What is one of the main objectives of a Concept of Operations (ConOps)?

One of the main objectives of a Concept of Operations (ConOps) is to communicate with end users. A ConOps document serves as a bridge between the technical details of a system and the user's perspective. It provides a high-level overview of the system, detailing the intended operations, user needs, and operational environment. This communication is essential as it enables stakeholders, including end users, managers, and developers, to share a common understanding of the system’s purpose, functionality, and operational context. By emphasizing user interactions and experiences, the ConOps helps ensure that the system will meet users' requirements and expectations, thereby fostering better alignment between the technology being developed and the needs of those who will utilize it.

In contrast, finalizing system architecture pertains to a later stage in development, focusing on detailed design and component interactions. The focus solely on technical specifications narrows the scope and misses the broader operational context and user experience that ConOps aims to convey. Developing financial projections, while important for project planning, is not within the primary remit of a ConOps, which is centered around operational use and user communication rather than financial or budgetary concerns.