System Architecture

A system architecture is the high-level structural design of a system that defines its main components, their roles, and how they interact. It provides a framework that outlines both the physical and logical organization of hardware, software, data, and interfaces. In systems engineering, the architecture guides development decisions, ensures alignment with requirements, and supports system integration. It also captures key design trade-offs, constraints, and behavior patterns across the system lifecycle. 

System architecture is therefore critical for building complex, reliable, and scalable systems, especially in highly-regulated industries.