What Is Digital Engineering, and How Is It Related to MBSE in the DoD?

Modern defense systems are steadily increasing in complexity, introducing new challenges that require advanced engineering approaches. Digital engineering and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) are two methods being implemented within Department of Defense (DoD) programs today. Together, they provide an effective solution for the development of complex, reliable, and efficient systems.

Understanding Digital Engineering

Digital engineering is an integrated approach that implements authoritative system data and models throughout a system's lifecycle. Critical components within digital engineering include digital threads and digital twins, which enable continuous data integration and high-fidelity emulation of physical systems.

• Digital threads create a seamless flow of information from conception to disposal by integrating system data from a comprehensive range of stakeholders. Continuous integration informs all phases of the system lifecycle with accurate and up-to-date data.
• Digital twins are high-fidelity models that emulate physical systems. They enable rigorous analysis and testing in a virtual environment, improving the prediction of system behavior under a wide range of conditions. This reduces the need for costly and time-consuming physical prototyping.

The DoD Digital Engineering Strategy, initiated in 2018, aims to formalize decision-making models, establish an authoritative source of truth, incorporate new technologies, build supporting infrastructure, and transform the workforce culture. Working toward these goals through approaches like digital threads and digital twins is meant to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of defense system development and deployment.

The Pentagon updated guidance on implementing digital engineering in December 2023, focusing on complete life cycle solutions, promoting the flow of information across processes, and fostering stakeholder collaboration. The Army has since unveiled a detailed digital engineering strategy to implement new tools like MBSE.

MBSE and the New DoD Strategy

Model-based systems engineering is a methodology that relies on models for requirements, design, analysis, verification, and validation. The structured approach replaces traditional document-centric methods to facilitate better integration and management of system components.

In the DoD strategy, MBSE is integral in bringing together various system components, enhancing stakeholder communication, and improving decision-making processes. It provides a unified framework that supports lifecycle management from initial concept to disposal.

Within the DoD strategy, MBSE offers the ability to manage the complexity of modern defense systems. Considering all elements of a system and integrating them seamlessly presents a major challenge, and MBSE reduces the risk of errors and enhances overall system reliability in this area.

It also supports real-time data access and virtual prediction capabilities, which enables more informed and timely decisions. Implementing an agile and adaptive approach to systems engineering is critical in an environment with such rapid technological change.

The Synergy of MBSE and Digital Engineering

MBSE is a subset of digital engineering that provides a structured framework for supporting the broader digital engineering approach. The synergy of the two methods enhances the overall effectiveness of system development and integration within the DoD.

Approaches that implement MBSE benefit from a structured approach to requirements, design, analysis, and validation. They ensure that all aspects of a given system are robust and reliable in their design and implementation and integrate seamlessly.

Both methods share the common goals of improving decision-making processes, supporting the development of complex systems, and enhancing efficiency and quality. These objectives are at the core of the DoD Digital Engineering Strategy and are the reason that these advanced methods are being used.

In real-world applications, the synergy between MBSE and digital engineering leads to more efficient system development, better component integration, and improved lifecycle management. Various DoD projects, including the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node ground station system, are beginning to implement MBSE in practice.

Putting Digital Engineering and MBSE into Action

Implementing digital engineering and MBSE offers a wide range of benefits, including faster and more efficient system development. Leveraging digital models and authoritative data sources also streamlines processes and reduces the time required to put new systems into operation.

Another crucial benefit of these methods is the ability to manage increasingly complex systems. Implementing digital twins and threads allows for continuous monitoring and analysis, ensuring that all system components function cohesively and effectively. This mitigates the risk of failures and enhances overall system reliability.

Proper implementation of these methods can reduce costs and time. Virtual modeling and simulation enable extensive testing and validation in a purely virtual environment. This minimizes the need for physical prototypes in many cases, significantly decreasing development costs.

However, implementing MBSE and digital engineering can present challenges. High initial costs required for new technologies and infrastructure can be a significant barrier. Budgetary constraints are also among the primary concerns regarding MBSE implementation. A cost study by the federal research and development center, The Aerospace Corporation, raised concerns in this area. Stakeholder buy-in is another potential hurdle to overcome, as stakeholders at every level must be on board to achieve success. Additional training is required to ensure that individuals are proficient in these new methodologies, further straining budgets and timelines.

These new approaches must be carefully integrated with existing systems and processes. Careful change management is vital during the transition to avoid disruptions and ensure that all system components are compatible with the new digital frameworks.

Sumaria Systems is uniquely positioned as a reliable and trusted industry partner with a range of services to help organizations overcome these challenges. From advisory and assistance to advanced analytics and AI, it converts traditional document-based processes into integrated, interconnected digital models to support the DoD in its digital transformation journey.

With nearly forty years of proven success, its team delivers technical, engineering, software, and enterprise networking solutions to the DoD and other government agencies. Its solutions enable rapid software and weapons systems configuration management and integration, serving as an invaluable partner in digital transformation.

Realizing the Strategic Advantage of a Digital Approach

The rise of digital engineering and MBSE in the DoD and other agencies provides a wide range of strategic advantages. These methods enable more complex, reliable, and efficient systems, overcoming modern challenges and staying at the forefront of defense technology. Sumaria Systems continues to deliver innovative digital engineering solutions that address the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Sumaria Systems is a reliable and trusted industry partner that uses a series of services, including advisory, assistance, and advanced analytics AI, to convert documents into integrated and interconnected digital models. With over forty years of experience, numerous ISO and CMMI Level 3 certifications, and a clean compliance record with UTD registrations in SAM.gov, Sumaria is a trusted option for government contract awards, with no history of suspension or debarment. Contact Sumaria during your next program to get support for the nation's vital missions with the highest degree of responsiveness, effectiveness, and efficiency.