System Environment Viewpoint

This viewpoint provides the instructions to create the System Environment View in a System Description.

The description of the environment provides the context for the system-of-interest. This context includes any external systems that impact or interact with the system-of-interest. This context may also be shaped by the system-of-interest through the various interactions of the system.

The key aspect of the environment is the value delivered by this system-of-interest to the environment.

This viewpoint is necessary to ensure that the impact of the environment on the system-of-interest and the impact of the system-of-interest on the environment is understood.

This two way interaction is the essence of the fit of the system-of-interest and the environment. This mutual causality establishes a level of interdependence both horizontally and vertically in the context of other systems.

The environment may also place constraints on the system-of-interest. These constraints are important looking at any of the capabilities / functions of the system.

The models that can be used to describe the fit with the system environment are:

• Conceptual Models (concepts and interactions) of other systems in the environment.
• The behavioural models can also be used in this section:
  • Activity Diagram
  • Causal Loop Diagram
  • Sequence Diagram.
  • State Machine Diagram

• Identify or create a conceptual model of the context where the system is situated.
• Identify the triggers and the resulting interactions with the system properties (this can look like the behavior (structural changes) view).
• Create any of the behavioural diagrams (if necessary)
• Review the various diagrams.

• There should be alignment with the environmental interactions and the various system properties.
• No new functions or properties should be identified

UML References

Provide notes and background information to track any changes or other information.