\subsection{6.5 Lifecycle Cost Planning and TVM Analysis} \begin{center} \textbf{Cash Flow Diagram for Control-Based Station (5-Year Lifecycle)} \end{center} \begin{tikzpicture}[>=Stealth, scale=1, every node/.style={scale=1}] % Draw timeline \draw[->] (0,0) -- (6.5,0) node[right] {Time (Years)}; \foreach \x in {0,1,2,3,4,5} { \draw (\x,0.1) -- (\x,-0.1) node[below] {\x}; } % Year 0 - Initial Investment \draw[->, thick] (0,0) -- (0,-3) node[below] {- \$1000}; % Years 1–4 - Annual Operating Cost \foreach \x in {1,2,3,4} { \draw[->, thick] (\x,0) -- (\x,-1) node[below] at (\x,-1.2) {- \$100}; } % Year 5 - Annual Cost + Salvage \draw[->, thick] (5,0) -- (5,-1) node[below left] {- \$100}; \draw[->, thick, green!60!black] (5,0) -- (5,2) node[above] {+ \$200}; % Labels \node at (3,-3.8) {Cash Outflows = CAPEX \& OPEX}; \node at (5.8,2.5) {Salvage Value}; \end{tikzpicture} \section{System Engineering Management Plan (SEMP)} This section outlines the methodology, tools, and resources used to develop, analyze, and manage the system in accordance with systems engineering best practices. \subsection{Lifecycle Approach} This project follows a V-Model-inspired process, progressing from stakeholder requirements through system design, component selection, and preparation for verification. \subsection{Engineering Activities} \begin{itemize} \item \textbf{Modeling Method}: Descriptive MBSE approach using function hierarchy, FFBDs, N-diagrams, and allocation tables. \item \textbf{System Design}: Evaluation of alternatives via AHP, selection of components, function-to-component mapping. \item \textbf{Verification Prep}: Requirement traceability ensures every component and function aligns with stakeholder needs. \end{itemize} \subsection{Organizational Roles} \begin{itemize} \item \textbf{System Engineer}: Leads system analysis, design, and validation (single-author thesis project). \item \textbf{User / Stakeholder}: Farmers or homesteaders maintaining and interacting with the system. \item \textbf{Open Source Community}: Supports software packages, updates, and ecosystem tools. \end{itemize} \subsection{Key Milestones} \begin{table}[H] \centering \caption{SEMP Development Milestones} \begin{tabular}{|l|l|} \hline \textbf{Phase} & \textbf{Deliverable} \\ \hline Requirements Analysis & Functional and Non-Functional Requirements \\ Conceptual Design & FFBDs, N-diagrams, Function Allocation Tables \\ Component Architecture & Component Hierarchy, Flow Diagrams, Cost Model \\ Verification Planning & Requirement Traceability Matrix \\ Deployment Preparation & Configuration Table, Maintenance Strategy \\ \hline \end{tabular} \end{table} \subsection{Cost Model} The system is designed with strict cost constraints to ensure affordability for small-scale farmers and homesteaders. The goal is to maintain an annual operating cost below \$200 and a one-time hardware cost under \$1000, as specified in REQ-20 and REQ-26. The cost model incorporates hardware components, connectivity fees, and maintenance buffers. \begin{table}[H] \centering \caption{Estimated First-Year and Annual Operating Costs} \begin{tabular}{|l|l|l|} \hline \textbf{Category} & \textbf{One-Time Cost (USD)} & \textbf{Annual Cost (USD)} \\ \hline Edge Device (Raspberry Pi 4 + Peripherals) & \$100 & -- \\ Sensors (Weather Station + Soil Probes) & \$200 & -- \\ 4G Modem + SIM Hardware & \$50 & -- \\ Solar Power Kit + Battery Storage & \$150 & -- \\ Weatherproof Enclosure & \$30 & -- \\ Data Connectivity (4G SIM, low-data) & -- & \$6--\$12 \\ Preventive Maintenance Buffer & -- & \$50 \\ Cloud/Remote Logging (Optional) & -- & \$60 \\ \hline \textbf{Total Estimate} & \textbf{\$530} & \textbf{\$116--\$122} \\ \hline \end{tabular} \end{table} \noindent The model assumes one centralized edge device performing both hub and compute functions. This reduces recurring data costs by minimizing transmission frequency and eliminates the need for cloud-hosted control services. The architecture supports expansion through additional sensors without significantly increasing operating costs.