Management
“On March 13, 2014, we had the pleasure of having Mr. Däl B. Lee lecture us on ‘The importance of Lean in Systems Engineering.” Mr. Lee graduated in Mechanical Engineering and completed his Master’s in Systems Engineering from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. While talking on the importance of Lean in systems engineering, Mr. Lee said that horizontal integration was an area that has been forgotten because of the shift in product specifications and responsibilities. In addition to this, Systems Engineers need to focus on developing a sound systems approach. To ensure a sound system, all mechanisms within the system should function in conformity with one another. Systems Engineers need to ensure that each element of the system performs a critical function, and should not, therefore, construe it as inconsequential.
As an expert in systems engineering, Mr. Lee, said that establishing and utilizing good systems management control to address existing complexities in systems design and engineering was imperative. While this may sound easier than done, systems engineers have to apply their managerial skills, right from the early stages of product development. These include, analyzing the product or service they’re developing, and understand what their customer’s requirement and expectations are, before studying the various functionalities involved, and allocating responsibilities. This way, they could succeed in overcoming the complexities associated with systems engineering. On the principles of Lean, Mr. Lee stressed on value, where customers need to be involved in discussions; map value stream, where focus should be on mapping systems engineering, and eliminating waste; and flow, where clarifications, derivatives and prioritization of processes must be undertaken. It is imperative that Systems Engineers took full responsibility in the architectural design and implementation of the systems engineering. Ultimately, if Systems Engineers want to develop a sound system, they must ensure that all functionalities within the system synchronize in conformity with each other. Also, as system design and development activities evolved, they had to ensure that there is proper integration of design requirements at all the levels in the system hierarchy are properly balanced and integrated
Reflecting on Mr. Lee’s view on applying Lean in Systems Engineering, I would agree that a Systems Engineer should give importance to, and apply value, map value stream, flow, pull, perfection, and respect people. As a Systems Engineer, I would like to ensure that we develop sound systems that meet our customer’s needs and expectations, and ensure high productivity with low turnover.
I personally felt that Mr. Lee, an expert in System Engineering, gave a lecture entitled “The importance of Lean in Systems Engineering” in an effective manner. His lecture was supported analogically by a Power Point presentation, which made the whole exercise effective. I too plan to incorporate Lean in our processes from now.
