MBSE is Dying Thriving

September 16, 2024 – Reading time: 6 minutes

Increasing complexity of products, more demanding requirements, and more extensive development processes – challenges in the developing industry that cannot be tackled without Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).

And after many years of theory and several years of practical integration of MBSE in developing industries, the statement has repeatedly popped up in recent months: MBSE is dead. Most argue with a lack of success and non-executed implementations at company level. Head of CoE Systems Engineering and long-standing consultant in the systems engineering (SE) environment, Jan Zutter, clarified the actual situation in his presentation at the Nordic Systems Engineering Tour Spring 2024: MBSE is thriving!

In the following section, we will explain why this statement is true and summarize the findings. For decision-makers and system engineers, we offer valuable insights into the challenges and possible solutions when introducing MBSE in their company.

MBSE is a methodology that promotes the transition from document-based to model-based approaches in system development. Instead of relying on textual documentation, MBSE uses models to define, analyze and validate the various aspects of a system. This not only makes complexity more manageable, but also improves communication between the teams involved and with customers.

And yet:

1. MBSE is more than just buying a new tool, it is also a mindset that should be established company-wide.
2. It is still very difficult to accurately estimate the cost savings resulting from MBSE integration. Costs incurred through training and licenses are often clearer and more quantifiable than the potential savings, making it difficult to communicate the benefits of MBSE to senior management.
3. The fact that points 1 and 2 are not always taken into account, a situation of frustration arises that ends in a bogus argument: MBSE is dead!

Kübler-Ross‘ description of human behavior in phases of suffering can also be compared very well with the mood towards MBSE and change in companies in general over the last few years.

In various projects, it was repeatedly observed how morale dropped again during the course of MBSE integration after an initial strong high. Right down to a state of depression or near standstill.

The decisive factor in the graph is the impending rise. This is a foreseeable development as soon as you realize that some major changes need to be discussed. Bigger than just introducing a new tool without wanting to adapt the way of working and thinking.

What challenges led to the current state and how do you gain acceleration to build the morale boost?

An important aspect is resistance to change. Often the success or failure of MBSE depends on the attitude of a small group in upper management. This leads to a situation where commitment to MBSE is needed not only within the development team but also at management level. A successful MBSE project therefore requires a clear vision and the empowerment of the entire team to promote a common way of working.

The projects studied showed that early involvement of team members and adaptation of processes to the specific needs of the organization are crucial for success. An excessive focus on complex processes and methods, on the other hand, can lead to MBSE only being used by a small group of “architects”, which significantly limits the benefits of the method.

In many areas, MBSE is still in the transition phase from document-based to model-based approaches. The development continues to be strongly influenced by the specific requirements and framework conditions of the respective industry. In the automotive industry, for example, the focus is on large team sizes and strict documentation requirements, while in the pharmaceutical industry the focus is on managing the complexity of production processes and risk analyses.

In the future, the success of MBSE will depend heavily on how well the benefits of this methodology can be communicated across different departments and how well the tools can be adapted to meet the specific needs of users. Continuous adaptation and development of MBSE integration processes will be necessary to meet the demands of rapidly changing markets.

Figure 1: Crucial steps that need to be taken to complete an integration that has already been started or when starting an integration

MBSE is certainly not dead, but is likely to experience a strong surge in development. Among other things, through the further development of tools, the implementation of lessons learned and the continuous qualification of employees. INVENSITY has already been able to provide support in all three aspects and is looking forward to continuing to drive the topics forward in the industry.

Are you, your team and your company ready for the coming changes? Contact our specialists Jan Zutter and find out more about the “ISEPAK” system landscape analysis, which will help you to correctly categorize your current status.

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