Evaluating model data exchange between systems engineering tools

Abstract

This article describes the development and implementation of a methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of model data exchanges between Systems Engineering tools. The context of the work is the SEDRES (System Engineering Data Representation and Exchange Standardization) project. This is a European initiative toward the development of a standardized data exchange capability. The paper addresses the issues of the use of this capability, and its potential influence on the System Engineering process. It describes the development of the evaluation framework and methods that were tested and refined for the SEDRES model data exchange context. Results that demonstrate the potential benefits of adopting the standards-based approach are described and a number of issues relevant to its applicability in the support of integrated product teams are discussed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Syst Eng 4: 13–23, 2001