Hauptsysteme

Hauptsysteme is a German term used to describe the central, primary systems within a larger architecture. The concept contrasts Hauptsysteme with Neben- und Unterstützungssysteme, which are auxiliary components that support or complement the main functions. In practice, Hauptsysteme are designed to deliver core services, manage essential data, and enable the primary workflows of a system or organization.

Characteristics of Hauptsysteme typically include high availability and reliability, robust security and access control, data integrity, and strong governance. They are often subject to formal change management, continuous monitoring, and disaster recovery planning due to their critical role. Integration with peripheral or auxiliary systems is common, but Hauptsysteme usually govern core interfaces and data flows to ensure consistency across the overall system.

In different domains, Hauptsysteme take domain-specific forms. In information technology and business processes, core systems such as ERP, CRM, or core banking platforms are commonly treated as Hauptsysteme because their failure directly impacts operations. In manufacturing and energy, main control systems like distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA, or grid control centers serve as Hauptsysteme by coordinating primary production or distribution tasks. Transportation and logistics may designate central routing and scheduling engines as Hauptsysteme due to their pivotal role in service delivery.

The concept emphasizes a hierarchical view of system architecture, where Hauptsysteme bear the most critical responsibilities and require the strongest safeguards, while Neben-Systeme provide flexibility, specialization, or resilience through redundancy.

See also: core system, critical infrastructure, system architecture, enterprise IT governance.