6/13/23, 9:13 AM Verification and Validation - AcqNotes

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Systems Engineering
Verification and Validation

Verification and Validation (V&V) are steps to determine if a system or

component satisfies its operational and system-level requirements. V&V
requirements are established during a program to provide adequate direction for
system engineers to gauge the progress of a program.

Verification is a quality control process determining if a system meets its

system-level requirements.  Inspection and demonstration is the main
testing method used in the Verification process.
Validation is a quality control process that determines if operational
requirements are met for the overall system to meet the Initial Capabilities
Document (ICD) and Capability Development Document (CDD).  The
analysis is a testing method primarily used in Validation.

Definition: Verification and validation (V&V) are

independent methods and procedures that are used to check
if a component, product, service, or system meets its
established requirements and specifications and that it
satisfies its intended overall purpose.

Purpose of Verification and Validation (V&V)

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The purpose of V&V is to provide direct evidence of progress toward ultimately

meeting the customer’s requirements. The V&V results ensure that the product
will pass the customer’s criteria. Eventually, these results prove that the product
performs as specified and indicate how well it will satisfy its operational needs. [1]

Verification Process

It confirms that a system element meets design-to or build-to specifications.

Throughout the system’s life cycle, design solutions at all levels of the physical
architecture are verified through a cost-effective combination of analysis,
examination, demonstration, and testing, all of which can be aided by modeling
and simulation. [1]

Validation Process

The Validation Process answers the question of, “Is it the right solution to the
problem?” As such, this process works in conjunction with the Stakeholder
Requirements, Requirements Analysis, and Architecture and Design processes. It
evaluates the requirements, functional and physical architectures, and
implementation. In the early stages of the system development life cycle,
validation may involve independent evaluation of the system requirements,
development of prototypes, and simulations, all to validate the system concept.

There are three (3) processes that encompass validation: [1]

1. The review of documentation by an operational authority other than the

user to confirm the operational capability. Validation is the precursor to
approval.
2. The process by which the contractor tests a publication/technical manual
for technical accuracy and adequacy.
3. The process of evaluating a system or software component during, or at
the end of, the development process to determine whether it satisfies
specified requirements.

Difference Between Verification and Validation

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The main difference between verification and validation is that Verification is

focused on making sure system-level requirements are met, while Validation
focuses on making sure the system is performing the way it was designed and
intended.

Verification process includes checking documents, design, code, and

program
Validation process includes testing and validation of the actual product
Verification uses methods like reviews, walkthroughs, inspections, and
desk-checking
Validation uses methods like models, box testing, and non-functional
testing
Verification checks whether a component (software) confirms a
specification
Validation checks whether a component (software) meets the requirements
and expectations
Verification comes before validation

Verification and Validation (V&V) in the Requirements Development

Process

There are six (6) basic requirements development steps, and step 5 is to Verify
and Validate requirements.

Below is a list of the basic six (6) steps of requirements development.

Requirements Development Steps

Step 5: Verify and Validate Requirements

In step five, each requirement must be verified and validated to ensure that these
are the correct requirements. This ensures that the requirements meet the overall

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objective of the system and all stakeholder needs.

AcqNotes Tutorial

AcqLinks and References:

[1] SMC Systems Engineering Handbook – Chapter 7

Modeling and Simulation Verification and Validation Challenges
Picture: Verification Flow Chart from Chapter 7 of DAU SE Fundamentals
Guide 

Updated: 11/3/2022

Rank: G44

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