Enabling complexity management through merging business process modeling with MBSE

Abstract

Integral products are characterized by multiple functional use of components, resulting in more compact and lighter products. However, those benefits come along with a significant increase in development process complexity. This complexity represents a significant risk in the value-creation chain. For the efficient fulfilment of customer needs and market requirements, strategies are required to cope with the complexity of integral products. A promising approach in this context is Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). Through the formalized application of modeling, MBSE allows the development of a system model to support the development process. The model enables a visualization of the process complexity and thus an identification of the essential complexity drivers. This knowledge is mandatory for the coordinated initiation of countermeasures. However, MBSE is not yet fully integrated in today’s product development processes (PDP). One reason for this is an insufficient interconnection between system models and business processes. This paper presents an approach for merging MBSE with business processes. The procedure comprises the modeling of exemplary business processes in a product data management system (PDMS). These processes are linked to a MBSE modeling tool via a RESTful API. Synergetic potentials of this connection are pointed out, based on scenarios from requirements management, product configuration and risk management. Finally, a discussion takes place regarding the degree of maturity to master complexity in business processes with MBSE.