Tools
Tools are essential in systems engineering because they help to solve complex problems that can arise during the development and operation of systems. By using tools, errors can be minimised as they often use testable and standardised methods. This helps to improve the quality and reliability of the developed system. Technically innovative products are often very complex, with numerous components and interactions. Tools enable engineers to manage this complexity by creating, simulating and analysing models to better understand system behaviour. Tools facilitate collaboration between different teams and disciplines by providing a common platform on which information can be exchanged and processed. This improves communication and minimises misunderstandings.
HOOD has unique experience and expertise with a variety of tools from different sectors and industries, such as: Codebeamer, Polarion, DOORSnext (DNG), Visure, jamaConnet, Cameo, CATIA Magic, Enterprise Architect, Innovator, Smartfacts and many more.
Tool selection
Tool selection refers to the process of evaluating and selecting the most appropriate software applications or systems for specific tasks or projects within an organisation. This can include tools for project management, development, design, communication, data analysis and many other areas. Selection is based on criteria such as functionality, ease of use, compatibility with existing systems, cost and support services.
Tool change
A tool change is the process of moving from one software tool or system to another. This can occur for a variety of reasons, such as the unsatisfactory performance of the current tool, better functionality or cost efficiency of a new tool, or changes in organisational requirements. A tool change can present challenges, such as the need to migrate data, train users and ensure integration with other systems.
Tool migration
Tool migration refers to the process of transferring data, processes and settings from an old system to a new one. This often involves converting data formats, reconfiguring workflows and adapting to new interfaces or functionalities. Careful planning and execution are crucial to avoid data loss and ensure business continuity.
Training
Training refers to training and development programmes that aim to improve the competencies and skills of employees in relation to specific software tools, technologies or work processes. This can include formal courses, workshops, online learning modules or hands-on training sessions. Effective training is crucial for maximising employee productivity and efficiency, as well as for the successful implementation of new tools or systems.
HOOD can provide you with practical know-how based on a solid foundation - be it systems engineering, MBSE, requirements engineering or modern agile and incremental working methods. Our portfolio includes IREB®-certified training courses as well as tried-and-tested courses designed and developed by HOOD.
Our trainers contribute practical experience from a wide range of industries. And to ensure that you and your employees receive the right training for your company, we are also happy to tailor these training courses to your own company’s needs.
Whether beginners or advanced users, as internal training at your company or in a public class, we make requirements and systems engineering, and agility tangible.
Support
Support refers to the support services provided to users of software tools or systems. This can include technical assistance, advice on the use of features, troubleshooting and help with configuration or customisation. Good support is critical to the smooth use of (new) technology and minimising downtime.
Tool selection, change and migration as well as training and support are all key aspects of technology management in organisations. They have a significant impact on operational efficiency, employee satisfaction and ultimately on business success.
Project management for tool/infrastructure selection and procurement
HOOD has many years of project experience in the selection and procurement of tools and infrastructure services for clients from both the private and public sectors.
Our support ranges from strategic planning with the client's top management, project management and coaching of key players and stakeholders involved in the projects, the invitation to tender and procurement of the tools, through to the roll-out of the newly available tools and infrastructure.
Typical areas where HOOD has provided support for tool/infrastructure selection and procurement:
- Introduction, coaching and support for the entire organisation (approx. 100 employees) in a public body.
- Strategic analysis (SWOT, risk analysis, fit gap analysis) for decision-making on investments by top management, IT strategy (architecture, IT construction, operation and maintenance).
- Elicitation, design and evaluation of user scenarios, workshops, training and coaching of teams and with stakeholders, UX validation within the invitation to tender process, development of a key user community.
- Supplier management and tool selection tenders in accordance with public sector procurement law and EVB IT specifications.
- Conception and conclusion of a tool selection process by reaching consensus among users (business departments and IT), management (development management, board, purchasing, operations management) and interface representatives (service management, architecture and testing).
- Implementation of a PoC with tool providers in several organisations and at several locations.
IT infrastructure architecture (in particular tool integration)
Maintaining an overview of the tools used in the company in order to be able to make strategic decisions about the further development of the tool landscape is an ongoing issue for most HOOD customers.
HOOD supports companies regarding the issue of cross-tool traceability, cross-tool configuration management and choosing between product families from one manufacturer or a tool portfolio consisting of products from different manufacturers. Furthermore, we help to clarify which data should be kept centrally and where redundancies may make good sense.
Clearly defined and prioritised requirements are a success factor for decisions that are also sustainable in the long term. This is where HOOD can provide support thanks to its many years of experience in requirements engineering and management.
Typical areas where HOOD has provided support on IT infrastructure architecture:
- Maintenance of an IT infrastructure (> 40 systems) at an international telecommunications provider.
- Development of a system-of-systems model for a reinsurance company
- Support in the cross-tool use of IBM Jazz platform tools (IBM DOORS Classic, DOORS Next Generation, Rational Rhapsody etc.).
- Establishing cross-tool traceability between products from different manufacturers with only minimal dedicated tool support (implicit traceability).
- Definition and standardisation of an exchange format for requirements and system models and implementation of cross-tool exchange in practice.
Setup & piloting of new tools & processes in large organisations
The introduction of new tools and processes in large organisations is no simple undertaking, and not a mechanical "roll-out". A clearly defined approach is helpful, but not sufficient. HOOD has been supporting large companies in their change processes for years.
We support them through coaching, consultancy and training, enabling them to find suitable ways to further develop an IT organisation in collaboration with their customers.
Typical areas where HOOD has provided support for the setup and piloting of new tools:
- Evaluating possible alternative solutions and finalising a recommendation for executive IT management (IT and process development).
- Building on the experience gained and the decisions made in a project for establishing new processes and a new organisational structure.
- Development and moderation of operational working models with IT service providers and business customers for >6 systems in line management and project-based organisations.
- Development and introduction of a cloud ALM solution for software development, developing pilot projects and roll-out strategies.
- MBSE analysis of business processes (UML/BPMN), design of a technical solution for model synchronicity, BPM-oriented applications in the context of inter-departmental modelling incl. project planning and coordination with central IT management.
- Development of a document generator for technical documentation and user guides, creation of a concept for the (partial) generation of process templates from models, definition and configuration of a code generator for process templates.
HOOD and MID – Smartfacts
A unique benefit is the joint offering of HOOD and MID - Smartfacts.
We believe that HOOD - with its extensive expertise in consulting, coaching and training in systems engineering, especially in model-based systems engineering, and requirements management - in partnership with MID - with its extensive experience in tool integration and traceability - is ideally suited to help customers make significant advancements in SE. We see the major strength of this joint approach in the fact that MID has experience of almost all the tools mentioned and their customisation interfaces from many years of project work and actual implementation projects.
Together, we see ourselves in a position to take on the entire project - from the conceptual and analytical stages, through scalable solution architecture, to implementation and deployment in the customer's productive ecosystem.
End-to-end responsibility is important for us to ultimately be able to demonstrate the benefits of the concepts we have developed. Our services also offer customers the option of implementing things holistically - from motivation to productive IT implementation. We facilitate the process of finding solutions for all stakeholders and can work highly efficiently and leverage synergies, particularly during implementation.
Our project team consists of highly qualified SE/RE experts who can ensure transformation in the organisation in cooperation with stakeholders and users alike. The team is also able to operate and update solutions in complex customer environments, including central authentication infrastructures. If desired, customers receive a standard solution whose maintenance and operation is guaranteed.
Talk to us about your goals.
From analysis to implementation, we have the right experience, practices and methods for you and your engineering and product management throughout the entire product lifecycle.
