Summarize Verification Results in a Compliance Matrix

9.2.5 Compliance Matrix – The data resulting from the actions summarized in the verification matrix for verifying that the system meets all requirements are collected in a compliance matrix. The compliance matrix shows performance for each requirement. It flows performance from the lowest levels of the system hierarchy up to top levels. It identifies the source of the performance data and shows if the design is meeting all requirements. The bottom up flow of performance provides early indication of non-compliant system performance and facilitates defining mitigation plans if problems are identified during verification actions. An example compliance matrix for the switch module is shown in Figure 9-3.

 Figure 9-3 An example Compliance Matrix for the simple switch function illustrated in Figure 9-1.

Note that the requirements half of the compliance matrix is identical to the requirements half of the verification matrix. The compliance matrix is easily generated by adding new columns to the verification matrix. Results that are non-compliant, such as the switching force, or marginally compliant, such as the on resistance, can be flagged by adding color to one of the value, margin or compliant columns or with notes in the comments column.

In summary, the arrows labeled verification in Figure 6-4 from functional analysis to requirements analysis, from design to functional analysis and from design to requirements analysis relate to the iteration that the systems engineers do to ensure the design is complete and accurate and that all “shall” requirements are verified in system integration and system test. This iteration is necessary so that for each requirement a verification method is identified, any necessary test equipment, test software and data analysis software is defined in time to have validated test equipment, test procedures and test data analysis software ready when needed for system integration and test.

9.3 Systems Engineering Support to Integration, Test and Production

Manufacturing personnel and test personnel may have primary responsibility for integration, test and production however; systems engineers must provide support to these tasks. Problem resolution typically involves both design and systems engineers and perhaps other specialty engineers depending on the problem to be solved. Systems engineers are needed whenever circumstances require changes in parts or processes to ensure system performance isn’t compromised.