”Only complexity can reduce complexity” is a system theoretical rule by the late prominent system thinker Niklas Luhmann (1927-1998).
At the Knowledege Center of Reference Designations, we believe that the necessary complexity which can reduce (any technical) complexity is systems thinking. What this means is that:
(1) Everything can be regarded as a system. | |
(2) System elements are related by different kinds of relations: Part-of relation, Type-of relation and Pragmatic relation, see [ISO 1087]: | |
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The Part-of relation is used to sub-divide any system into its constituent parts, recognised as system elements. This enables unlimited subdivision of complex systems and this is what 81346-1 is about. |
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The Type-of relation is used to create classes of systems and system elements. This is used for recognition of the systems and to prevent information from “growing wild”. This is what the classes in 81346-2 is about. |
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The Pragmatic relations presume systems are arranged in part-of relations, and then handles the integration among the systems. This is a positive benefit of working with systems as such. |
(3) It is necessary to name or label the systems, so you can recognise them from each other, and this is what the 81346 standard series is about. | |
Below is a video of Henrik Balslev who gives an introduction to RDS 81346
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