HSI is a natural part of the systems engineering process. It adds minimal up-front cost for significant benefits and cost savings. Optimizing the system for performance and lifecycle cost benefits the customer. Ensuring early consideration of HSI factors reduces the risk of costly rework to the contractor. Delivering a system which is mission effective with reasonable lifecycle costs benefits everyone.

Human systems integration (HSI) is a systems engineering function with the goal of optimizing system performance and cost across the entire system lifecycle. It ensures that the human elements of the system are given at least as much consideration as any other component across the entire project. HSI is a relatively new and often misunderstood term. Here are the basics.

When proofing a document with the word “materiel”, you will look like an idiot if you replace every instance with “material”. Find out exactly what it means and how it affects systems engineering practice.