Er... yes you can. It's what people apply Systems thinking for (to give its more formal title).
I agree with your other points, unless the customer specified the requirements with a view to future growth or a known interface it may have to be adapted as other components change.
Data Scientist and Chartered Aeronautical Engineer (MEng CEng EUR ING MRAeS) with over 15 years experience in the Aerospace, Defence and Rail Industry.