What are the top trends in systems engineering for you to watch?

Model-Based Systems Engineering is a transformative force in systems engineering. provides a structured approach to manage complex systems. Visual models make it easier to understand interactions automates many repetitive tasks, boosting engineers' productivity. It allows for quick documentation, simulations, and system validation. provides a common language for engineers from different fields, breaking down silos and improving communication. offers real-time feedback, helping engineers monitor and improve system performance. reduces the risk of system failures by providing a rigorous approach to system design and validation. helps engineers design systems that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

The single most powerful thing that MBSE has to offer is the creation and exploitation of a knowledge graph description of a design. Visual representations of the design are helpful, but without the deep connections of elements in the knowledge graph, you might as well be designing in PowerPoint. The use of the graph to derive design information, and to query it to extract relevant information for a particular audience, are where MBSE really becomes a productivity multiplier. What we should all be watching for / working toward is universal agreement on the ontology underlying the graph. If that is realized, then designers will be able to ask the questions that matter to them of any model. That would truly change the SE process.

System Engineering is an approach where the engineering techniques blend with management tools to solve a problem. It so happens that with only technical knowhow one cannot solve a problem fully. For example, in a manufacturing industry knowing what the defect is easy, it is done through check points, inspection of each part at the end conveyor line etc,. But with a management approach 7QC tools, we can get to know that which among the top defects to be mitigated at the earliest to avoid defects flowing to the market. This is where System Engineering takes the lead role. System engineering should always be emphasized in OEMs to have good control over their product portfolio.

There is little doubt on the value of MBSE for Systems development. However, one must be aware not to confuse a virtual replicate with an MBSE engineering model. Following our research it could be a confusing and problematic issue in practice, especially wrt accuracy of digital twins for practical use. Please Prof. E. Lee excellent blog on this issue

If you ask 100 systems engineers what is “Systems Engineering and MBSE” they will likely give you slightly different answers. This is because Systems Engineering can be applied to various different parts of a project. Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) allows systems engineers to use a number of tools to break down a complex problem into easy to understand parts. MBSE can be used for early customer fact finding, risk management, interface definition, requirements management, and more phases of a product lifecycle. Since there are so many tools in the MBSE process, each engineer may be using a few different tools even if they are on the same project.

Agile Systems Engineering (ASE) is a groundbreaking approach that's changing the systems engineering landscape. It's like a magic wand that transforms rigid, slow, and error-prone engineering processes into flexible, fast, and efficient ones. ASE champions iterative development, continuous feedback, and adaptability. It's like an espresso shot for projects, accelerating delivery and ensuring that systems meet stakeholders' evolving needs. ASE is not just a trend, but a revolution that's making systems engineering agile, responsive, and future-ready. In an ever-changing world, ASE is the answer to staying ahead of the curve and delivering cutting-edge systems.

The jury is still out and we should avoid unnecessary hype. Agile modeling, requirements, conceptualization: fine Agile hardware development, agile accurate engineering analysis,( i.e. structural strength), any suggestions? real life examples? Would be glad to get inputs on practical working ways.

The complex systems must be agile. There must be redundancy. This is directly connected with how systems can decide and act in a situation. Optimality is also another aspect. IoTs are all about agility.

Of course, agility in systems is another important thing. The idea of redundancy can also be utilized in the agility of the systems. Various parameters affect. For example, the frequency being used. The adaptability when the surrounding parameters change. I work on Space-IoT where agility is an important part.

SoSE is like the conductor of a grand orchestra, harmonizing complex systems into a symphony of seamless functionality. It’s the ultimate level-up in systems engineering, tackling interconnected systems with a holistic approach. SoSE is a visionary trend, enabling the creation of super-systems that are more than the sum of their parts. It's like the Avengers of engineering, assembling individual systems into an all-powerful collective that can tackle bigger challenges. In an interconnected world, SoSE is the key to unlocking unprecedented capabilities and pioneering the next generation of integrated solutions.

Systems Engineering starts out with a requirement from the end-user. It is not an exercise in connecting black boxes to further the sales of black-box suppliers. The end user has to devote some time and resources in stating his functional requirements, environmental conditions of use and a functional description of interfaces with existing systems. This is a difficult task and he will need experienced people to help him (this means a budget to perform this task.) 'let's do some top-down thinking before we start talking to hardware vendors. Ministry of Defense needs to talk to the military end user in the field before talking to potential hardware suppliers.

The world is getting increasingly interconnected and complex, with various systems needing to communicate, SoSE provides the methodologies and tools to design, integrate, and manage these complex interactions, ensuring that the overarching system functions efficiently and effectively.

The IoT space has grown unboundedly. All the systems we see have smaller units. SoC is a great example. The complexity is growing but SoSE is also contributing to making things simple!

The SoSE is not new. Any complex system has multitudes of individual blocks, each of which is a system in its own right. The Tactile Internet is a glorious example.

Human Systems Engineering (HSE) is like a mind-reader for systems engineering, putting the human experience at the heart of system design. It's a trend that's revolutionizing the field, making systems feel like an extension of ourselves. HSE is the empath of engineering, ensuring systems are intuitive, user-friendly, and tailored to our needs. It's like a tailor-made suit for every user, ensuring a perfect fit between humans and systems. HSE is not just a trend, it's a paradigm shift that's making systems feel less like machines and more like a natural part of our lives. In a world of increasing complexity, HSE is the secret to making technology human.

IoT can never be away from humans. The whole point is that we need to have human interfaces. Without human interactions, there is no use in building the systems! Thus HSE plays an important role in making the technology dissappear!

Education is like a golden key unlocking the future of engineering. It's the fuel powering the next generation of innovators, equipping them with the tools to conquer the most complex challenges. This trend is a beacon of enlightenment in the engineering world, forging a new era of experts who can seamlessly weave together disparate systems into a harmonious whole. It's like a masterclass in orchestration, teaching engineers to create symphonies of systems that work in perfect harmony. In a world of increasing complexity, Systems Engineering Education is the lighthouse guiding us towards a future of boundless possibilities and unparalleled innovation.

I work as a teacher. The education and curriculum are challenging. Conventional education doesn't work here. The ability for students to go up the layers and abstract and at the same time go deep and see the smallest of the system is important. This is difficult to bring about.

Artificial Intelligence is now playing a significant role in system engineering by enhancing various aspects of the system development lifecycle. AI can apply in many aspects in system engineering such as Design Optimization. Example of system involved complex multi conditions optimization that required intensive calculations and numerous of test scenarios. AI evaluates the performance of each generated design using simulations and performance metrics and identifies which design(s) best meet the project's goals and constraints. AI empowers system engineers to streamline processes, improve decision-making, enhance system performance, and reduce the time and cost of development while ensuring the reliability and quality of complex systems.

Some companies have System Safety Engineering as a discipline of Systems Engineering in their organization. As a critical element in ensuring safety compliance in Systems Engineering projects and programs, a valuable top trend to study is the "control feedback philosophy of system designs." Consider STAMP/STPA developed by Dr. Nancy Leveson of MTI.

COMPLEX SYSYTEMS ENGINEERING: Traditionally, systems engineering have been the answer to managing or designing more complex systems. However, complexity itself is not static. Constant evolution of unquantifiable complexities and increasing multidimensionalness of domains like space, astronomy, biotech, healthcare, semiconductors, under-water exploration and several others is evolving into a know-how which is convergence of complex problem solving, system thinking and systems engineering. Given the pace of business, scale of operations and non-linear nature of future complex problems, complex systems engineering could emerge as a field of its own and could be deemed as a futuristic skill from technical staff to leadership staff.