Process context diagrams are the "paintbrushes and color palettes" used to organize technical, project, or enterprise and agreement processes. The generic form for this approach is provided in the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook and shown in Fig. 3.1. The diagram illustrates the context of the activity regarding the inputs, the desired outputs, and the controls and enablers that are present to complete the activity.

Technical processes that can be couched within this construct during the life of the program include the following: