Today, after nearly 20 years of activities, MBSE stands as a crucial ally for managing modern and complex systems. The methodology is extremely effective thanks to its model-centric approach relying on visual and structured system modeling languages, like UML and SysML, along with its version 2. Some sectors, such as aerospace, have been among the forerunners in implementing this methodology. Some sectors, on the other hand, are only just beginning to grasp its full scope. In this article, we will cover the basics of MBSE. We will discuss its benefits and challenges to comprehend why boosting its transition into larger fields is paramount.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. What is MBSE?
2. Key Principles of MBSE
3. Why MBSE?
4. What Tools Are Most Used to Implement MBSE?
5. What are the benefits of MBSE?
6. What are the main challenges in MBSE Adoption?
7. Which sectors rely on MBSE?
8. The Future of MBSE
1. What is MBSE?
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) refers to the formalized methodology that puts engineering domain models at the very center of system design. This approach relies on visual models.
Models define and specify a system's functions, structures, and behaviors throughout its lifecycle. More specifically, MBSE supports system requirements, design, analysis, verification, and validation (V&V) activities from the early conceptual phases through development and subsequent lifecycle stages. MBSE uses abstraction, centralization, and visual tools instead of text documents and informal diagrams. It also incorporates digital representations and simulations. But above all, this approach improves clarity, understanding, and decision-making for all stakeholders involved in complex systems.
➡️ In a nutshell, MBSE can be defined as a precise and verifiable way to specify systems requirements, architecture, and behavior. It intends to replace document-centric techniques relying on natural language, which can be subject to ambiguous interpretations.
2. Key Principles of MBSE
System Modeling
A system model is a simplified version of a system and represents its diverse aspects, such as its structure, requirements, and constraints. This representation deliberately abstracts reality to eliminate all the complexity of a system. A model must then rely on formality and rules for abstraction, simplification, and representation. A model also needs a strong structure. This way, all stakeholders can easily understand and maintain it throughout the engineering lifecycle.
The primary purposes of models are to specify how a system must be built to operate adequately and how featured designs meet the system's requirements.
Modeling languages: UML, SysML, SysML V2
A modeling language refers to a formal notation used to describe a system's structure, behaviors, and requirements. MBSE is based on a variety of languages, such as UML (Unified Modeling Language), SysML, SysML v2 (Systems Modeling Language), or other domain-specific languages.
A modeling language creates standardized and visual representations of a system, especially through the use of diagrams. These languages have been designed to be easily readable. Engineering teams working on a project will have a clear view of the system. This helps them to quickly understand the relationships and behaviors within the system architecture. The formal nature of these languages provides the clarity and rigor required to define the design of a complex system.
🔎 From SysML v1 to SysML V2Many model-based systems engineering tools have long relied on version 1 of the SysML language. Over the years, SysML has enormously improved systems engineering processes. In fact, SysML v1 has facilitated awareness and expansion of MBSE, and we've learned a lot from using SysML for MBSE. But it soon began to demonstrate a few limits. Indeed, SysML v1 is based on UML (Unified Modeling Language), which was intended as an architecture language. However, this language has limitations in the design of multidisciplinary systems, making precision, reusability, and the handling of non-software specifications difficult, if not impossible. SysML version 2, which we discussed in a previous article, aims to solve these problems through MBSE tools based on SysML V2. The idea is to integrate even more development domains and to increase the number of reusable models through the use of a language that adds more precision and expressiveness to the model. |
Integrating the whole lifecycle
One of the key principles of MBSE is its ability to support the entire system lifecycle, from the earliest design phases through to end-of-life. Keeping a steady, integrated model for every phase and domain of systems engineering helps stakeholders access the latest and most relevant information. This integration will ensure better decision-making, help maintain robust traceability between all the artifacts, and reduce errors. In short, it will greatly enhance the overall quality of the system.
Systems Thinking
This way of thinking embraces a holistic approach to a system. It considers a system not as a stand-alone entity but as a part of a broader system. Indeed, Systems Thinking focuses on how the constituent elements of a system interact and how they work together in a specific environment.
Therefore, Systems Thinking is perfectly in line with the interdisciplinary aspect of Systems Engineering and with an MBSE approach. They share the same objectives, namely, to create accurate, reliable models representing the system in its entirety. Just like MBSE, systems thinking encourages collaboration, adaptation, and continuous improvement. It will help identify problems such as missing interactions and missing steps in a process. It also helps detect unnecessary duplication of effort at a given point in time. Systems thinking will not only help you better grasp the complexity of a system but also (and above all) help you better grasp the interconnections within it, gain a certain perspective, and better understand its lifecycle. This mode of thinking is a valuable ally for systems engineers.
➡️ Read more about Systems Thinking
3. Why MBSE?
In industries ruled by strict standards, customers expect more complex and connected products. They want you to deliver them faster than anyone else and at lower costs. Also, the quality must always stay high. Document-centric specifications can't handle the path and complexity of today's systems. This traditional approach brings with it the late discovery of error specifications and the time-consuming, costly rework this entails.
An approach such as MBSE, centered on systems engineering, addresses that complexity. It creates accurate specifications that would prevent design errors from propagating to the implementation phases and avoid fatal costs and delays. It also helps teams collaborate smoothly by building a shared definition and understanding of the system by integrating each part effectively.MBSE is proving to be an excellent set of methodologies and tools for embracing the complexity of these "systems of systems" likely to grow even larger in the years to come.
What is a system? Source and credit: INCOSE and Caltech
🔎 MBSE is not the same thing as MDDJust a small clarification of terminology here. You'll occasionally see the term MBSE used as a general reference for another essential approach for developers and software engineers, MDD or Model-Driven development. This model-driven approach is used to generate software code from models. Indeed, MDD is a very comparable methodology. This is a different use case, but once again, the model plays a considerable role. |
4. What Tools Are Most Used to Implement MBSE?
Systems modeling tools
These typologies of tools, specially developed for the MBSE approach, enable the creation, organization, and management of system models. These software solutions offer a user-friendly graphical interface. Engineers can create and change models easily. They can also visualize and understand different analyses and simulations. Model Management solutions also greatly facilitate collaboration between several teams and stakeholders involved, as they enable data sharing and real-time, synchronized modification of models.
➡️ The best-known SysML tools on the market are IBM Rhapsody, SPARX Enterprise Architect, and Cameo Systems Modeler (Dassault).
Simulation and analysis tools
Another key aspect of the MBSE approach is the use of simulation for testing and analyzing systems. These tools enable you to prove correctness and that constraints and requirements have been met. Virtual representations of the so-called system, or the uses of Digital Twins, allow system behaviors to be tested and simulated under different conditions. This gives engineers a clear picture of performance and allows them to identify potential issues and remedy them quickly.
What about requirements management tools?Ensuring that all system requirements are correctly captured, tracked, and linked to corresponding design elements and verification activities is of paramount importance. Requirements management tools help improve traceability, facilitate change management, and assess their impact across the system. They also greatly enhance collaboration among stakeholders by providing a centralized repository for requirements. Moreover, they are widely used in the industry. One example is IBM Engineering Requirements Management DOORS Next. MBSE tools, therefore, have every interest in interacting with them. |
5. What are the benefits of MBSE?
Adopting an MBSE approach brings many benefits for systems and software development projects but also the squadron of engineers and disciplines involved in complex projects.
Unifies the understanding of objectives, decisions, and situations
MBSE promotes a centralized definition of design intent through highly interactive models. These models enable teams and stakeholders across various disciplines to reference the system with consistency and accuracy. In a document-centric framework, numerous documents are created by different authors to capture the system design from various stakeholder perspectives. In contrast, the MBSE approach consolidates a unique source of information for the system. Discipline-specific views are established using the same model elements, making it significantly easier to understand and maintain over time.
Enhances system analysis and improves quality
MBSE encourages the creation of a common, standards-based approach for specifying systems and allows greater traceability. A model-based system can be utilized to remove any inconsistencies within models early in the process and enforce the use of specific rules by all stakeholders. In practical terms, a rule is stated once and then automatically propagated and applied to various data views. This common modeling environment improves system analysis and drastically reduces errors and inconsistencies that might persist in a traditional document-based approach.
Improves communication and enhances collaboration across engineering disciplines
Models provide a more efficient, structured, and interactive representation, helping experts and engineering teams achieve a common understanding of the system. This approach eliminates misunderstandings and communication gaps present in traditional documentation, contributing to a better development process and collaboration. All perspectives are considered from the outset and formalized in diagrams, ensuring they are comprehended in the same light.
Streamlines the systems engineering process
MBSE’s highly structured and rationalized approach to system design and analysis drastically improves the development process. In theory, you no longer have to spend considerable time on manual, tedious, and repetitive tasks, as is still the case with document-centric approaches. Another great aspect is the use of automation that certain MBSE tools offer. These capabilities handle routine tasks like report generation, validation of models, the propagation of changes, and many more.
In addition, MBSE may promote the reuse of models and components between different projects, avoiding the need to create new elements from scratch. This saves modeling and design teams considerable time, cost, and resources.
6. What are the main challenges in MBSE Adoption?
Resistance to change is probably the primary challenge in the widespread adoption of MBSE. Engineers and project managers who have spent years working with a traditional document-based approach may not see the immediate need for change. They also can meet it with some kind of reluctance. Sometimes, they can have the inaccurate belief that transitioning to MBSE will increase the workload. In fact, creating and maintaining highly detailed models in addition to the existing documentation can be seen as daunting.
To overcome this mindset, you'll need to implement clear communication and effective support. Point out how the benefits of MBSE are aligned with the company's objectives and highlight success stories and case studies to demonstrate its value with tangible proof. Capitalizing on targeted training programs will increase skills and instill confidence.
➡️ 10 Best Practices for a Successful Transition to MBSE
7. Which sectors rely on MBSE?
The expansion of Model-Based Systems Engineering is increasing at a very good pace in many industries. Of course, the extent of its implementation and rate of adoption varies according to sector, size of organization, and geographical area. While in certain fields, MBSE is still a new and emerging approach, it has become a common and well-integrated practice in other areas. This applies to industries involving complex systems, such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and some industrial sectors.
- Aerospace and defense
These sectors are among the pioneers of MBSE integration. They implemented MBSE into their processes very early to improve the reliability of their highly complex systems (spacecraft, aircraft, defense systems, etc.), reduce costs, and streamline development schedules.
- Automotive and transport
As for the automotive and transport sectors, MBSE has gained ground in recent years, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles and the increasing complexity of their systems and functions.
- Energy, manufacturing, heavy industries
It's only very recently that the energy, manufacturing, and heavy industry sectors have started showing interest in an MBSE approach. They see it as a way to design more complex integrated systems.
- Sectors where MBSE is still emerging
On the other hand, in industries such as consumer electronics, small-scale structures, and the medical sector, MBSE adoption has been somewhat slower. In these cases, more traditional engineering practices are still prevailing. Yet it's worth noting that the healthcare sector is beginning to see some real progress.
8. The Future of MBSE
The INCOSE Systems Engineering Vision 2035 stated that "The Future of Systems Engineering Is Predominantly Model Based (1).
- Without a doubt, MBSE will become increasingly integrated with digital engineering practices such as Digital Twins and the MBD (Model-Based Design) approach. For the recall, MBD promotes the creation of 3D models containing all the data required for product definition and simulation-based design. All these approaches work together to create a more comprehensive digital lifecycle model.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are also unavoidable topics. They will help MBSE create technologies with better predictions, automation, and system optimization.
- In line with what we discussed earlier, we can expect MBSE to reach many more sectors in the years to come, including energy, telecommunications, and healthcare, as well as smaller enterprises. Will the many long-term benefits of MBSE overcome any remaining cultural barriers and resistance? They certainly will! However, engineering enterprises will need to take particular care in how they embark on this transition. What technologies and solutions should they choose? How should engineers and teams be trained? How to instill a climate favorable to change, etc.?
(1) The INCOSE Systems Engineering Vision 2035 (INCOSE 2035, pg 33)
CONCLUSION
MBSE has enabled systems engineering to move from a document-centric approach to a model-centric one. We can certainly see MBSE as a true data hub, an invaluable source of information that's relevant to its time in the era of omnipotent data. And just for that, MBSE represents a significant step forward in the field of systems engineering. By placing the model at the heart of processes, MBSE can address the challenges inherent in systems engineering: the growing complexity of systems, collaboration barriers, lack of traceability, but also the need for improved performance, analysis capabilities, and much more. Accelerating MBSE's transition is undeniable, and the coming years will be decisive.
Implementing MBSE practices with SodiusWillert
The complexity of adopting MBSE practices can be a major step back for many organizations because it requires a structured and model-centric approach. SodiusWillert has been assisting organizations to successfully implement MBSE practices for over 20 years.
We have deep expertise in MBSE and especially in helping customers implement IBM Rhapsody into their development projects. More specifically, we assist our customers by:
- Handling the licensing and implementation of IBM Rhapsody with technical demonstration, Proof of Concept, flexible licensing options, procurement and renewals, and license deployment.
- Coaching, workshops, and training SysML and UML courses for beginners and advanced learners looking to learn or expand their knowledge of IBM Rhapsody.
- Providing tailored solutions for IBM Rhapsody (e.g. add-ons) to make working with IBM Rhapsody easier, smoother, and more productive than ever.
We believe that by integrating MBSE into your workflow, you gain improved collaboration, higher product quality, and reduced development risks. Whether working on embedded systems or complex architectures, we ensure a smooth transition to model-based development, driving efficiency and innovation across your projects.
➡️ Reach out to our team to explore the ways we can collaborate and help you implement MBSE practices successfully.
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