Category: Model-Based Systems Engineering

Time to Drop MBSE?

Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) … model-driven development (MDD) … model-based engineering (MBE) … model-centric engineering (MCE) … digital thread … digital tapestry. In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare famously wrote “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” In the case of systems engineering and the drive to models, …

Limiting Our Thinking: The Challenge of Defining the Opportunity Horizon for Systems Engineering

Some disciplines are “invented” or, more accurately, “evolve” as ways of solving specific, difficult problems. Principles and techniques are developed to cope with the knotty aspects of such problems. This was the path that led to systems engineering. First discussed by Bell Labs, systems engineering arose across several decades primarily …

6 Steps in Engineering Your MBSE Deployment

As individuals and organizations deploy model-based systems engineering, the unwary fall into several traps: starting too big (or too small), chasing standards, focusing purely on the tool (or technical) dimensions, and more. In an earlier blog, I discussed 7 classic errors or anti-patterns to avoid. As we look for positive …

The Fool’s Errand of Reuse in MBSE

Systems engineering emerged in an era of clean-sheet, top-down, stand-alone design where design began at the system level and proceeded through custom manufactured assemblies and electronics. In today’s age of rapid technology infusion cycles, changing needs, and middle-out or bottom-up design, we strive instead to embrace reuse of existing components …