What is the Digital Transformation?
Digital Transformation Definition
The digital transformation for model based systems engineering and digital engineering has to do with converting from the legacy paper or document-centric method of doing things to a model-centric method. The model centric method is built around reuse, modularity, and less upkeep. Reuse is leveraged through libraries of common elements and interactions made between systems. For example, RJ45 connector only needs to be digitally built once. After it has been built it can be placed in a library and used by any project in any future date. Modularity has to do with the ability to pull a subsystem out of the design easily and put in a new subsystem with the same interfaces (form, fit, and function). Less upkeep is achieved due to the meta-data within the model that allows for a change once, change everywhere approach. For example, if the name of an element changes and that effects multiple generated documents, the modeler can change that one element's name and all of the generated model documents and all of the diagrams within the model will automatically be updated.
Steps for Digital Transformation for Implementing Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
Step 1: Embrace Digital Engineering
Step 2: Select Methodology, Language, and Tool & Struggle through the standardization process
Step 3: Create a good competitive solution much better than analog approach
Music Digital Transformation Analogy
Similar to the music industry, the digital transformation for SE will have its growing pains but the promise of having a comprehensive library of systems at your fingertips will be worth the struggle.
Step 1: Modeling your system in a digital format instead of updating paper documentation.
Analog → Digital
Step 2: Select your company’s standards
Struggles over Standardization
Step 3: Build a good solution
Good Solutions Emerge
We are currently in the struggles under standardization phase of the digital transformation for MBSE.
To have your organization transition to Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), you must have a specified design methodology, language, and tool. We suggest having a common methodology, language, and tool throughout your organization as your organization will be somewhat disjoint if you have not selected the same methodology, language, and tool throughout due to incompatibility issues.