Systems integration and build SINT

(modified)

Planning, implementing and controlling activities to integrate system elements, subsystems and interfaces to create operational systems, products or services.

This is a prototype for SFIA 9.

The level descriptions have been updated to consistent with the guidance notes and the skill level descriptions, providing a more comprehensive view of systems integration.
The term "synthesise" has been replaced with "integrate" for improved clarity

Disclaimer - prototypes/new skills may be substantially modified prior to launch or may never be released.

Guidance notes

(modified)

The scope of integration includes system elements, subsystems, interfaces and software components including computing, storage, networking and cloud services.

Systems integration is used to create systems for testing purposes as well as for operational use by customers and users.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

developing organisational capabilities, processes and procedures for automation and continuous integration of build, packaging, testing, security and deployment
building and operating a continuous integration (CI) capability when required employing version control of source code and related artefacts
ensuring security and privacy requirements are an essential part of systems integration and build
collaborating with development, testing, and operations teams to streamline the integration process
testing, validation and sign off of integration to satisfy requirements, architectures and design
monitoring and controlling integration activities and recording and reporting on the results of integration
keeping stakeholders informed and providing feedback into risk management processes
developing and testing disaster recovery plans and applying incident management processes for major systems integrations.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...

Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.

Where higher levels are not defined...

Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and reponsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
Supporting others with tasks (generic examples are provided by the essence statements for each level)

Where higher levels are not defined...

You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Levels

Defined at these levels:

Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Systems integration and build: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

(modified)

Produces builds from system components using appropriate build automation tools and processes.

Conducts tests as defined in an integration test specification and records the details of any failures.

Analyses and reports on integration test activities and results. Identifies and reports issues and risks.

Systems integration and build: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

(modified)

Defines the modules and components and dependencies needed for an integration build and produces a build definition. Accepts completed modules and components, ensuring they meet defined criteria.

Produces builds from system components for loading onto target environments.

Configures the hardware, software, and infrastructure environment as required by the system being integrated.

Produces integration test specifications, conducts tests, and records and reports on outcomes. Diagnoses faults and documents the results of tests. Produces system integration reports.

Systems integration and build: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and supervises others, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

(modified)

Provides technical expertise to enable the configuration of system components and equipment for systems testing.

Collaborates with technical teams to develop and agree system integration plans and report on progress. Defines complex/new integration builds. Ensures that integration test environments are correctly configured.

Designs, performs and reports results of tests of the integration build. Identifies and documents system integration components for recording in the configuration management system.

Recommends and implements improvements to processes and tools.

Systems integration and build: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for achieving workgroup objectives and managing work from analysis to execution and evaluation.

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Plans and drives activities to develop organisational systems integration and build capabilities including automation and continuous integration.

Identifies, evaluates and manages the adoption of tools, techniques and processes to create a robust integration framework. Provides authoritative advice and guidance on any aspect of systems integration.

Leads integration work in line with the agreed system and service design. Assesses risks and takes preventative action. Measures and monitors applications of standards.

Contributes to the development of organisational policies, standards, and guidelines for systems integration.

Systems integration and build: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, fosters organizational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

(modified)

Leads the development of organisational systems integration and build capabilities including automation and continuous integration.

Develops organisational policies, standards, and guidelines for systems integration and build.

Provides resources to ensure systems integration and build can operate effectively and ensures adoption and adherence to policies and standards.

Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.