MBSE

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is an approach to systems engineering that emphasizes the use of formal, machine-readable models as the primary artifacts for capturing and communicating information about a system throughout its life cycle. MBSE aims to replace or augment traditional document-centric practice by integrating requirements, architecture, behavior, interfaces, and verification and validation activities within a coherent modeling environment.

It relies on system models that are sharable across disciplines, support traceability from requirements to implementation, and enable simulation and analysis. Common modeling languages such as SysML are used to describe structure, behavior, constraints, and interfaces. Tools providing repositories, versioning, and linkages among models support collaboration and configuration management.

MBSE emerged from the move from document-centric to model-centric engineering, with influence from UML and the SysML standard developed by the Object Management Group and widely promoted by INCOSE. International standards such as ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288 for life cycle processes and ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010 for architecture description provide context for MBSE practices.

Benefits commonly cited include improved requirements traceability, early detection of design gaps, better alignment among stakeholders, and potential reductions in rework and risk. However, MBSE requires upfront investment in modeling capabilities, tool integration, and workforce skills, and its success depends on governance, data management, and an appropriate modeling strategy.

MBSE is applied in domains with complex, safety-critical systems, such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial automation. It is not a universal substitute for all documentation, but, when implemented with clear processes and standards, it can enhance interoperability, reuse of assets, and lifecycle decision making.