected equipment and machines the value and benefits of data sharing

“…We have previously tailored a workable method for architecture analysis [5][6] based mostly on the MFESA [6] framework. This work led to a nine step method describing the procedure of how to elicit architecture drivers, identify architectural candidates and evaluate appropriateness.…”

“…The method is tailored by using our previous nine step method [6] and specialize it towards a collaborative architecture. We have applied it to a production system for mine involving loader machines, and we have specifically aimed it at analyzing the maintenance process.…”

Optimized synthesis of cost‐effective, controllable oil system architectures for turbofan engines

“…Another SME‐driven architecting procedure is the nine‐step method presented by Ref. . This lists activities from stakeholder requirement elicitation to validation of a chosen architecture.…”

“…There are various types of architecting processes with different levels of formality. Improved project performance can be gained even through less formal approaches whereby the majority of systems architecture decisions are carried out using the knowledge and expertise of engineers, but in a well‐defined task‐flow . More formal approaches attempt to automate some of these tasks and use optimization to produce optimal architectures that maximize satisfaction of some objective function and ensure system requirements or constraints are met .…”

ALCEA: The Architecture Life-Cycle Effect Analysis Method

“…An evaluation spanning all life-cycle phases would provide support when making decisions about how to build the system. Combined with existing work [2], we list the following generally desirable properties for an architectural evaluation method: Lean: The effort should impose a reasonable footprint; the resources needed for the analysis should be relatively small compared to the value provided by the analysis. Fact-based: As far as possible, the analysis should be based on facts and quantifiable measures rather than on a gut feeling of the individuals involved.…”