What Is A Technical System
Uploaded by
ScribdTranslationsWhat Is A Technical System
Uploaded by
ScribdTranslationsWhat is a Technical System?
By Tatiana Mejia Jervis
A technical system is a series of interconnected components that transform, transport or control materials, energy and
information for a specific purpose or purpose.
In any system, the way its components work together is as important as their individual performance and characteristics
(Rouse, 2005). A technical system is always composed of physical entities and human agents.
In this way, it uses artifacts and subjects who manipulate these artifacts with the aim of providing a solution to a specific
problem. This is how the parts that make up a technical system can contain complex and difficult to handle components
(UDIMA, 2017).
Human beings within a technical system operate as agents responsible for a specific task. In this way, each system
requires the knowledge and use of a particular language and graphical representations, so that it can operate efficiently
according to operating parameters.
Every technical system must solve problems related to economic, political and social factors. If none of these problems
are addressed, it is likely that the system will not be successful and will eventually disappear.
Elements and components of technical systems
All technical systems in They include to a greater or lesser extent the following components:
– Technical objects.
– Natural resources and raw materials.
– People (designers, operators, clients, among others).
– Institutions and Organizations.
– Specialized technical and scientific knowledge.
– Laws and regulations.
– Cultural and social norms.
Within a technical system, social forces play a fundamental role in the construction of the system and are not only part
of the environment that surrounds it.
On the other hand, as it is partially made up of human beings, it is possible that errors are made, changes are made in its
operation and there is some flexibility within its operation.
Growth, Evolution and Change
During the 19th century, writer Thomas Hughes identified the pattern of growth, evolution, and change of technical
systems.
In this way, he indicated that a system was born, grew and developed at a time in which its structure was cemented.
Also, it established five phases of evolution of technical systems, listed below (University, 2017).
Phase 1: Invention
A technical system can arise in a radical way, it can be developed premeditated or accidentally derived from an attempt
to solve another problem.
Generally, all technical systems seek to improve a situation within a certain context; sometimes this solution comes
when trying to solve another problem.
There are multiple examples of this in the history of human inventions, where the quest to solve a particular problem
leads to the accidental resolution of another problem and the emergence of a new and unexpected technical system.
Phase 2: Development
A technical system can only be developed to the extent that it has an economic, political or social impact.
Since the essence of every system is to solve a problem. If a given system does not have that objective, it cannot be
developed nor will it evolve.
For a technical system to grow, capital and time must be invested in it. There are multiple institutions and people that
can help in this process, exploring the potential of the system and adjusting it in such a way that its performance is
improved.
Phase 3: Innovation
It is at this moment that the technical system is considered to have finally reached its status, since it stops being an idea
or invention and begins to have a defined structure, with components that relate to each other and work together to
achieve a goal. particular objective.
Control over all elements related to the system increases. Each part of the system fulfills a specific function.
Phase 4: Technology Transfer
In this phase, it is determined that the technical system can be replicated in other contexts. In this way, it goes from
being a unit to a network.
At this point, the standardization of all processes related to the system is required. Law and regulations play a
fundamental role in the technology transfer process.
Phase 5: Growth and Stabilization
When a technical system grows in capacity, it must deal with competition and seek stability.
Phenomena such as economies of scale, power, diversification, economic stability and the identification of factors that
make the system less efficient are beginning to be analyzed and taken into account.
Characteristics
The multiple factors necessary for a technical system to exist are described below. (Middle Valley Products, 2011)
Raw material
Every technical system requires the consumption of raw materials to carry out its functions. In this way, the system
takes these materials and transforms them, taking energy from them.
Agents
The most commonly used agents within technical systems are human beings. Each human being involved in the
operation of the system has specific knowledge and structure.
The characteristics of agents allow them to function as operators, controllers, managers and even clients.
Structure
The structure of each technical system is different, and depends on its objectives. These objectives define the way the
system operates and relates to its agents and components.
Goals
A technical system cannot exist if it does not have well-defined objectives, since the operation of the system will depend
completely on the goal it wants to achieve.
The objectives must be quantifiable and verifiable, since only then can the performance of the system be measured. In
case the objectives are not met, changes must be made to the system.
Results
Every technical system must produce results that, in general terms, must coincide with its objectives.
For this reason, it is vital to establish the objectives of the system, since they will validate the quality of the results
(Armendáriz, 2012).
Related Concepts
Some important concepts that make the existence of a technical system possible include the following:
– Entry, exit, transformation and control of matter.
– “black box” and hidden system processes.
– Redundancy (error tolerance) and reliability (error minimization).
– Operational parameters.
– Systems design, development
– Design, development, maintenance and resolution of related problems.
– Technical language and representations (Compton & Harwood, 2017).
References
Armendariz, M. TO. (November 7, 2012). Technology III. Obtained from Technological Fields and Cultural Diversity:
tecnologia3miguelavalos.blogspot.com.ar.
Compton, V., & Harwood, C. (2017). TechnologyOnline. Retrieved from Technological systems: technology.tki.org.nz.
Middle Valley Products. (October 2011). Obtained from What is a Technical
System?:productosvallemedio11.wordpress.com.
Rouse, M. (April 2005). TechTarget. Retrieved from System:searchwindowsserver.techtarget.com.
(May 27, 2017). Business Management. Obtained from Concept and structure of the technical system: blogs.udima.es.
