MBSE meets agile: Redefining systems engineering

Systems engineering is an approach that uses digital models, rather than traditional documents, as the primary way to design and manage complex systems. Instead of relying on separate documents and spreadsheets, systems engineering creates an integrated digital model that shows how all parts of a system work together. This approach has helped engineers better understand system relationships, catch problems early on and make changes more efficiently.

Systems engineering is significantly disconnected from the product development process, making it hard to verify critical changes happening at the domain level. A new, agile approach to systems engineering is therefore needed to drive a holistic, iterative development process across domain engineering that adds robustness and supports rapid innovation. An agile approach to systems engineering is very adaptive and can address system needs across multiple domains, all while accounting for manufacturing feasibility upfront.

Several industries can benefit from rethinking the approach to systems engineering, including aerospace and defense, automotive and heavy equipment:

• Aerospace and defense: From multiple complex systems, to stringent safety requirements, along with the need for rigorous traceability, the aerospace and defense sectors are prime candidates for a new approach to systems engineering. An agile approach promotes cross-domain collaboration, next-level integration and iterative processes. These enhancements enable the A&D industry to better manage the design, development and integration of advanced aircraft, spacecraft and defense systems — all while helping to mitigate risks and drive mission-critical performance.
• Automotive: With today’s software-defined vehicles, the automotive industry must adopt a new approach to software and systems engineering to keep pace with the growing complexity of next-generation vehicles — which are constantly adding and integrating more advanced electronics, software and interconnected systems. This enhanced approach provides automakers with real-time cross-domain collaboration and agile, iterative processes to manage the design, validation and evolution of these complex systems, ultimately leading to improved product quality, safety and time-to-market.
• Heavy equipment: As heavy equipment becomes increasingly automated and connected, a new approach to software and systems engineering for modeling and simulating complex system behaviors is crucial for integrating advanced technologies, such as autonomous controls, telematics and predictive maintenance. By leveraging game-changing connectivity, next-level integration and industry-leading traceability, heavy equipment manufacturers can take systems engineering to the next level, staying ahead of the curve and delivering innovative, reliable and efficient machines that meet evolving customer needs.

A new, agile approach to systems engineering is a powerful enabler of digital transformation, providing organizations with a structured, visual approach to designing, developing and maintaining complex systems. Systems engineering breaks down silos, fosters cross-functional collaboration and supports data-driven decision-making: the pillars of a successful digital transformation. A new, agile approach to systems engineering helps companies become adaptable, empowering them to rapidly prototype, iterate and deploy new products and services.

Agile systems engineering may appear to be difficult to implement because the solutions involved have not been fully aligned to meet the need for continuous integration across multi-disciplinary teams, processes and tools. At the same time, achieving continuous integration isn't the only consideration — the functionality and interoperability of the applications are also key.

In addition, shifting to an agile, iterative model-based mindset often requires a significant cultural shift as it necessitates cross-functional collaboration and alignment. Overcoming these challenges requires a well-planned, phased approach supported by strong leadership, change management and a commitment to building the necessary organizational capabilities.

Increasing regulations require companies to accelerate the digital transformation of their systems engineering processes. By leveraging digital continuity and iterative validation, companies are better equipped to handle complex product development. How? By simulating and optimizing systems before physical production, agile systems engineering processes can minimize the need for rework, lower material consumption and help produce products that are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly from the start.

SysML v2 will help manufacturers rethink traditional approaches to systems engineering design. This new approach will establish alignment, integration and collaboration, along with an integrated digital thread, and simulations from the earliest design stages. Furthermore, it will make systems engineering an integral part of the product life cycle.

SysML v2 introduces:

• Comprehensive textual syntax that captures logical and analytical aspects directly in the model
• Stronger semantics that reduce ambiguity and allow for better simulation, analysis and validation
• Enhanced APIs that enable smoother data exchange with a range of engineering, simulation and PLM solutions, supporting a cohesive digital thread

As organizations increasingly recognize the strategic value of digitally transforming systems engineering, the synergy between SysML v2 and Teamcenter enables a seamless flow of data across the enterprise, further enhancing the collaborative and analytical power of SysML v2-based models.