C1_SCXE System Context Exchange Viewpoint
| Domain | Aspect | Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Context & Exchange |  released |
Purpose
The System Context Exchange Viewpoint serves for the identification and definition of external interfaces of the SOI that are used to interact, e.g., users, external systems, and other external entities defined in the given context of the SOI. The System Context Exchange Viewpoint
- identifies system interfaces on a functional level,
- states to which external entities the system interfaces are connected to,
- and defines the usage of interfaces, e.g., when only a subset of the interface is used.
Applicability
The System Context Exchange Viewpoint supports the “prepare for system requirement definition” activity included in the “System Requirements Definition Process” activities of the INCOSE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING HANDBOOK 2023 [§2.3.5.3] and contributes to the artifact “System Requirements Definition Report”.
Supported Processes
Supported Information Items
Presentation
An internal block diagram (IBD) - associated to a system context - featuring the SOI, the system context elements, and the connectors for each identified interface from SOI to the respective context elements. An interface is an interaction point for interaction of the SOI to with context elements. Item flows are defined for each exchange on the identified interface. Connectors/ports may contain reference to the interface documents if applicable. Ports may be structured as appropriate to manage and structure the information. Note: more than one IBD focused on different areas of interest may be used in oder to keep the view comprehensive. Depending on the Stakeholder concerns the item exchange information might be suppressed.
A tabular format listing the identified interfaces of the soi (ports), referencing interface definitions (port types) ,connections (connector) to system context elements, and information exchange (item flows) conveyed over these connections. It is advised to have multiple tables focusing on certain aspects to keep the view comprehensive, e.g. table focusing on contexts or on certain interface partners.
Stakeholder
- Acquirer
- Customer
- Hardware Developer
- IV&V Engineer
- Maintainer
- Safety Expert
- Security Expert
- Software Developer
- System Architect
Concern
- How is the system interacting with the identified external entities?
- Which are the conceptual interfaces of the system?
- Which are the external conceptual entities the system interacts with in the given context?
- Which are the interface requirements imposed on the system?
- Which kind of conceptual items (energy, material, information, etc.) are exchanged between the system and external entities?
- Which requirements apply to a coinceptual interface?
Exposed Concepts
The Diagram shows the concepts exposed by the viewpoint, and related concepts if necessary.
The Table shows the concepts exposed by the viewpoint, and related concepts if necessary.
| Concept | Documentation |
|---|---|
| Conceptual Connection | Specifies the connection of two interaction points on Logical Level. Note: Connections between logical components indicate that item flows are passed from one output of a source component to one or more inputs of target components. |
| applyingTo | Specifies the fact that a Conceptual Interaction Point applies to a Conceptual System. |
| Conceptual Interaction Point | Specifies the existence of an interaction point on Conceptual Level. |
| Conceptual Item Exchange | Specifies the exchange that is to take place on a connection of two interaction points on Conceptual Level. |
| applyingTo | Specifies the fact that a Conceptual Interaction Point applies to a Conceptual Context Element. |
| Conceptual Interaction Point Definition | Specifies the exchange capabilities of an interaction point on Conceptual Level. |
| Conceptual SOI Role | Specifies the fact that a Conceptual System acts as SOI exists in a given Conceptual System Context. |
| Conceptual System Context | Specifies the fact that a System Context for a System of Interest is defined on Conceptual Level. |
| Conceptual Context Element Role | Specifies the fact that a Conceptual Context Element acts in a given Conceptual System Context. |
Realization of exposed Concepts
The Diagram shows the realization of exposed concepts.
The Table shows the realization of exposed concepts.
Related Viewpoints
Required Viewpoints
Recommended Viewpoints
Example
