system of systems
What It Means
A system of systems is when multiple independent technology systems work together to create a new capability that none of them could provide alone. Each system continues to operate on its own, but their combined interaction produces something more powerful than the sum of their parts.
Why Chief AI Officers Care
CAIOs must understand these interconnections because AI implementations often span multiple existing systems, creating complex dependencies and failure points. When AI components interact with legacy systems, databases, and third-party services, the resulting system of systems can amplify both capabilities and risks across the entire technology stack.
Real-World Example
An AI-powered supply chain optimization solution that connects inventory management systems, shipping logistics platforms, weather data services, and customer demand forecasting tools. None of these systems alone can optimize the entire supply chain, but together they enable real-time decisions that reduce costs and improve delivery times.
Common Confusion
People often confuse a system of systems with a single integrated platform or suite of tools. The key difference is that in a system of systems, each component remains independently operational and owned by different teams or vendors, rather than being built as one unified solution.
Industry-Specific Applications
See how this term applies to healthcare, finance, manufacturing, government, tech, and insurance.
Healthcare: In healthcare, a system of systems emerges when independent platforms like EHRs, imaging systems, laboratory information...
Finance: In finance, a system of systems emerges when independent platforms like core banking, risk management, trading systems, ...
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Includes:
- 6 industry-specific applications
- Relevant regulations by sector
- Real compliance scenarios
- Implementation guidance
Technical Definitions
NISTNational Institute of Standards and Technology
"set of systems and system elements that interact to provide a unique capability that none of the constituent systems can accomplish on its own (note: can be necessary to facilitate interaction of the constituent systems in the system of systems)"Source: ISO/IEC_TS_5723:2022(en)
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