What Is MBSE & Why Is It Important?

What is MBSE?

Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is a discipline that uses graphical models to define and analyze the behavior of a system. It is a holistic approach to systems engineering that focuses on creating a unified model of the system which can be used to simulate, analyze, and optimize the system's performance. MBSE is used to ensure that the system meets its design requirements, is resilient to change, and is optimized for the system's goals.

INCOSE defines MBSE as "the formalized application of modeling to support system requirements, design, analysis, verification, and validation activities beginning in the conceptual design phase and continuing throughout development and later life cycle phases." (Model Based Systems Architecture, pg27)

MBSE promises to alleviate communication across different engineering disciplines (Delp et al.,2013).

Why is MBSE Important?

MBSE is an important approach to systems engineering because it helps organizations to better understand the complexity of their systems and how they interact with each other. It also helps to identify and define the requirements of a system as well as the potential risks and benefits associated with it. MBSE also helps to accelerate problem solving and optimize system design. In addition, MBSE helps to improve communication between stakeholders by providing a common language for all system stakeholders to use. Ultimately, MBSE helps to improve the quality of the final product and reduce development costs.

An additional primary drive is to convert from the document-centric approach where we have reports everywhere with different release dates to a digital approach where all the information is in one location.  Models linked through information infrastructure that contains an authoritative source of truth and will have many benefits including reuse and faster updates. 

How are MBSE and SysML related?

MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering) and SysML (Systems Modeling Language) are closely related, as MBSE is a model-based approach to systems engineering and SysML is the modeling language used to create models for MBSE. MBSE is a approach that uses models to support the development, operation, and analysis of systems, while SysML is a graphical language used to create these models. SysML is designed to support MBSE, allowing for more efficient and effective systems engineering.

How are MBSE and Digital Engineering related?

MBSE (Model-Based System Engineering) and Digital Engineering are closely related because MBSE is a subset of Digital Engineering. Digital Engineering is a comprehensive approach to designing and engineering complex digital products and systems, while MBSE is a specific methodology within Digital Engineering that uses models to design and analyze systems. MBSE supports digital engineering by helping to reduce complexity, improve collaboration, and increase efficiency.