Missing unit

A requirement that lacks clear or consistent units for values. Missing or inconsistent units can cause confusion and implementation errors. Always specify units and use them consistently across related requirements.

Table 1. Summary of rule mapping
Category Description
Rule mapping (INCOSE) R6 – COMMON UNITS OF MEASURE
Default weight 7.5
Terms to avoid mm, seconds, volts, °C, km/hr

Example 1: Missing unit

Unclear Requirement: The speed of the toy car in water should be 90.

Issue: The unit of measurement is missing. Is it 90 km/h, mph, or something else?

Clear Requirement: The speed of the toy car in water should be 90 km/h.

Example 2: Inconsistent unit context

Unclear Requirements: The fuel pump shall have a maximum volume of 1 liter. The fuel pump shall have a flow rate of 250 l/h.

Issue: The second requirement assumes the unit from the first. If read separately, the unit is unclear.

Clear Requirement: The fuel pump shall have a flow rate of 250 liters per hour (l/h).

Note: Each requirement must be complete and self-sufficient. Always specify units, even if they seem implied.