The Role of MBSE in Data Engineering and Digital Transformation

Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) plays a crucial role in data engineering and digital transformation by providing structured and efficient approaches to complex system management challenges and the development of new data structures. Using the MBSE methodology, branches of the Department of Defense (DoD) can more effectively manage a system's life cycle throughout all its stages with less risk, more efficient operations, and greater quality than could be achieved using traditional engineering models.

Empowering the Digital Transformation and Department of Defense Data Engineering Capabilities through MBSE

MBSE is more effective because it uses digital modeling and simulation throughout a system's life cycle, from conception and design to verification and validation through system decommissioning. This is unlike traditional engineering methods, which rely on text-based documents and manual processes.

MBSE improves data engineering capabilities, which play a crucial role in innovation and efficiency as information technology constantly evolves. Digital engineering has seen a robust 25% annual growth rate for the last five years. To build today’s high-quality data with digital modeling and visual simulation, digital engineers need the reliability of the MBSE Systems Architecture Model (SAM). Using SAM and the appropriate workflow models, the DoD can push the current boundaries to exceed performance expectations.

The increased reliability of MBSE improves quality by providing an effective systems model that also fuels digital transformation, which in turn, transforms traditional non-digital processes and infuses innovation to alter how operations are done.

MBSE will play an increasing role in the DoD's digital and analytical face to mitigate risk and be a driving force in increased efficiency, error reduction, and return on investment in weapons systems development, surveillance, and communication networks.

So, what else can MBSE do for the DoD that makes it pivotal in the digital evolution of our military capabilities?

MBSE provides higher quality in the facilitation of the typical IT agile framework and the complete iterative development of processes.

MBSE historically focused on paper and multiple data sources to record requirements, verify information, and perform design analysis. Now, it is accelerating the rate of military modeling technology and IT agile framework via learning simulation. Through MBSE modeling systems, the agile process of testing and validation occurs earlier, and machine learning of properties offers faster decision data engineering analysis. This speed of validation enables DoD branches to respond to feedback on requirements with vendors and make design decisions faster. With modeling, the historical reliance on traditional documents is significantly reduced.

MBSE provides enhanced communication and system visualization.

MBSE increases communication for all stakeholders, such as data engineers, project managers, analysts, and contractors, by using the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) as a unified modeling language that enhances communication. SysML also enables DoD stakeholders to clearly see visual representations of their systems and their interconnections.

System visualization promotes the value of the products used by data engineering and enables the DoD to develop and deploy critical defense systems faster. Notably, the Defense Innovation Board published, "Building a DoD Data Economy," which focuses on how data-centricity is needed to solve defense systems problems. Essentially, the DoD needs a unified, scalable, seamless data access approach.

MBSE improves the ability to manage requirements and provide system traceability.

The DoD can improve its management requirements and system traceability with MBSE by using digital models that capture and manage system requirements. It’s then more readily available to assess the consequences of changes in an operational requirement or system change quickly and can adapt to the potential impact.

These improved management requirements enable data engineers and designers to develop compliant products faster. Additionally, new vendor agreements are required to incorporate clear language under the National Defense Authorization Act for data rights and interoperability of data generated or developed under DoD contracts, so the Department maintains full access and rights once the contract is complete. This further helps with traceability.

MBSE enhances system integration and interoperability.

Defense systems require a high level of interoperability, and MBSE software helps ensure the synchronization of interrelated systems and interdependencies so they integrate cohesively using the common language.

MBSE provides the DoD with a more innovative approach and advantage than just AI.

A key aspect of MBSE is the intuitive user interface with visualization tools that aid design and data engineers in simplifying complex concepts. It helps automate routine and redundant tasks that boost efficiency. When this power of efficiency is combined with additional technologies, such as AI and SysML, the effects are magnified further, allowing for visualizing behaviors and system components. Virtual representations of these behaviors under different conditions help identify potential issues.

Adopting and Leveraging MBSE

MBSE is central to the DoD's quality and utility and can reduce costs, mitigate risks, enhance system quality, and provide tangible data engineering advantages.

• Using MBSE, the DoD is positioned to emphasize the infusion of the most relevant and current technologies, such as AI, machine learning, IoT data, and software-driven solutions. MBSE aids in the integration of emerging technology by first modeling new technologies and their interactions with DoD systems, enabling the Department to test a new technology's feasibility, performance, and risk before implementation.
• MBSE helps DOD branches reduce risk through greater traceability. Traceability ensures the verification of requirements, which are managed in software that verifies that the design is compliant and that the customers' requirements are met through the comparison of a digital twin forming a single source of truth. The requirements are then linked to the primary product configuration and verified through data analysis, modeling, and simulation. This verification during the product lifecycle management enables each task, process, and supply chain to be completely traced, ultimately streamlining requirements management.
• Using simulations and rapid iterations, MBSE can reduce time and decrease costs, advancing automation to levels not seen before. The reduction of development time in military applications positions a branch to have a reduced deployment time and decreased costs. With simulations, the agile process can take advantage of data engineering and rapid iteration. The use of simulation and modeling tools complements scenario creation, editing, and execution.
• With today's project complexity and system requirements, MBSE has the tools to capture the needed tracking and compatibility of system design. The first consideration is quality, and MBSE easily models systems in parallel to the engineering model, validating requirements and design by simulating models along the process. This leverages data and maximizes the use of SysML, MBSE software tools, simulation and analysis tools, and requirements management tools.
• MBSE enables DoD branches to focus with greater complexity and achieve transcendental accomplishments using a single source of truth. The benefit of the single source of truth is that less time is spent using data engineering to determine data discrepancies and miscommunications that occurred in the past. This efficiency improves interoperability and integration for end-to-end operations going forward. The single source of truth assures the DoD and its partners that they have a single source of data that everyone agrees is real and trusted. This ensures that there is only one correct answer when comparing data in the requirements environment used in modeling and simulation outcomes.

Conclusion

MBSE is pivotal in empowering the digital transformation and data engineering capabilities of the DoD. By using structured and efficient methodologies, it addresses complex system management challenges and increases quality as it improves the life cycle management of systems with reduced risk and enhanced quality.

Unlike traditional text-based engineering models, MBSE leverages digital modeling and simulation from conception to decommissioning, fostering innovation and operational efficiency. This approach enhances communication among stakeholders through unified modeling languages like SysML, promotes system integration, and ensures system traceability. MBSE's capability to model and simulate new technologies enables the DoD to test feasibility and performance, reducing costs and accelerating deployment.

The adoption of MBSE drives quality, increased reliability, risk mitigation, and return on investment, making it an essential component of the DoD's digital evolution and military capabilities.

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