Charistech Engineers and Consultants
Two-pronged Approach to Improved Systems Engineering Management and Asset Tracking

AI-driven language analysis and Requirements Management are two different but complementary approaches to analyzing and reporting Systems Engineering documents and managing workflow processes. AI-driven language analysis has been widely used for different applications such as grant writing and RFP management. Requirements management formalizes the systems engineering process in defining, analyzing and managing complex requirements, including end-to-end traceability, and ensuring compliance to laws, regulations, standards and stakeholder requirements.

Driven by their core values of integrity, quality, value-added services, and precision-driven solutions, Charistech incorporates these two approaches in their project delivery process to reduce manual processes, streamline workflows and improve the quality of their work products.

Project Delivery

Charistech is in the forefront of this type of service approach.

By using an integrated AI-driven language analysis tool, one can quickly identify key themes and determine potential risks in complex documents. This AI driven approach helps detect misalignment, gaps and risk language that can lead to non-compliance. We employ this software approach to specifications development during preliminary design, 65% design, 100% design and Issued for Construction phases. For instance, at each of these stages, we can quickly identify across multiple documents where the occurrence of words such as submission, Contractor Deliverable, etc. or variations of these words can occur. From this matrix, we can quickly determine which documents do not have these occurrences and in turn can be an indication of non—compliance or a gap in the requirements. In addition, alignment of each of these requirements with the stakeholder requirements can also be determined easily. As a result, we are able to assess the quality of our Systems Engineering documents and improve our processes, even before doing a formalized requirements traceability matrix.

We start the requirements traceability matrix concurrently and early on in the project to ensure that the right end product or design that is being built is in alignment with stakeholder expectations. Using a requirements traceability software, we map the requirements to testing plans/procedures that verify all the requirements are met. We develop a linking scheme that links the different relationships between requirements. This linking scheme establishes the traceability on all the required documents.

Our workflow process involves several iterations between these two approaches throughout the project lifecycle. This combined approach helps us improve the quality and delivery schedule of our projects.

Application to Maintenance and Service of Transportation and Transit Projects

Requirements management tools have served as essential resources for systems engineers and software developers, enabling systematic organization and tracking of project requirements. In recent years, transit agencies have also adopted these tools to satisfy Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations, notably those pertaining to State of Good Repair (SGR) initiatives.
The FTA's Transit Asset Management (TAM) program obligates agencies to establish comprehensive asset management plans encompassing asset inventories, infrastructure condition assessments, and prioritization methodologies that factor in financial limitations. Compliance with these mandates presents significant challenges, often necessitating substantial investments in repairs, upgrades, and infrastructure improvements, such as maintaining existing vehicles and facilities and procuring new, energy-efficient vehicles.

Agencies must identify robust solutions to manage financial resources effectively, monitor asset conditions, and proactively address SGR program obligations. Requirements management software is critical for tracking, quantifying, and evaluating asset status, thereby supporting informed decision-making and ensuring ongoing regulatory compliance.

Integrating AI-powered language analysis with requirements management platforms enables agencies to streamline asset oversight. These advanced technologies enhance resource allocation, foster data-informed strategies, and contribute to service quality improvements. Ultimately, this integration increases system reliability and safety, extends asset lifespans, and ensures consistency in meeting regulatory reporting standards.

Maintaining transportation and transit systems in a state of good repair yields multiple advantages, including enhanced customer satisfaction, cleaner and safer vehicles, and lowered greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.
Charistech brings specialized expertise to support agencies’ TAM programs by clarifying the scope of SGR initiatives, developing comprehensive documentation of maintenance and repair requirements, tracking progress and timelines for repair activities, linking relevant documents for holistic oversight, leveraging advanced reporting tools for monitoring and compliance, and facilitating seamless collaboration among cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
-Jennifer Mariani, PhD, President/CEO, and Walter Stamirowski, Principal Program Director, Charistech Engineers & Consultants