openSE: A Systems engineering framework particularly suited to particle accelerator studies and development projects

TL;DR

The openSE framework is a tailored systems engineering approach designed to improve project management and development processes for particle accelerator projects, addressing their unique technological and safety challenges.

Contribution

It introduces a specialized systems engineering framework for particle accelerators, integrating best practices from industrial project management and safety considerations.

Findings

Framework based on best practices and survey data

Addresses unique challenges of particle accelerator projects

Aims to improve project success and safety management

Abstract

Particle accelerator projects share many characteristics with industrial projects. However, experience has shown that best practice of industrial project management is not always well suited to particle accelerator projects. Major differences include the number and complexity of technologies involved, the importance of collaborative work, development phases that can last more than a decade, and the importance of telerobotics and remote handling to address future preventive and corrective maintenance requirements due to induced radioactivity, to cite just a few. The openSE framework is a systems engineering and project management framework specifically designed for scientific facilities' systems and equipment studies and development projects. Best practices in project management, in systems and requirements engineering, in telerobotics and remote handling and in radiation safety management were used as sources of inspiration, together with analysis of current practices surveyed at CERN, GSI and ESS.