Toward “Smart” System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) Management: An Evolving Toolbox Approach

This paper discusses the need for an Evolving Toolbox in the field of SoSE management. A new paradigm is needed now to cope with ever-increasing levels of complexity that occur within engineered SoS. This paper proposes an Evolving Toolbox which will allow SoSE management to become “smart.” The Evolving Toolbox will have several features necessary in successfully managing SoS. An initial range of toolsets is suggested. These toolsets interact inside the toolbox allowing emergence to occur. The toolbox is open to the external environment and so the tools can adapt. There is also the capacity for newly emerging tools to be integrated into the toolbox. This proposal will lead to more efficient and effective management and could have implications for standardization and certification in SoSE. New tools can emerge within the cloud including tools which are proprietary to SoS.