1. We are WSP

Systems Integration

Whether embarking on a new transport scheme or trying to get a program back on track, Systems Integration (SI) is needed to manage the vast amount of information, the coordination of systems and the stakeholders involved in every effort.

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Creating clarity amid complexity with SI:D³

SI:D3  is a field-proven approach that creates clarity amid the complexity particular to megaprojects. An established framework connects technical management to the program delivery process. This alignment results in the delivery of required system performance and operational capability, and expected end-user revenue services.

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The systems engineer is to engineering what the general practitioner is to medicine - they look at the whole body, analyse the problem, review the options and synthesise a holistic solution.
Nassar Majothi Director, Specialist Services
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The genesis of the WSP SI capability is the delivery of the Victoria Line Upgrade and the early setup of the Thameslink Programme (Network Rail) in the United Kingdom, subsequently captured in our framework. SI:D3 has since been continually improved through lessons learned from our projects around the world over more than a decade.

The SI:D3 approach is structured yet provides an adaptable framework to foster a collaborative environment throughout each program lifecycle and bring about specific outcomes. A key aspect of the SI:D3 approach is developing a common purpose and clear governance to help program directors, leaders and all other relevant stakeholders see the program holistically and clearly understand the complexity of large-scale transport projects.

Our partnership on programs/complex projects offers strategic stewardship to manage system development for whole programs, or parts of them.

 

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A Detailed Look at SI:D³

Three groups—Develop the Strategy, Define the System and Deliver Integration—comprise the SI:D3 framework. The processes within each group can be implemented individually or with other processes according to the complexity, risk and lifecycle stage of the particular program.

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Collaboration and communication are central to the SI:D3 framework, which brings together the best knowledge from people, teams and the organization. Considering each organization’s unique culture and stakeholder objectives, our approach facilitates effective multidisciplinary thinking and interaction for shared understanding and coordinated action toward delivery of the expected outcomes.
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SID3_Strategy

DEVELOP THE STRATEGY

At the beginning of each program, our practitioners partner to build a solid foundation—determine output capability, develop a governance structure to manage the program throughout the SI:D3 process, create a roadmap to success and forge alignment around the strategic plan.

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DEFINE THE SYSTEM

With a plan of action in place, our team then creates a holistic perspective of the system, to inform the process of defining the system—its operations, requirements, scope and design.

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DELIVER INTEGRATION

The effort now focuses on applying robust systems engineering techniques and leveraging the established management process to meet the agreed strategic goals and deliver the desired outcomes.

Tangible Benefits for the Client

What we do

Client Benefits

Set Clear Goals
  • A defined outcome in measurable terms
  • Clear direction for the program against which decisions can be made
  • An effective means of communicating the purpose of the endeavour to all involved

Establish governance
  • All decisions required for introducing the system into operational services will be allocated properly, with consideration of the technical, operational and programmatic risks
  • A framework to support assurance processes

Develop a system migration plan
  • A key planning tool which communicates the journey to the common end goal
  • A tool to support coordination across the program, contracts and stakeholders 

Develop the system architecture
  • Visibility of the system concept to senior management and discipline engineers/designers and other stakeholders
  • Optimization of the solution at a level of detail appropriate to the phase of the program
  • Assessment of feasibility of the solutions, highlighting risks and requirements

Align operations and engineering
  • Clear operational requirements against which the system design can be developed and verified
  • Confidence that a solution will be developed which can be operated/maintained

Identify and mitigate whole-system risks
  • Better understanding of the technical uncertainty within the program, through a holistic analysis
  • Ability to respond rapidly to escalations of risks and issues
  • Increased accuracy in cost and schedule forecasting

Projects

Insights

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Leading with Systems Integration

This article explores the leadership aspects of systems integration (SI) and how SI supports program delivery.

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Providing for Safety in Rail Megaprojects

This article explores how to address safety as railway programs become increasingly complex.

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Improving the Odds of Program Success: An Adaptive Development Model

This article explores how the application of flexibility principles within a systems integration (SI) framework fosters resilience to the impacts of destabilizing events, preparing programs to respond to uncertainty more effectively.

See all Systems Integration Insights

Experts

Jennifer Verellen
VP, Rail & Transit, Rail Systems Engineering, Canada
Canada
Pradeep Vasudev
Technical Director
United Kingdom
Nassar Majothi
Director, Specialist Services and Deputy Director, Rail, UK
United Kingdom