Focus on people: roles and competencies in system lifecycle management
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Keywords

System of systems
lifecycle management
MBSE
PLM
CAD/CAE
Digital Thread
Digital Twin
variant and configuration management

How to Cite

Focus on people: roles and competencies in system lifecycle management. (2025). Journal of Intelligent System of Systems Lifecycle Management, 3. https://doi.org/10.71015/14r1hb83

Abstract

System Lifecycle Management (SLM) places people at the centre of the technical and organisational interaction of modern systems. While in the past the focus was primarily on methods, tools and processes, today it is clear that the success of complex systems depends crucially on the people involved – their skills, communication abilities and willingness to share responsibility. SLM describes the design, development, use and decommissioning of systems as a socio-technical process in which technology, organisation and culture are inextricably intertwined. New roles such as lifecycle managers, system architects, data stewards and change managers illustrate that system work is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary. These roles arise at the interfaces between IT, production, data management and sustainability. Their main task is not only to control technical processes, but also to promote trust, transparency and communication. Skills such as systems thinking, reflective ability and ethical awareness are just as crucial as technical know-how. Studies by INCOSE, Fraunhofer and MIT show that teams are more successful when they think systemically and develop knowledge collectively. With the advance of digitalisation and automation, the skills profile of skilled workers is also changing. However, human creativity, contextual understanding and judgement remain irreplaceable. Humans are increasingly acting as mediators between digital twins, data streams and real-world requirements. Blockchain technologies, AI-based security assessments and model-based development approaches such as the Munich Agile MBSE Concept illustrate that technological innovations only have a lasting effect if they are supported by clear roles, responsibilities and a culture of trust. SLM is therefore not a rigid process model, but a dynamic, learning system. It combines technological excellence with social competence and promotes a culture in which learning, communication and ethical behaviour are equally important alongside efficiency and quality. People are at the centre – as designers, learners and links between technology, organisation and society.

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