Abstract
In modern concurrent engineering practices, product development of complex multi-disciplinary products is performed by a team composed of experts from various disciplines such as mechanical design, electronics design, production engineering, industrial design, marketing, finance, sales, services, procurement, etc. Within this formation of team, it is usually the leader who makes decisions and performs systems integration. While in team working, the leader's role is often wrongly mixed with the role of manager. The net result is often the team leader performs the roles of decision maker, manager, and systems integrator. Due to these practices, there is even a belief that the “art” of systems integration can only be learned through experiencing many positions, accumulating experiences and skills. Accordingly, systems integration cannot be discussed and taught in schools. This paper tries to attack this myth and to establish systems integration technology as a discipline that can be studied, discussed, and taught.