IEC 61069-8:2016

Industrial-process measurement, control and automation - Evaluation of system properties for the purpose of system assessment - Part 8: Assessment of other system properties

IEC 61069-8:2016 specifies the detailed method of the assessment of other system properties of a basic control system (BCS) based on the basic concepts of IEC 61069-1 and methodology of IEC 61069-2, defines basic categorization of other system properties, describes the factors that influence other system properties and which need to be taken into account when evaluating other system properties, and provides guidance in selecting techniques from a set of options (with references) for evaluating the other system properties. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1998. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- reorganization of the material of IEC 61069-8:1998 to make the overall set of standards more organized and consistent;
- IEC TS 62603-1 has been incorporated into this edition.

Mesure, commande et automation dans les processus industriels - Appréciation des propriétés d'un système en vue de son évaluation - Partie 8: Évaluation des autres propriétés d'un système

L'IEC 61069-8:2016 spécifie la méthode d'évaluation détaillée des autres propriétés d'un système faisant partie d'un système de commande de base (BCS) qui repose sur les principes de base de l'IEC 61069-1 et la méthodologie de l'IEC 61069-2; définit la classification de base des autres propriétés d'un système; décrit les facteurs ayant une influence sur les autres propriétés d'un système et dont il faut tenir compte lors de l'appréciation des autres propriétés d'un système; et donne des lignes directrices concernant les techniques de sélection à partir d'un ensemble d'options (avec références) pour l'appréciation des autres propriétés d'un système. Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition parue en 1998. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
- réorganisation des informations contenues dans l'IEC 61069-8:1998 visant à mieux organiser l'ensemble complet de normes et à le rendre plus cohérent;
- l'IEC TS 62603-1 a été incorporée dans cette édition.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Jun-2016
• ICS: 25.040.40 - Industrial process measurement and control
• Technical Committee: SC 65A - System aspects
• Drafting Committee: WG 16 - TC 65/SC 65A/WG 16
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 15-Jun-2016
• Completion Date: 15-Jul-2016

Relations

• Revises: IEC 61069-8:1999 - Industrial-process measurement and control - Evaluation of system properties for the purpose of system assessment - Part 8: Assessment of non-task-related system properties
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

IEC 61069-8:2016 Overview

IEC 61069-8:2016 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) focused on the evaluation of other system properties for industrial-process measurement, control, and automation systems. This document is part 8 of the IEC 61069 series, which deals with the assessment of system properties to ensure reliable and efficient operation of basic control systems (BCS).

This 2016 edition is a technical revision of the original 1998 version. It reorganizes content for better consistency within the broader IEC 61069 framework and incorporates IEC TS 62603-1. The standard defines categorization of other system properties, identifies influencing factors, and proposes methodologies and techniques for system property assessment.

Key Topics

• Other System Properties (OSP): The standard expands on non-task-related properties beyond core system functions, covering:

  • Quality assurance
  • System support
  • Compatibility
  • Physical properties

• Assessment Methodology:

  • Clear definition of assessment objectives
  • Design and planning of assessment programs
  • Execution and reporting procedures ensuring systematic evaluation

• Evaluation Techniques:

  • Analytical methods for quality, support, compatibility, and physical aspects
  • Empirical techniques to provide practical validation of system properties
  • Guidance to select the most appropriate evaluation tools and indicators

• Influencing Factors: Identification of critical factors impacting system properties is key for accurate assessment, including technical, operational, and environmental variables.

• Supporting Documentation: Includes checklists, system requirement documentation (SRD), system specification documents (SSD), and evaluation matrices to facilitate structured assessments.

Applications

IEC 61069-8:2016 is primarily designed for use in industrial environments where measurement and automation control systems are critical. Its applications include:

• System Assessment: Ensuring basic control systems meet comprehensive performance and reliability requirements through detailed evaluation of auxiliary system properties.
• Quality Management: Supporting quality assurance processes by evaluating production, delivery, and development aspects related to system suppliers and technologies.
• Vendor and Product Selection: Assists in evaluating compatibility and support services offered by vendors, including training, technical support, and documentation.
• Process Optimization: Helps identify weaknesses in system support and maintenance frameworks to enhance operational continuity and efficiency.
• Risk Management: By thoroughly assessing physical and support properties, the standard aids in minimizing operational risks associated with control systems.

Related Standards

IEC 61069-8:2016 forms part of a comprehensive family of standards under IEC 61069, which addresses system property evaluation for control systems:

• IEC 61069-1: Basic concepts and terminology for system property evaluation.
• IEC 61069-2: Methodology for system property assessment.
• IEC TS 62603-1: Incorporated technical specification related to non-task-related system properties evaluation.

Additional related IEC documents supporting industrial automation and control systems include:

• IEC 61508: Functional safety of electrical/electronic systems.
• IEC 61131: Programmable controllers.
• IEC 62443: Security for industrial automation and control systems.

---

By providing a structured, standardized approach to evaluating supplementary system properties beyond basic task functions, IEC 61069-8:2016 plays a vital role in enhancing industrial system reliability, compatibility, and maintainability. Compliance with this standard enables engineers and organizations to optimize control system performance while managing quality and support effectively.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 61069-8 ®
Edition 2.0 2016-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Industrial-process measurement, control and automation – Evaluation of system
properties for the purpose of system assessment –
Part 8: Assessment of other system properties

Mesure, commande et automation dans les processus industriels – Appréciation
des propriétés d'un système en vue de son évaluation –
Partie 8: Évaluation des autres propriétés d'un système

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IEC 61069-8 ®
Edition 2.0 2016-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Industrial-process measurement, control and automation – Evaluation of system

properties for the purpose of system assessment –

Part 8: Assessment of other system properties

Mesure, commande et automation dans les processus industriels – Appréciation

des propriétés d'un système en vue de son évaluation –

Partie 8: Évaluation des autres propriétés d'un système

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 25.040.40 ISBN 978-2-8322-3451-8

– 2 – IEC 61069-8:2016 © IEC 2016
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references. 9
3 Terms, definitions, abbreviated terms, acronyms, conventions and symbols . 9
3.1 Terms and definitions . 9
3.2 Abbreviated terms, acronyms, conventions and symbols . 9
4 Basis of assessment specific to other system properties . 9
4.1 Other system properties . 9
4.1.1 General . 9
4.1.2 Quality assurance . 10
4.1.3 System support . 11
4.1.4 Compatibility . 13
4.1.5 Physical properties . 13
4.2 Factors influencing OSP . 13
5 Assessment method . 14
5.1 General . 14
5.2 Defining the objective of the assessment . 14
5.3 Design and layout of the assessment . 14
5.4 Planning the assessment program . 14
5.5 Execution of the assessment . 14
5.6 Reporting of the assessment . 14
6 Evaluation techniques . 15
6.1 General . 15
6.2 Analytical evaluation techniques . 15
6.2.1 Evaluation of quality assurance . 15
6.2.2 Evaluation of systems support . 15
6.2.3 Evaluation of compatibility . 15
6.2.4 Evaluation of physical properties . 16
6.3 Empirical evaluation techniques. 16
6.3.1 Evaluation of systems support . 16
6.3.2 Evaluation of compatibility . 16
6.4 Additional topics for evaluation techniques . 16
Annex A (informative) Checklist and/or example of SRD for system functionality . 17
A.1 SRD information . 17
A.2 System support . 17
A.3 Quality assurance . 17
Annex B (informative) Check list and/or example of SSD for system functionality . 18
B.1 SSD information . 18
B.2 Check points for other aspects . 18
Annex C (informative) Assessment of non-task-related system properties, sample
system specification information from IEC TS 62603-1 . 19
C.1 Overview. 19
C.2 Non-task-related system properties . 19
C.2.1 Technical and commercial support . 19

C.2.2 Training of the personnel . 19
C.2.3 Technical support for operation . 19
C.2.4 Warranty . 20
C.2.5 References of the vendor . 20
C.3 System support . 21
C.3.1 Automatic documentation . 21
C.3.2 On-line documentation . 21
Annex D (informative) Subjects to be considered on type of training required for the
mission . 22
D.1 General . 22
D.2 Enabling factors . 22
D.2.1 General . 22
D.2.2 Knowledge . 22
D.2.3 Attitude . 23
D.3 Skills . 23
D.3.1 General . 23
D.3.2 Technical skills . 23
D.3.3 Skill to make decisions . 24
D.3.4 Skill to communicate effectively . 24
D.4 Overview of training items . 24
Annex E (informative) Evaluation indicators to assess quality assurance . 27
E.1 Company . 27
E.2 Technologies . 28
E.3 Processes . 29
E.4 Products . 30
E.5 Deliveries . 31
Annex F (informative) Evaluation matrix to assess compatibility . 33
Bibliography . 34

Figure 1 – General layout of IEC 61069 . 8
Figure 2 – Other system properties . 10

Table D.1 – Training items . 24
Table E.1 – Company profile . 27
Table E.2 – Management . 27
Table E.3 – Quality management system (QM) . 27
Table E.4 – Co-operation and service (overall assessment) . 28
Table E.5 – Product strategy . 28
Table E.6 – Production . 28
Table E.7 – Development . 28
Table E.8 – Co-operation . 29
Table E.9 – Process documentation . 29
Table E.10 – Process control . 29
Table E.11 – Environmental compatibility . 29
Table E.12 – Co-operation . 30
Table E.13 – Delivery quality . 30

– 4 – IEC 61069-8:2016 © IEC 2016
Table E.14 – Reliability . 30
Table E.15 – Processing of complaints . 30
Table E.16 – Co-operation . 31
Table E.17 – Delivery logistics . 31
Table E.18 – Transport systems . 31
Table E.19 – Cost management . 32
Table E.20 – Co-operation . 32
Table F.1 – Evaluation matrix to assess compatibility . 33

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
INDUSTRIAL-PROCESS MEASUREMENT, CONTROL AND AUTOMATION –
EVALUATION OF SYSTEM PROPERTIES FOR
THE PURPOSE OF SYSTEM ASSESSMENT –

Part 8: Assessment of other system properties

FOREWORD
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patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61069-8 has been prepared by subcommittee 65A: System
aspects, of IEC technical committee 65: Industrial-process measurement, control and
automation.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1999. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) reorganization of the material of IEC 61069-8:1999 to make the overall set of standards
more organized and consistent;
b) IEC TS 62603-1 has been incorporated into this edition.

– 6 – IEC 61069-8:2016 © IEC 2016
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
65A/796/FDIS 65A/806/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61069 series, published under the general title Industrial-process
measurement, control and automation – Evaluation of system properties for the purpose of
system assessment, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
INTRODUCTION
IEC 61069 deals with the method which should be used to assess system properties of a
basic control system (BCS). IEC 61069 consists of the following parts.
Part 1: Terminology and basic concepts
Part 2: Assessment methodology
Part 3: Assessment of system functionality
Part 4: Assessment of system performance
Part 5: Assessment of system dependability
Part 6: Assessment of system operability
Part 7: Assessment of system safety
Part 8: Assessment of other system properties
Assessment of a system is the judgement, based on evidence, of the suitability of the system
for a specific mission or class of missions.
To obtain total evidence would require complete evaluation (for example under all influencing
factors) of all system properties relevant to the specific mission or class of missions.
Since this is rarely practical, the rationale on which an assessment of a system should be
based is:
– the identification of the importance of each of the relevant system properties,
– the planning for evaluation of the relevant system properties with a cost-effective
dedication of effort to the various system properties.
In conducting an assessment of a system, it is crucial to bear in mind the need to gain a
maximum increase in confidence in the suitability of a system within practical cost and time
constraints.
An assessment can only be carried out if a mission has been stated (or given), or if any
mission can be hypothesized. In the absence of a mission, no assessment can be made;
however, evaluations can still be specified and carried out for use in assessments performed
by others. In such cases, IEC 61069 can be used as a guide for planning an evaluation and it
provides methods for performing evaluations, since evaluations are an integral part of
assessment.
In preparing the assessment, it can be discovered that the definition of the system is too
narrow. For example, a facility with two or more revisions of the control systems sharing
resources, for example a network, should consider issues of co-existence and inter-operability.
In this case, the system to be investigated should not be limited to the “new” BCS; it should
include both. That is, it should change the boundaries of the system to include enough of the
other system to address these concerns.
The series structure and the relationship among the parts of IEC 61069 are shown in Figure 1.

– 8 – IEC 61069-8:2016 © IEC 2016

IEC 61069: Industrial-process measurement, control and automation –
Evaluation of system properties for the purpose of system assessment
Part 1: Terminology and basic concepts
• Basic concept
• Terminology ‐ Objective
‐ Common terms ‐ Description of system
‐ Terms for particular part
‐ System properties
‐ Influencing factors
Part 2: Assessment methodology
• Generic requirements of procedure of assessment
‐ Overview, approach and phases
‐ Requirements for each phase
‐ General description of evaluation techniques
Parts 3 to 8: Assessment of each system property
• Basics of assessment specific to each property
‐ Properties and influencing factors
• Assessment method for each property
• Evaluation techniques for each property

IEC
Figure 1 – General layout of IEC 61069
Some example assessment items are integrated in Annex C.

INDUSTRIAL-PROCESS MEASUREMENT, CONTROL AND AUTOMATION –
EVALUATION OF SYSTEM PROPERTIES FOR
THE PURPOSE OF SYSTEM ASSESSMENT –

Part 8: Assessment of other system properties

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61069:
– specifies the detailed method of the assessment of other system properties of a basic
control system (BCS) based on the basic concepts of IEC 61069-1 and methodology of
IEC 61069-2,
– defines basic categorization of other system properties,
– describes the factors that influence other system properties and which need to be taken
into account when evaluating other system properties, and
– provides guidance in selecting techniques from a set of options (with references) for
evaluating the other system properties.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 61069-1:2016, Industrial-process measurement, control and automation – Evaluation of
system properties for the purpose of system assessment – Part 1: Terminology and basic
concepts
IEC 61069-2:2016, Industrial-process measurement, control and automation – Evaluation of
system properties for the purpose of system assessment – Part 2: Assessment methodology
3 Terms, definitions, abbreviated terms, acronyms, conventions and symbols
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 61069-1 apply.
3.2 Abbreviated terms, acronyms, conventions and symbols
For the purposes of this document, the abbreviated terms, acronyms, conventions and
symbols given in IEC 61069-1 apply.
4 Basis of assessment specific to other system properties
4.1 Other system properties
4.1.1 General
Those properties which are not already addressed in IEC 61069-3 to IEC 61069-7 are
classified under the category of "other system properties” (OSP).

– 10 – IEC 61069-8:2016 © IEC 2016
These are properties covering multiple areas or may not be directly related to any task or
function.
Nevertheless, this category of OSP is of importance for the effective use of a system to
accomplish its mission, during the installation, operational, decommissioning and disposal
phases of its life cycle.
OSP are categorized as shown in Figure 2.
Other system properties
Quality assurance System support Compatibility Physical
IEC
Figure 2 – Other system properties
OSP cannot be assessed directly and cannot be described by a single property. OSP can only
be determined by analysis and testing of each of its properties individually.
The ability to list characteristics under OSP allows elaboration of these properties, if so
required.
4.1.2 Quality assurance
BCSs are in practice developed, designed, engineered and configured using modules and
elements, which can be of a single manufacturer, or be obtained from multiple parties.
Assuming the system properties as described in IEC 61069, the BCS is expected to be able to
carry out its required tasks.
This capability is expected throughout the BCS’ entire life cycle.
It is critical that methods are utilized in creating the system to ensure its overall quality.
As such, a robust quality assurance program is expected to be utilized to create and maintain
the BCS throughout its entire life cycle.
Given that multiple parties can be involved in the creation of a BCS, the one or those multiple
quality assurance program(s) shall be evaluated.
Guidance on the points that should be addressed in a quality assurance manual is given in
the ISO 9000 series on quality management and in quality assurance standards, ISO 9001
and Annex B. Guidance on product reliability can be found in IEC 60300-2.
Software can be an integral part of BCS.
NOTE Guidance on the activities involving software is given in ISO/IEC 12207 and ISO/IEC 9126.
Particular attention should be paid to the operation of the document change control system to
guarantee consistency between all versions of the hardware, software, and the system
supporting documentation.
It is crucial that the overall quality assurance system includes specific measures to integrate
the change control systems of the different manufacturers responsible for the correct working
of the system throughout its life cycle.
4.1.3 System support
4.1.3.1 General
System support is required throughout all phases of the life cycle of a BCS.
The objectives of system support are to increase the user’s confidence in the system, to
ensure that the system is taken care of and to ensure that it provides the quality of
achievement of which the system is capable.
For each of the phases in the system life cycle the following system support aspects are of
importance:
– technical services;
– maintenance;
– documentation;
– training.
Circumstances can dictate how and by whom the system support is to be provided.
4.1.3.2 Technical services
The technical services can include:
– information services, for example specifications, updates, new products or concepts,
application guidelines;
– design and engineering services;
– commissioning services, for example installation, check-out, start-up, etc.
The importance of these technical services will vary from one system life cycle phase to
another.
4.1.3.3 Maintenance services
Maintenance services can include:
– field maintenance (e.g. software upgrade, firmware upgrade, hardware upgrade),
– remote maintenance (e.g. diagnostics, monitoring, software repair/upgrade),
– product obsolescence,
– spare parts, etc.
The importance of these maintenance services will vary from one system life cycle phase to
another.
4.1.3.4 Documentation
Documentation can include:
– specifications, for example functional specifications, interface specifications, performance
specifications;
– reliability specifications;
– instructions, for example installation instructions, operation instructions, maintenance
instructions;
– 12 – IEC 61069-8:2016 © IEC 2016
– guides, for example application notes;
– descriptions, for example a detailed account on how the total system performs its tasks,
etc.
The documentation can be provided via different media, e.g. paper, disks, and network. The
level of details required and the method used to present data depends upon the needs of the
different groups of readers using the system in its various life cycle phases.
The SRD may also include specific requirements for electronic documentation formats, and
system database formats. Compliance with those requirements then forms part of the overall
assessment.
IEC 60300-3-10 provides guidance on maintenance support.
The IEC 61082 gives general information on documentation used in electrotechnology.
The IEC 61346 provides rules and guidance for the unambiguous reference designations for
objects in any system for the purpose of correlating information about an object among
different kinds of documents and the products implementing the system.
IEC 61506 gives information on documentation of application software.
4.1.3.5 Training
Specific training is important for all persons who are required to perform tasks to fulfil the
mission to enable them to efficiently use the system, as indicated in IEC 61069-6:2016, 4.1.
The objective of training is to ensure that personnel have the necessary knowledge and skill
to fulfil their task as part of the whole system mission. To be effective, training should meet
both the organizational and individual needs.
Training programs should cover all skills and knowledge necessary to fulfil the tasks to be
accomplished at each phase of the life cycle.
Guidance on the different aspects is given in Annex D.
The skill and knowledge requirements should at least cover:
– installation;
– configuration;
– correctness verification;
– operation;
– maintenance of the system.
Training can be provided through, for example:
– tutor training: conducted by the trainer;
– self training: conducted by the trainee;
– on-the-job training: dictated by the task(s).
These training methods can be combined with, for example, training simulators or automated
tutorials.
4.1.4 Compatibility
Compatibility is a system property which supports the interaction within the system (internal
compatibility) and the system interaction with external systems (external compatibility).
Compatibility is provided through the use of defined interfaces designed following strict rules
and protocols. These are laid down in, for example:
– international and national standards;
– de facto standards, for example TCP/IP, or other widely used industrial standards; and
– proprietary standards (these can be published or unpublished), etc.
Compatibility provides:
– exchange of elements and modules of different suppliers;
– interoperability between different systems;
– support of migration path as technology advances.
NOTE Although compatibility is provided, it can however require additional steps to be taken to provide the
required support, for example adaptation to a new operating system.
Compatibility can exist at different levels in the system hierarchy or area, such as:
– communication links;
– between software modules;
– between hardware components;
– at the man-machine interface;
– at the system electronic documentation format and database formats.
This can cover compatibility of simple hardware plugs up to total systems.
4.1.5 Physical properties
The physical properties of a system should be considered in relation to the constraints which
are imposed by the circumstances of the application. The physical properties to be considered
include:
– weight;
– size (and access space required for maintenance);
– vibration;
– power consumption (for example air, hydraulic and/or electricity supply);
– heat dissipation;
– emissions (for example light, noise, UV, IR or any other electromagnetic radiation).
Some of these properties can also have system safety implications, which are dealt with in
IEC 61069-7.
4.2 Factors influencing OSP
The OSP of a system can be affected by the influencing factors listed in IEC 61069-1:2016,
5.3.
For each of the properties listed in 4.1, the primary influencing factors are as follows:
– No additional items for this property.

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5 Assessment method
5.1 General
The assessment shall follow the method laid down in IEC 61069-2:2016, Clause 5.
5.2 Defining the objective of the assessment
Defining the objective of the assessment shall follow the method as laid down IEC 61069-
2:2016, 5.2.
5.3 Design and layout of the assessment
Design and layout of the assessment shall follow the method as laid down in IEC 61069-
2:2016, 5.3.
Defining the scope of assessment shall follow the method laid down in IEC 61069-2:2016,
5.3.1.
Collation of documented information shall be conducted in accordance with IEC 61069-2:2016,
5.3.3.
The statements compiled in accordance with IEC 61069-2:2016, 5.3.3 should include the
following in addition to the items listed in IEC 61069-2:2016, 5.3.3:
– No additional items for this property.
Documenting collated information shall follow the method in IEC 61069-2:2016, 5.3.4.
Selecting assessment items shall follow IEC 61069-2:2016, 5.3.5.
Assessment specification should be developed in accordance with IEC 61069-2:2016, 5.3.6.
Comparison of the SRD and the SSD shall follow IEC 61069-2:2016, 5.3.
NOTE 1 A checklist of SRD for system dependability is provided in Annex A.
NOTE 2 A checklist of SSD for system dependability is provided in Annex B.
5.4 Planning the assessment program
Planning the assessment program shall follow the method as laid down in IEC 61069-2:2016,
5.4.
Assessment activities shall be developed in accordance with IEC 61069-2:2016, 5.4.2.
The final assessment program should specify points specified in IEC 61069-2:2016, 5.4.3.
5.5 Execution of the assessment
The execution of the assessment should be in accordance with IEC 61069-2:2016, 5.5.
5.6 Reporting of the assessment
The reporting of the assessment shall be in accordance with IEC 61069-2:2016, 5.6.
The report shall include information specified in IEC 61069-2:2016, 5.6. Additionally, the
assessment report should address the following points:

– No additional items are noted.
6 Evaluation techniques
6.1 General
Within this standard, several evaluation techniques are suggested. Other methods may be
applied but, in all cases, the assessment report should provide references to documents
describing the techniques used.
Those evaluation techniques are categorized as described in IEC 61069-2:2016, Clause 6.
Factors influencing OSP of the system as per 4.2 shall be taken into account.
The techniques given in 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4 are recommended to assess OSP.
NOTE An example of a list of assessment items is provided in Annex C.
6.2 Analytical evaluation techniques
6.2.1 Evaluation of quality assurance
The evaluation of quality assurance (QA) can be achieved analytically by the execution of a
quality audit.
A quality audit basically checks:
– the completeness of the quality assurance manual;
– the measures taken to ensure quality;
– the results of these measures, noted during the life cycle of the system;
– existence of an agreement between the supplier and user on the quality assurance system
to be used.
ISO 19011 gives guidance on the execution of audits, gives the criteria of quality auditors and
gives guidance on the management of audits. Important properties are:
– the existence of a certified QA system of the supplier;
– the assignment of a quality manager for the evaluated system, etc.
Annex E gives an example of the system properties to be taken into account when assessing
the quality assurance of a BCS.
6.2.2 Evaluation of systems support
The evaluation of system support can be achieved analytically by direct comparison of the
SRD and SSD in accordance with Clause 5.
Especially for system support, increased confidence can be obtained through former
experiences with the supplier concerning similar activities.
6.2.3 Evaluation of compatibility
The evaluation of compatibility can be achieved analytically by regarding the internal and
external interfaces as laid down in 4.1.4.
It is recommended that all internal and external interfaces should be identified and assigned
to the level of element, module, device and system, including any documentation or data
format compliance requirements, and to list all the standards used.

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As an indication of the level of compatibility the applied standards can usually be ranked in
descending order as follows:
– international and national standards;
– de facto standards;
– proprietary standards, etc.
However, other special considerations may modify the ranking. In some cases, a lower level
of standardization is preferred, for example a proprietary standard before an international
standard when the system is required to interface to an existing system. Moreover, different
interfaces can have varying importance to the mission or the future system environment.
A matrix, as shown in Annex F, can be established to assess compatibility.
Each cell of the matrix shows a combination an interface rank and the standard used. This
analysis can be supported by empirical tests, from simple plug in checks up to comprehensive,
combined hardware and software tests.
6.2.4 Evaluation of physical properties
The evaluation of physical properties can be achieved analytically by direct comparison of the
SRD and SSD in accordance with Clause 5.
Most of the physical properties will not be of major importance, unless they exceed a limit that
is set by the customer’s environment or by international or national standards.
Some of the properties might require a ranking in accordance with a basic rule such as "the
lower the better".
The analysis can be performed by listing the values of the physical properties from the system
specification document and attaching a ranking to each of the values, to obtain properties to
be evaluated.
6.3 Empirical evaluation techniques
6.3.1 Evaluation of systems support
For the system support items documentation and training, this analysis may be supported by
empirical tests, by taking some representative
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