Integrated systems
Integrated systems, or systems integration, is the process of bringing together component sub-systems into one functional system. It provides a system with coherence by making the parts or components work together, or ‘building or creating a whole from parts’ (Langford, 2013).
It has particular relevance to information technology – where different pieces of hardware and software act together as a coordinated system – but also civil engineering and infrastructure projects, where it can be viewed as a distinct phase of the delivery process. The interactions between subsystems enable the integration of sometimes apparently disparate systems, adding value to the system as a whole in terms of increased efficiency, accuracy or cost-effectiveness.
In construction, collaboration is required across many different parties – owners, clients, consultants, contractors, suppliers and so on. Systems integration techniques can be used to synthesise knowledge across different areas of expertise, roles and responsibilities. For example, Heathrow Terminal 5 and the 2012 London Olympics used systems integration to ensure that parts, components, units, sub-assemblies, subsystems and systems worked together as a whole.
The table below contains a summary of the main tools, techniques and approaches for systems integration:
| TOOLS, TECHNIQUES & APPROACHES | FOCUS AND USES |
| SySML | SysML is a modelling language based on UML that can be used to describe systems and their interconnections. It has been used in research on integrated and sustainable design in buildings and infrastructure. |
| General theory of systems integration (GTSI) | Systems consist of objects and processes that have non-reciprocal emergence. An object has mechanisms that have logic structures, enacted in processes involving energy, matter, material wealth and information (EMMI). |
| Design Structure Matrix (DSM) | DSM is a matrix used to consider the interdependencies between different components of the process in order to sequence design activities, or of the product in order to understand and cluster ex-ante components with high levels of interdependence. |
| Network analysis | Software tools such as UCINet and Gephi are used in social network analysis (SNA), with other programming tools such as igraph. SNA can be used to examine the heterogeneous networks involved in projects and their dynamics. There is an opportunity to link this understanding with performance. |
| Systems dynamics | This approach is used in understanding the dynamics of management in complex projects, and for understanding error propagation and rework. |
| STAMP | System theoretic accident model which treats accidents as a chain of events rather than seeking root causes, and sees reliability and safety as different properties of systems. |
| Montecarlo simulation | Used to get probabilities of different outcomes occurring, with respect to the perturbations of a defined network. Unlike DSM, it can provide information about the resilience of a given network to particular types of events. |
| Scenario planning | An operational scenario tool proposed as part of the implementation strategy for asset management. |
Data analytics is increasingly being used by a new generation of systems integration tools to visualise and understand relationships between components, and the systemic consequences of any changes, in complex systems.
Machine learning, graph theory, systems dynamics and scenario planning techniques can all be used to improve the delivery of complex projects. The challenge involves combining data-sets and model-based systems engineering to reveal new patterns.
In addition, new immersive technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality are being promoted as methods that can enable proactive collective decision-making by understanding projects as complex product systems.
Researchers claim there are opportunities to collect and aggregate data and use new forms of analysis to identify underlying patterns and visualise these to identify risk and build resilience into engineered systems. They point to the military sector which uses command, control, communications and intelligence as a forerunner of the potential of the technique.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- 3D MOVE: Mobile Immersive Visualisation Environment.
- Advanced construction technology.
- Artificial intelligence and civil engineering.
- Augmented reality in construction.
- Collaborative practices for building design and construction.
- Immersive Hybrid Reality IHR.
- Integrated modelling, simulation and visualisation (MSV) for sustainable built healing environments (BHEs).
- Integrated transport system.
- Virtual construction model.
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.