Implementing systems engineering in new product development at Benchmark Electronics

This thesis examines the benefits of Systems Engineering (SE) for Benchmark Electronics and proposes a SE program for Benchmark Almelo. SE is a multidisciplinary approach for designing and managing complex systems that is increasingly important in the high-tech sector. The primary research question is how SE can be effectively implemented in new product development at Benchmark. A literature review identifies the project life cycle stages and the role of SE in designing complex systems. Analysis of Benchmark's project life cycle model and existing engineering processes reveals a need for a new SE program to integrate and make existing SE elements more explicit. Interviews with project managers and a survey confirm the importance of good communication, collaboration, traceability, thorough documentation, requirements management, and SE's responsibility for ensuring quality. The research concludes with presenting a new vision for SE at Benchmark, an updated view of Benchmark’s project life cycle model, and a formalized SE. Finally, it introduces the necessary next steps for implementing the new SE program.