MBSE (Model Based Systems Engineering) is now favored by many organizations because it supports fast learning cycles and helps mitigate risks early in the product life cycle. Models facilitate early learning by testing and validating specific system characteristics, properties or behaviors, enabling fast feedback on design decisions.
As the name implies, MBSE features models as the primary data source. Developing a set of related system models help define, design and document a system under development. These models provide an efficient way to explore, update and communicate system aspects to stakeholders, while significantly reducing or eliminating dependence on traditional documents.
Models and learning cycles Models can predict performance (response time, reliability) or physical properties (heat, radiation, strength). They explore design alternatives for user experience or response to an external stimulus. But models don’t only explore technical design alternatives. The practices of design thinking and user-centered design are synergistic with MBSE and help validate assumptions sooner.
Model standards help control quality and guide teams on how best to model. They may include:
- Meta-information that should be stored with different types of model elements
- Common types and dimensions used across the system
- Modeling tool properties and configuration
- Where modeling information should be placed for resolution and subsystem elements
- What information should be captured
- Collaboration practices with any underlying version control system if relevant
- Modeling notations and parts of those notations to use or exclude
- Links within the model or with other cross-discipline models
It’s no secret that the systems engineering community has turned to Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to manage complexity, maintain consistency, and assure traceability during system development.
The primary reason is to have a more efficient tool as systems continue to grow in scale and complexity.
MBSE is a holistic, systems engineering approach centered on the evolving system model, which serves as the “sole source of truth” about the system. It comprises system specification, design, validation and configuration management.
Modernized, efficient software tools are the key to MBSE’s proclivity for solving difficult issues. MBSE software tools work because they keep the information in a database and then auto-generate reports. MBSE also allows for better traceability.
These tools are especially beneficial when it comes to sharing large amounts of information easier and accentuating collaboration features. Risks are decreased because the software tools give you a better method of estimating costs. Validation and verification are ongoing throughout the lifecycle of a project rather than at the end.
Want to learn more about MBSE modeling? Tonex offers a dozen different MBSE courses that encompass both theoretical and practical material. For more information, questions, comments, contact us.