Functional Analysis and Allocation
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In the Systems Engineering Process Functional Analysis and Allocation bridges the gap between Requirements engineering and design. This step in the process transforms stakeholder requirements into a logical[1] and functional architecture[2], and provides the inputs to the design, integration, and verification activities [1][3]
Motivation
The Functional Analysis and Allocation step of the Systems Engineering Process is critical for managing the complexity of multidisciplinary systems.
Methodologies
There are several methodologies for performing functional analysis:[4]
- Functional decomposition [5]
- The purpose of this method is to break down top-level functions into lower-level sub-functions to provide a hierarchical structure of the functionality.
- Function Analysis System Technique (FAST) [6]
- Like functional decomposition, FAST is used to decompose a system's functions into sub-functions. In addition, it analyzes the logical relationships between those functions. The methodology uses the FAST diagram in order to assist the brainstorming process. For each top level function, the diagram maps "how" the function is achieved, "why" the function is needed, and which functions support the main function.
- Use Case Analysis
- Use-case analysis is used for both functional requirement identification, and the refinement of those requirements. [citation needed].
Functional Architecture Description
[to be determined] merge with functional specification?
List of sources to use
- ^ a b "Logical Architecture (glossary)". INCOSE SeBoK. Retrieved 17 May 2025. Cite error: The named reference "sebok" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ "Functional Architecture (glossary)". INCOSE SeBoK. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ^ NASA Systems Engineering Handbook (2 ed.). National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
- ^ a b INCOSE. INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook: A Guide for System Life Cycle Processes and Activities. Version 4.0. San Diego, CA: International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), 2015.
- ^ a b NASA. NASA Systems Engineering Handbook, NASA/SP-2016-6105 Rev2. Washington, DC: NASA Headquarters, Office of the Chief Engineer, 2016. Available at NASA NTRS.
- ^ a b SAVE International. Value Methodology Standard (VMS), 2007. Also see Miles, L. D. Techniques of Value Analysis and Engineering. McGraw-Hill, 1961.
- ^ Adcock, R., Pyster, A., et al. (Eds.). Guide to the Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge (SEBoK), v2.9, 2023. Retrieved from www.sebokwiki.org.
- ^ Object Management Group (OMG). OMG Systems Modeling Language (OMG SysML®), Version 1.6, 2019. Retrieved from omg.org.
- ^ Blanchard, B. S., & Fabrycky, W. J. Systems Engineering and Analysis. 5th ed. Pearson, 2010.
- ^ Martin, J. N. Systems Engineering Guidebook: A Process for Developing Systems and Products. CRC Press, 1997.
- ^ Dickerson, C., & Mavris, D. Architecture and Principles of Systems Engineering. CRC Press, 2009.