The Definitions of Systemics: Integration and Interoperability of Systems

This chapter presents the definitions of systems and systemics, and discusses the integration and interoperability of systems. All systems, whatever their nature, will share a certain number of properties such as constitutive element (building block or simply a module); interaction/communication; and invariant/control regulation. For the definition to work, we need to identify “elements” that are not systems themselves, in other words name them, failing which the definition becomes circular and is no longer of use. The elements of a system are mounted on a frame which defines the structure of space (this is a topology) in which the various constituent parts will be integrated. In systems engineering, people talk about a host structure or an architecture framework; each of these elements has a very precise function. The chapter also illustrates the hierarchical organization of a computer in layers.