Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is a modern approach to systems engineering that uses digital models rather than traditional document-based methods.
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."
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
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.
"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
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
Identify the specific problems MBSE will solve, such as improving traceability, reducing errors, or enhancing collaboration.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Focus on practical, necessary details instead of creating overly complex models. Make sure to use decomposition to layer parent/child models.
Demonstrate MBSE’s value through small, successful implementations that address specific pain points.
Provide clear documentation and training to help all engineering disciplines understand and adopt MBSE.
More Readings: Adopting MBSE Successfully
Consider online courses, training workshops, and industry certifications to deepen your MBSE expertise.
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.