To ensure that the complex contractual scope of large-scale projects is fulfilled, a consistent, tool-supported requirements management system is needed to organize the agreed-upon deliverables and deadlines, thereby creating transparency. Meeting the needs and requirements of the client is the top priority in this process.
“The transparent derivation of the process requirements in this shipbuilding project helps us establish a consistent and structured foundation for future projects, with the goal of being faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective.”
Christian Weißenborn, Head of Design Concepts Surface Vessels (DCV), thyssenkrupp Marine Systems GmbH
With approximately 6,000 employees, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS) is one of the leading global system providers in the design and construction of submarines and surface naval vessels. Together with strategic partners, it offers customized solutions worldwide for highly complex challenges in a rapidly changing world.
In early 2019, a consortium led by tkMS was awarded a contract to build four corvettes for the Brazilian Navy. In addition to numerous technical requirements, various procedural requirements were also agreed upon in the contract. To ensure compliance with these requirements, 3DSE was commissioned to expand its requirements management with a focus on procedural requirements.
“Due to the two-year bidding and contract negotiations with various negotiators on two continents and the iterative drafting of the contract documents in Portuguese and English, the transparency and consistency of the scope of the contract were at risk as of the ‘Effective Date of Contract’ (EDC).” (Source: tkMS (DCV Department): Robert Pfeiffer, Project Manager, Systems Engineering)
Based on existing processes and systems engineering best practices from other industries, a methodology was developed to derive process requirements from the contract and provide them to the relevant process owners in the form of a Statement of Work.
Selection, Implementation, and Training for the Requirements Management Tool
To implement the methodology using a tool, various requirements management tools were compared and evaluated. Taking into account the intended use and the existing tool landscape, the“IBM Rational DOORS Next Generation”tool was selected. In the next step, the requirements for the tool configuration were defined and piloted. User proficiency was ensured through a customized training program and an individualized coaching approach.
With the support of 3DSE, the subject matter experts were able to derive 3,500 process requirements from the contract within a few weeks. Using IBM Rational DOORS Next Generation, those responsible for implementation have access at all times to traceability between contract content, derived requirements, and evidence of compliance (including the required deliverables). If necessary, selected requirements can be quickly and easily forwarded to suppliers. Thanks to the transparency created regarding the agreed-upon deliverables and their delivery dates, tkMS can ensure compliant fulfillment of the contract scope and avoid penalties.
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