Facilitate Business Operations with Trade Studies
Trade studies in systems engineering (SA) systematically evaluate various options or alternatives to select the best choice that satisfies a system’s defined objectives, constraints, and requirements. They are essential to the decision-making process in ensuring that design decisions are well-informed and aligned with project goals.
At Systems Strategies & Analysis (SSA, Inc.), we offer our customers with full systems engineering lifecycle support using MBSE to include system & software design, trade studies, requirements management, risk management, MBSE consulting, etc. Let’s explore the concept of trade studies more below.
Characteristics of Trade Studies
- One of the characteristics of trade studies is identifying the best option based on defined objectives, like cost, performance, risk, reliability, and schedule
- The criteria are established to measure and compare alternatives based on their importance to the overall system objectives
- Several technology, design, or process options are identified and examined. These options could vary from various materials to alternative technologies or methodologies
- Stakeholders ensure the selected option aligns with their expectations or needs
- Trade studies are often repetitive, refining criteria and alternatives as new data becomes available or project priorities evolve
Importance of Trade Studies in Systems Engineering
- Trade studies help reconcile trade-offs between performance, cost, risk, and other factors
- Delivers a structured approach to creating complex decisions
- Demonstrates an unbiased and systematic process, promoting trust in the decisions made
- Identifies possible issues early by evaluating several options and their implications
Overall, trade studies are imperative for maximizing system designs, ensuring feasibility, and complementing decisions with encompassing project goals.
Examples of Trade Studies in Transportation Infrastructure
Mode Selection
Trade studies contribute by comparing bus rapid transit, light rail, and subways as urban mass transit options. Factors include cost, speed, capacity, construction time, and environmental impact.
Material Choice
Examine asphalt, concrete, and composite materials for roadways. Trade studies look into cost, durability, maintenance, and environmental sustainability.
Route Alternatives
Evaluate different alignments for railways or highways. The criteria include community impact, construction cost, environmental disruption, and travel efficiency.
Energy Source
This phase involves selecting between electric, diesel, or hydrogen-powered buses. The criteria are operational cost, infrastructure requirements, emissions, and reliability.
Contact SSA, Inc. Today for Systems Engineering Consulting Services
If you have any questions regarding our systems engineering consulting services, contact Systems Strategies & Analysis today. Fromย program/project management servicesย to Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)/Model Based Engineering (MBE) training, our team has the skills and expertise to quickly design, build, integrate, and operate software-intensive, enterprise-wide systems. We provide every client with comprehensive solutions to satisfy their unique goals. Contact SSA, Inc. by calling our support team atย (240)813-4427ย orย sending us a messageย via our website. Follow us onย LinkedIn,ย Facebook, andย Pinterestย for company news and updates.
