Although the term “Systems Engineering” dates back to the 1940s, and the concept was practiced even earlier than that, there seems to be a growing emphasis on System Engineering, perhaps because Systems have become more complex in recent times.  During my early years of training and practice as an electrical engineer decades ago, I do not recall hearing or learning much about Systems Engineering, but it seems to have gotten much more well-deserved attention since then.  Feel free to argue these points if you wish, but this has been my observation.

So, what can go wrong if Systems Engineering principles are ignored?  What could possibly go wrong if you have multiple engineers concentrating on their own aspect of the overall design, and no one paying attention to the overall system?    We can only imagine. The cost of hiring a Systems Engineer may be a small addition to your budget, but it will be far outweighed by your cost savings in the end.

One of the best descriptions of Systems Engineering that I haveseen is from INCOSE ( International Council on Systems Engineering ).  It says “Systems engineers are at the heart of creating successful newsystems. They are responsible for the system concept, architecture, and design.They analyze and manage complexity and risk. They decide how to measure whetherthe deployed system actually works as intended. They are responsible for amyriad of other facets of system creation. Systems engineering is thediscipline that makes their success possible – their tools, techniques,methods, knowledge, standards, principles, and concepts. The launch ofsuccessful systems can invariably be traced to innovative and effective systemsengineering.”

So, how can today’s busy and overworked engineer learn more about Systems Engineering?  Or, even if you think you already know everything about Systems Engineering, how can you refresh your knowledge so it is more relevant to the workplace of 2025? 

Applied Technology Institute has exactly what you are looking for.  ATI offers a full line of Systems Engineering courses, from introductory level, to advanced level. Some of these courses are on our upcoming schedule, and some are not. If you like a course that is on our schedule, just register using our website. If you would like us to offer a course that is not currently on our schedule, give us a call, and we will see what we can do for you.