Systems Engineering and Tram Projects

摘要

Complex interfaces exist in all large engineering projects. Tram projects bring particular complexity through the need to integrate major new infrastructure into an existing dense urban city fabric and engage with a wide variety of stakeholders with interfaces and requirements. This environment lends itself to a structured approach and this paper presents recent experience of applying a Systems Engineering approach to the design of a tram system.rnParticular features and design challenges of tram systems are described, how they can be characterised in terms of Systems Engineering, the solutions implemented and lessons learned. The paper concludes that Systems Engineering clearly brings benefits in the complex world of trams, but whilst the industry is moving towards this approach there is still a long way to go. Clients and consultants are encouraged to actively promote Systems Engineering activities at all levels, to ensure the benefits are maximized to all.