A Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Approach to Requirements Management for Complex Systems

A MBSE Approach to Requirements Management for Complex Systems

What is Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)?

Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is a modern system engineering method that relies heavily on models to communicate and analyze system requirements.

Traditional document-based systems engineering methodologies are becoming less efficient as current systems get more sophisticated. Using a visual, model-based approach, MBSE provides a more effective way to manage and comprehend complex systems.

MBSE represents a paradigm shift in the design and development of systems. It is predicated on the notion that a system may be defined and studied using a set of models representing various system features.

These models can illustrate the system architecture, simulate its behaviour, and ensure that it satisfies the stakeholders’ requirements. MBSE is becoming increasingly popular in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, defence, and healthcare.

Improved traceability, higher efficiency, and improved stakeholder participation are all advantages of MBSE for requirements management.

MBSE directly links requirements to the system model, making it simple to trace requirements from high-level use cases to low-level design details.

This enhances the system’s overall quality and lowers the likelihood of errors. MBSE also enables real-time validation of the system model, which can identify problems early in the development process, saving time and resources.

This article is a brief overview of understanding requirements management within an MBSE context. For a much more detailed exploration of model based systems engineering, read our complete guide to mbse.

Requirements Management Difficulties

The management of requirements is an essential component of every systems engineering project. However, it can be a complex undertaking, particularly in the case of complicated systems.

The following are the primary issues encountered during requirements management:

  • Traceability is a problem because it is challenging to trace requirements from high-level use cases to low-level design specifics.
  • Difficulty in comprehending the system: Complex systems can be challenging, especially for stakeholders unfamiliar with the technical specifics.
  • Inefficient validation: conventional validation approaches are time-consuming and may fail to detect issues early in development.
  • Change management is challenging: changes to system requirements can be difficult to handle, mainly when they affect numerous system components.

MBSE addresses these issues using a visual, model-based approach. MBSE directly links requirements to the system model, making it simple to trace requirements from high-level use cases to low-level design details.

This enhances the system’s overall quality and lowers the likelihood of errors. MBSE also enables real-time validation of the system model, which can identify problems early in the development process, saving time and resources.

Read our step-by-step guide on how to break down requirements.

Requirements and Technical Data

MBSE emphasizes the need to connect requirements to technical data. It guarantees that the system model accurately portrays the system as it will be developed and that it meets the stakeholders’ requirements.

MBSE directly links requirements to the system model, making it simple to trace requirements from high-level use cases to low-level design details. This enhances the system’s overall quality and lowers the likelihood of errors.

The system model in MBSE is often built with a modelling language such as SysML or UML. These languages provide a collection of symbols and syntax for representing various system elements such as system architecture, behaviour, and restrictions. The system model can be expressed in diagrams that stakeholders can easily understand.

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Valispace as a Tool for Requirements Management

Valispace is an excellent tool for managing MBSE requirements. It is intended to make it easier for engineers and stakeholders to collaborate on designing and developing complex systems. The system model can be represented in Valispace as diagrams that stakeholders can easily understand.

The tool enables real-time validation of the system model, allowing flaws to be discovered early in the development process, saving time and resources. The tool also improves traceability and management of system requirements changes.

Valispace has an easy-to-use interface for generating and altering system models.

Valispace also provides advanced simulation tools, which allow customers to evaluate the system model under various settings and scenarios. This is beneficial for testing the system’s behaviour in real-time and for system verification and validation.

One of Valispace’s primary differentiators is its ability to link requirements to technical data. This feature allows teams to ensure that all requirements are linked to engineering values and that any numerical data can be read and analyzed as such, rather than as flat text data.

This means that if any changes are made to your system, Valispace can automatically calculate whether this violates any of your project requirements.

Less work for your engineers, smarter insights for your project managers!

Implementing Valispace in Your Project

Selecting the appropriate instrument while adopting MBSE in your project is critical. It is advised that you schedule a conversation with the Valispace team to analyze the viability of Valispace for your project. They will be able to discuss your specific requirements and provide instructions on how to begin using the product.

A member of the Valispace team will contact you as soon as possible. They will be able to go over your project in greater detail and advise you on how to implement MBSE with Valispace. To schedule a call, go to the Valispace website and fill out the contact form.

If you have specific requirements for your project, the Valispace team can discuss customizing alternatives with you. They may customize the tool to your project’s needs, ensuring it is a perfect fit for your team.

Which tool is best for requirements management in MBSE?

Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is a powerful method of systems engineering that relies heavily on models to define and analyze system requirements.

MBSE provides numerous advantages for requirements management, such as greater traceability, increased efficiency, and improved stakeholder participation.

Valispace is a robust MBSE requirements management tool that can assist engineers and stakeholders in working together to design and develop complex systems. It supports advanced simulation, real-time validation, and connecting requirements to technical facts.

If you want to use MBSE in your project, Valispace is an excellent tool.

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