Following a Systems Engineering approach to establish a canine system for force multiplication

Abstract

This paper explores the use of a systems engineering approach to establish a canine system for application as one of the force multipliers to address complex challenges such as illicit wildlife trafficking, policing and border management. The proposed approach takes a life cycle view of the system, focussing on all life-cycle aspects from idea inception, through acquisition, operations and support to phase-out. The paper describes the systems engineering viewpoint taken and subsequent approach followed, in context of relevant international standards, to tackle the problem at hand, showing that systems engineering may be used as a valuable tool in tackling non-traditional engineering problems. The paper discusses activities undertaken during conceptualisation such as requirements definition for the capability (including pointers on how to specify the canine itself); provides guidance for executing development and acquisition; details aspects to be considered and managed during utilisation and support; and proposes a process for canine retirement.