System

A system is a process or set of parts that organize and facilitate getting a desired result. A Quality control system aids in producing deliverables like cars or websites or almost anything that has a lot of steps to complete. A Quality system is a set of checks and balances to keep the process on track to making the product turn out meeting a set of standards and doing so consistently

The Panama Canal is a system of water elevators used to move a ship between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans which are at different heights. When someone is using a system it is like following a formula. There are systems for selling things, like insurance. Follow the steps and, most times, the insurance is sold. There are political systems and capitalism is just one of those. Each has its own attributes

To systematize is to organize and give an order to an activity. First you do this, in a particular way, then you do this next thing, possibly in another way, and so on until completed. It could be how to clean a room, first dust the ceiling, then wipe the walls, sweep, wash and wax the floors. Oh, and before starting on the floors part, pick up all the garbage and beer bottles in that hotel wedding party room. All part of the system.

To say we have a systemic problem is saying that a part of our process is not working as it was intended to. Systemic also suggests a both a big and, a hard to precisely nail down, problem. The ‘problem’ is in the system and might be hard to put our finger on. It could be the way the system is designed. Sometimes something that is done early in the process affects something well along in the process in unexpected ways

To build a system I am documenting exactly, step by step, what is to be done to produce a particular result. An auto assembly line is an example of a big system. Hmmmm? What system am I using to live my life with? Whoa, big question. That system is usually based on decisions that uphold my personal values, which, if followed, ought to give me a good life. How’s yours going?

Contact jseiler@yournaturaledge.com