How can you overcome the challenges of model-based system engineering (MBSE)?

1 Choose the right modeling language and tool

One of the first decisions you need to make when adopting MBSE is what modeling language and tool to use. There are many options available, such as SysML, UML, BPMN, and various domain-specific languages. Each one has its own strengths, weaknesses, and applicability to different types of systems. You need to choose the one that best suits your system's characteristics, goals, and stakeholders. You also need to consider the compatibility, usability, and scalability of the modeling tool, as well as the availability of training and support.

2 Define clear modeling standards and guidelines

Another challenge of MBSE is to ensure consistency, quality, and readability of your models. This requires defining and following some modeling standards and guidelines that specify how to use the modeling language and tool, what level of detail and abstraction to use, how to name and document your model elements, how to structure and organize your models, and how to validate and review your models. These standards and guidelines should be aligned with your system engineering processes and best practices, and should be communicated and enforced across your team.

3 Integrate your models with other engineering artifacts

A third challenge of MBSE is to integrate your models with other engineering artifacts, such as requirements, test cases, code, data, and documentation. This integration is essential to maintain traceability, consistency, and completeness of your system engineering information. It also enables you to perform various analyses, simulations, and validations on your models, as well as to generate and reuse engineering artifacts from your models. To achieve this integration, you need to use appropriate methods and tools that can link, synchronize, and transform your models and other engineering artifacts.

4 Manage your model complexity and evolution

A fourth challenge of MBSE is to manage your model complexity and evolution. As your system grows and changes, so does your model. You need to ensure that your model remains accurate, relevant, and manageable throughout the system life cycle. This requires applying some techniques and tools that can help you cope with model complexity and evolution, such as modularization, abstraction, decomposition, reuse, refactoring, versioning, configuration management, and change management.

5 Foster a model-based culture and mindset

A fifth challenge of MBSE is to foster a model-based culture and mindset among your team and stakeholders. MBSE is not only a technical approach, but also a cultural and organizational change. You need to promote the benefits and value of MBSE, as well as the skills and competencies required to apply it effectively. You also need to address the potential resistance and barriers that may arise from different perspectives, expectations, and habits. This requires engaging and educating your team and stakeholders, as well as providing them with adequate resources and incentives.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?