Navigating the Complexities of Embedded Systems

“Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.” - Steve Jobs

The widespread use of embedded systems across industries has been well entrenched. Technically, embedded systems involve the integration of software, hardware, sensors, and actuators into a larger system. Recent developments such as automation, connectivity, and the Internet of Things have made embedded systems a core focus area within all industries.

It is important to understand the complexity drivers in embedded systems that complicate their development. These drivers involve safety and reliability requirements, increased automation, rising connectivity, hardware and software compatibility, and business constraints. A good example of the rising complexity can be seen in the electronic architecture of modern automobiles. With about hundreds of control units and thousands of software components, the signals exchanged within subsystems run into ten thousand. All these components have to be developed and integrated to work seamlessly with each other.

The complexity is bound to grow with rising demands for multifaceted functionalities. The consequences of failing to deal with the complexity range from delays, costly recalls, and budget overruns to customer dissatisfaction. A one-month delay in the start of production of a vehicle can result in a loss in earnings amounting to millions for OEMs.

Efficiently managing complication in embedded systems is critical. Leaders now have to consider holistic complexity management that includes environmental and system complexity. It is imperative to assess a company’s ability to develop appropriate strategies for complexity management.

Complexities can be seen as challenges that can be exploited rather than glitches. If managed well, they can be a source of competitive advantage. As Albert Einstein said, “Out of complexity, find simplicity.”