ISO IEC IEEE 15288-2023 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288:2023 — Systems and software engineering — System life cycle processes. This international standard defines a common framework of processes, outcomes and terminology for the full life cycle of systems created by humans, supporting acquirers, suppliers and other stakeholders in system conception, development, production, utilization, support and retirement.

Abstract

Provides a process reference model and description for agreement processes, organizational project‑enabling processes, technical management processes and technical processes that can be applied iteratively, concurrently and recursively across system life cycle stages. It does not mandate a particular life‑cycle model, methodology or specific techniques; instead it specifies outcomes, tasks and information relationships to enable consistent engineering and information exchange.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: May 2023.
• Publisher: Joint international publication (ISO / IEC / IEEE).
• ICS / categories: 35.080 (Software / systems and software engineering).
• Edition / version: Second edition (ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288:2023).
• Number of pages: 116 pages.

Scope

Specifies a set of life‑cycle processes, process outcomes and terminology applicable to one‑of‑a‑kind, mass‑produced and customized systems, including stand‑alone systems, embedded systems and systems of systems. The standard applies to organizations acting as acquirers and suppliers and covers the full life cycle (conception, development, production, utilization, support and retirement), while not prescribing specific tools, modelling approaches or information item formats.

Key topics and requirements

• Process reference model grouping: agreement processes, organizational project‑enabling processes, technical management processes, and technical processes.
• Definitions and common terminology for systems, system elements, interfaces and system‑of‑systems concepts.
• Conformance options including full conformance and tailored conformance to outcomes or tasks.
• Guidance on applying processes iteratively, recursively and concurrently across life‑cycle stages.
• Support for organizational adoption, life‑cycle model management, configuration and information management, verification and validation, and assurance/quality characteristics.

Typical use and users

Used by systems engineers, program and project managers, acquisition and procurement organizations, suppliers and integrators, quality and configuration managers, and other stakeholders who need a common life‑cycle process framework. Common use cases include tailoring life‑cycle processes for projects, specifying contractual or procurement process outcomes, aligning organizational processes, and enabling interoperability between acquirers and suppliers.

Related standards

Closely related to ISO/IEC/IEEE 12207 (software life cycle processes), ISO/IEC/IEEE 15289 (life‑cycle information items and documentation), and the ISO/IEC/IEEE 24748 series (guidance for application and life cycle management). National and industry guides that apply 15288 to system‑of‑systems or sector‑specific contexts are also commonly used alongside it.

Keywords

Systems life cycle, life‑cycle processes, systems engineering, system of systems, process reference model, requirements definition, architecture, verification, validation, acquisition, supply, configuration management, information management.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288:2023 is an international standard that defines a common framework of system life‑cycle processes and associated terminology to support systems engineering and the acquisition and supply of systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers process descriptions, outcomes, conformance approaches and key information relationships for the full system life cycle (conception through retirement), organized into agreement, organizational project‑enabling, technical management and technical process groups.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Systems engineers, project and program managers, acquisition professionals, suppliers, integrators, quality and configuration managers, and organizations seeking a consistent life‑cycle process framework for engineering and procurement activities.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2023 edition is the current published (second) edition, replacing the 2015 edition. Users should reference the 2023 version for the latest definitional and structural changes.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of a family of life‑cycle and systems engineering standards and guidance (for example ISO/IEC/IEEE 12207, 15289 and the 24748 life‑cycle management guidance series) that together support systems and software life‑cycle processes and documentation practices.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Systems life cycle, life‑cycle processes, systems engineering, system of systems, process reference model, requirements, architecture, verification and validation, acquisition, supply, configuration management, information management.