.svg)
SPEC Innovations Team
1. Introduction: Why MBSE Matters for Beginners
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is a modern approach to systems engineering that uses digital models rather than traditional document-based methods.
Why Traditional Document-Based Systems Engineering Has Limitations
Document-based systems engineering can be inefficient, leading to inconsistencies, communication gaps, and difficulty managing complex projects. MBSE overcomes these challenges by centralizing system information in a digital model. As a Sandia National Laboratories report highlighted, "An MBSE approach made the engineering processes on a complex system development effort more efficient by improving requirements completeness, consistency, and communication."
The Beginner’s Journey: What to Expect When Adopting MBSE
Transitioning to MBSE requires a mindset shift. Beginners should expect a learning curve but you will ultimately benefit from improved system visualization, traceability, and collaboration.
More Readings: Adopting MBSE Successfully
2. Understanding the Basics Before Getting Started
Key Concepts & Terminology
-
Models: Representations of systems that help engineers analyze and design more effectively.
-
Systems Thinking: A holistic approach to understanding how different components interact within a system.
-
Digital Thread: The connected flow of data throughout a system’s lifecycle, enabled by MBSE.
Common Myths About MBSE
-
"MBSE replaces engineers": MBSE enhances, not replaces, engineers by improving efficiency.
-
"MBSE is just SysML": While SysML is a common modeling language, MBSE is a broader methodology that can be implemented using various tools and frameworks.
-
"MBSE is just about making drawings": MBSE creates structured, functional, and data-driven models rather than static diagrams.
More Readings: Drawings Do Not Equal Models
How MBSE Fits Into the Engineering Workflow
MBSE integrates into key project phases such as requirements analysis, design, validation, and lifecycle management.
Requirements Analysis: MBSE helps clarify and document stakeholders' needs and expectations.
Design: MBSE facilitates the creation of detailed models that represent system architecture and interactions.
Validation: MBSE ensures that the system meets the specified requirements through rigorous testing and evaluation processes.
Lifecycle Management: Provides a structured approach to managing the system throughout its operating life, ensuring it remains relevant and effective as requirements evolve.
Watch: Getting Started With Model-Based Systems Engineering Webinar
3. How to Start with MBSE: A Step-by-Step Approach
Step 1: Define Your Goals & Use Cases
Identify the specific problems MBSE will solve, such as improving traceability, reducing errors, or enhancing collaboration.
Step 2: Choose the Right MBSE Approach
Consider different methodologies:
-
SysML-Based MBSE: Uses the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) for structured modeling.
-
Ontology-Based MBSE: Focuses on defining relationships between system elements.
-
Hybrid Approaches: Combining different techniques to fit project needs.
Step 3: Pick a Beginner-Friendly MBSE Tool
Start with accessible tools. MBSE involves requirements analysis, functional analysis, system analysis, and synthesis. Even a beginner-friendly MBSE software solution should have these main capabilities.
More Readings:
Step 4: Learn a Modeling Language
You should familiarize yourself with a modeling language. The most well-known systems modeling language is SysML, which consists of 9 diagrams.
Beginners may want to start with LML, an ontology-based modeling language for digital engineering and model-based systems engineering. Although newer than SySML, LML only has three diagrams, but covers functional, physical, and traceability modeling.
Step 5: Build Your First Model
A standard method to start modeling is first developing the "As-Is" architecture. This is referred to as the "middle-out" approach. This agile approach allows you to analyze the situation and build your requirements by comparing "As-Is" and "To-Be" Models.
Sign up for Innoslate, a free MBSE software tool, to start building your first model.
More Readings:
4. Common Pitfalls & How to Overcome Them
Avoiding Over-Modeling
Focus on practical, necessary details instead of creating overly complex models. Make sure to use decomposition to layer parent/child models.
Ensuring Stakeholder Buy-in
Demonstrate MBSE’s value through small, successful implementations that address specific pain points.
Bridging the Gap Between MBSE and Systems Engineers
Provide clear documentation and training to help all engineering disciplines understand and adopt MBSE.
More Readings: Adopting MBSE Successfully
5. Next Steps: How to Advance Beyond the Basics
Where to Learn More
Consider online courses, training workshops, and industry certifications to deepen your MBSE expertise.
When to Move from Simple Models to Full MBSE Integration
As teams become comfortable with MBSE, gradually expand its use to cover requirements management, system architecture, and full lifecycle modeling.
You can use Innoslate Sandbox to try model-based systems engineering for an unlimited time. Plenty of resources and project example walkthroughs are also available to get you started on your journey.
