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clarify the word "component"

clarify the word "component"

clarify the word "component"

(OP)
Hi there,

We supply a monitoring system to our client that has hardware and software as part of our complete scope.

When looking at the term "component" is this to be understood as designating exclusively "hardware" or can this designate "software" as well?

Thanks for your insight

RE: clarify the word "component"

I've always worked where the term 'component' referred to something physical as well as being a part of a larger 'assembly' made up of many individual 'components'. In that context, the hardware would definitely be considered as 'components'. Now if the 'software' is somehow included as part of the BOM, then perhaps someone might legitimately consider it a 'component' as well.

John R. Baker, P.E. (ret)
EX-Product 'Evangelist'
Irvine, CA
Siemens PLM:
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The secret of life is not finding someone to live with
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RE: clarify the word "component"

Nowadays, software can be a component of a system, and the software in turn may comprise many software 'components', such as commercial libraries, operating systems, database systems, and locally manufactured application software, which may be further divided into component modules.

Sorry, the word has been stolen, and its scope increased beyond recognition.

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

RE: clarify the word "component"

can you expand on how you're using "component" ?

Software can easily be recognised as being a component of a system.

sub-pieces of the software system can be called many things ... module, component, element, widgit, ...

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

RE: clarify the word "component"

Quote (MikeHalloran)

Sorry, the word has been stolen, and its scope increased beyond recognition.

On the contrary, I think it's an old word which has always had a broad meaning. As with many words, different communities have tried to claim ownership and restrict its meaning to match their own understanding. When you do that, it comes as a shock when you discover that the word still means all these other things as well.

Even when I was little, vector components didn't come in a box.

A.

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