System Characteristics

Systems also exhibit certain features and characteristics, some of which are: 

Objective 

Every system has a predefined goal or objective towards which it works. A system cannot exist without a defined objective. For example an organisation would have an objective of earning maximum possible revenues, for which each department and each individual has to work in coordination.

Standards 

It is the acceptable level of performance for any system. Systems should be designed to meet standards. Standards can be business specific or organisation specific

For example, take a sorting problem. There are various sorting algorithms. But each has its own complexity. So such an algorithm should be used that gives the most optimum efficiency. So there should be a standard or rule to use a particular algorithm. It should be seen whether that algorithm is implemented in the system

Environment 

Every system whether it is natural or man made co-exists with an environment. It is very important for a system to adapt itself to its environment. Also, for a system to exist it should change according to the changing environment. 

For example, we humans live in a particular environment. As we move to other places, there are changes in the surroundings but our body gradually adapts to the new environment. If it were not the case, then it would have been very difficult for humans to survive for so many thousand years.

Feed Back 

Feedback is an important element of systems. The output of a system needs to be observed and feedback from the output taken so as to improve the system and make it achieve the laid standards. 

In fig 1.1, it is shown that a system takes input. It then transforms it into output. Also some feedback can come from customer (regarding quality) or it can be some intermediate data (the output of one process and input for the other) that is required to produce final output 

Boundaries and Interfaces 

Every system has defined boundaries within which it operates. Beyond these limits the system has to interact with the other systems. For instance, the Personnel system in an organisation has its work domain with defined procedures. If the financial details of an employee are required, the system has to interact with the Accounting system to get the required details.

Interfaces are another important element through which the system interacts with the outside world. System interacts with other systems through its interfaces. Users of the systems also interact with it through interfaces. Therefore, these should be customised to the user’s needs. These should be as user friendly as possible.