Model-based system engineering (MBSE) involves a major shift in the way complex systems are designed, developed and verified. Unlike traditional approaches that rely heavily on documents, MBSE uses models as the primary means for information exchange and decision-making. It enhances efficiency, reduces errors and provides a clearer and more consistent framework for all the system life cycle phases.
Over the last 10 months, Paloma Maestro Redondo, System Engineer and Project Manager in Starion’s System Engineering team, has been sharing insights into MBSE. These are based on the MBSE team’s extensive experience of supporting organisations to implement MBSE and undertaking projects to advance data exchange between tools, including integration with CDP4-COMET, which can act as a modelling hub.
Here’s an overview of the team’s advice and tips, with links to the individual blog posts for more detailed guidance.
1. What is MBSE and why do we need models?
The design and development of complex engineering systems involves multiple stakeholders across all disciplines, who can leverage new technologies and approaches to improve the quality of the results and streamline processes.
Whether you are hearing about MBSE for the first time or you are already using it, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of all the possibilities it offers. Before diving into the details, here we answer the most common questions about this methodology.
The future of system engineering: What is MBSE and why do we need models?
2. The 10 key principles of MBSE
MBSE not only streamlines the development process but also ensures that all elements of the system are harmonised, which results in more reliable and higher quality outcomes. We present the core principles of MBSE to help you understand how and why it is transforming typical system engineering activities in multiple industries.
Understanding 10 key principles of model-based system engineering (MBSE)
3. How to address the challenges of adopting an MBSE approach
When defining the scope for implementing MBSE in new projects, it’s essential that all relevant stakeholders first assess the challenges of adopting a new approach and define possible solutions to help mitigate the associated risks.
Here we explain the most common challenges and outline potential ways to overcome them, based on experience and lessons learned from the application of MBSE to new domains and across multiple organisations.
How to successfully address the challenges of adopting an MBSE approach
4. How to apply MBSE in early design phases: tools and processes
The early design phases of a project are critical in determining its success, especially when dealing with complex systems. MBSE offers a structured approach for these early stages that addresses two key aspects: it can enhance communication between stakeholders and it helps with checking that design and requirements are aligned.
In this post, we explore how MBSE is applied in the early design phases and how it can help engineers define a system architecture that fulfils the initial set of requirements in a project. We also look at the value of using MBSE tools to create visual representations of the system architecture.
How to apply MBSE in early design phases: tools and processes for system engineers
5. How to do ‘collaborative modelling’ in MBSE
The design of complex systems involves multiple engineering disciplines working together efficiently to find innovative solutions and deliver high quality products. This can be achieved by doing collaborative modelling, working together in real time, integrating various disciplines and ensuring a clear understanding of the system throughout its life cycle.
Discover the benefits of collaborative modelling in the context of MBSE and how tools that enable concurrent design enhance the design process and facilitate a shared understanding among all stakeholders.
How can we do ‘collaborative modelling’ in MBSE?
6. How to choose the right tool for an MBSE project
When engineering teams assess how to start applying MBSE to new projects, they also need to choose the MBSE tools that their teams will use. The tools are a core part of the process so it’s important to choose one that satisfies the needs of both the project and the team. In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing an MBSE tool by summarising the main options available, including Capella, Enterprise Architect and CDP4-COMET, and their key functionalities.
How to choose the right tool for MBSE
7. The qualities of a good ‘model’ in MBSE
In MBSE, creating a consistent, high-quality model is fundamental to ensuring a project’s success. A well-structured model benefits stakeholders in a number of ways, including facilitating the understanding of complex systems and enabling informed decision-making and effective risk management.
Here we examine the characteristics of high-quality MBSE models, the human and automated processes required to maintain model integrity, and the techniques for ensuring consistency and usability throughout the engineering processes.
What are the qualities of a good ‘model’ in MBSE?
8. Which industries can benefit from MBSE?
MBSE has transformed how complex systems can be designed, developed and maintained. But who can usefully use MBSE? It’s well known that MBSE is being used in the automotive industry and for aircraft design, but its principles can be applied to any engineering discipline, such as spacecraft design and naval engineering. In this post, we look at how MBSE is used in different industries and highlight some of the projects where it has led to concrete benefits.
Which industries can benefit from MBSE?
9. Are you ready for MBSE?
Migrating to MBSE is not just about adopting new tools – it also requires a transformation in the way that organisations approach their systems development. Many teams jump into using MBSE expecting instant improvements, but without proper preparation and guidance, they will encounter many challenges in the process. We outline the key aspects you should consider, such as organisational culture, team capabilities, integration with existing processes and tool selection.
Are you ready to implement MBSE in your project?
10. How to exchange data and models between different tools
When a team starts using MBSE, either for the first time or for a new project, one of the main challenges is to establish where the data will be stored and which data repository will be considered as the so-called “single source of truth”. You’ll also need to ensure all team members can integrate their data into the new tools smoothly, rethink workflows and consider data exchanges with other existing tools.
We summarise some of the main scenarios and needs related to data exchange in the context of MBSE, and options to support them while ensuring that your team members can still use other tools when needed.
How to exchange data and models between different tools in MBSE
Further information
There are more resources on our website to support you when planning for adoption of MBSE and using it on an ongoing basis:
- MBSE news and insights
- Starion’s MBSE services and solutions
- MBSE Resources – building blocks, tools and libraries
- CDP4-COMET – Starion’s MBSE platform for concurrent design that lets your team create a shared, full-lifecycle model of any complex system.
Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date with our latest news on MBSE and concurrent design.
At Starion, we specialise in helping organisations to navigate the complexities of MBSE adoption and provide solutions for the exchange of data across platforms and tools. Get in touch to discuss how we can help.
