The Value in Model Based Systems Engineering

What is MBSE?

 

MBSE or Model based Systems Engineering, is the latest step of engineering methodology that has firmly found its feet in the aerospace sector. It has grown organically off systems engineering but with the added data availability and software capability that has evolved, the model based approached can be a reality.

So what actually is it?

In short, it takes the whole process into a model-based environment. Every stakeholder and function can exist in the model in relation to the system being designed. All requirements are gathered and intended outcomes exist in the model and everything in between. The evolution has taken linear system design processes hosted in files in various locations to a single source circular model made up software models, simulation and unified modelling languages. (Graphical representation of system behaviour)

Now here’s the clever bit. With the automation capability MBSE offers It works upstream and downstream, so if you change a requirement, the rest of the model is impacted showing you the outcome. If you make a change further upstream, then you will see the impacts this has both upstream and downstream. Am example of this could be building in governance requirements to ensure everything you are doing will align with the compliance laid out in ISO 6772:2012 for example if you are developing a hydraulic hose assembly system. This can extend into the lifecycle assessment of components or commodities ensuring your development does not promote any unethical practices either.

MBSE advantages

Communication

The efficiency MBSE brings to communication due to being model centric is unrivalled. Stakeholders can interrogate at any point to learn what they need to know,

Automation

Automation means outcomes are discovered very quickly and visually represented. Decisions can be made at the time of enquiry by stakeholders and Ip reuse can be assigned.

V&V

Verifications and validation are simulated as opposed to document heavy. This exists in the model and makes for an easily interpretable analysis This is why Aerospace has seen the value in MBSE helping deliver ambitious projects on time and on budget.

Traceability

MBSE ensures consistency and traceability of requirements, design, and analysis data through automated tools. This gives transparency to project leads again adding  the efficiency of the process.

MBSE challenges

Like all disruptive technologies, MBSE comes with its challenges. The biggest one and most common challenge with technology adoption is change. If you practice more legacy type processes, then a jump to MBSE is substantial. There is a huge upskilling requirement on methodology and tool sets and of course, a change in mindset for your team.

Laying the foundation is key. Once the pillars are in place for your model, you will see the value very quickly. However, the model needs to be built correctly and definitions need to be accurate. It’s all data driven so we all know how critical capturing the correct data and ensuring your requirements are 100% from the get-go. As the requirements will ultimately drive the model from day 1

The link below takes you though to a host of information on MBSE courtesy of XD Innovations software partner Dassault Systèmes. As the skills and the methodology also need the tools sets to enable this capability.

Revolutionizing Systems Engineering with Model-Based Approach | Dassault Systèmes (3ds.com)