Best Systems Engineering & MBSE Tools

What is Systems Engineering Software?

Why Use Systems Engineering Software?

Who Uses Systems Engineering Software?

Kinds of Systems Engineering Software

Almost all systems engineering software will provide some sort of model-based systems engineering. Model-based systems engineering is essentially a diagramming function that allows for easy system visualization. Other systems engineering software provide a graphical programming function on top of this model-based systems engineering software which allows users to code the various functions of the systems they’re creating as well as integrate the software with hardware. Here are the differences between model-based systems engineering and graphical systems engineering.

Model-based systems engineering — Some systems engineering software are strictly model based. Model-based systems engineering software allows engineers to diagram operational systems to display the sequences of exchanges that must happen inside a given system for it to function.

Graphical systems engineering — Graphical systems engineering is a type of systems engineering software that relies more heavily on coding and hardware integration. With graphical systems engineering features, users integrate the software with hardware to dramatically simplify and speed up design. With the hardware integration users design all the electronic components and IoT signals that may need to be present within an industrial system.

Systems Engineering Software Features

Systems engineering software provides a variety of features for systems engineers to conceptualize, design, and manage the development of an industrial system.

Requirements traceability — When systems engineers begin to design industrial systems, they always start out with a list of requirements that need to be met. Once the requirements and parameters are set forth, systems engineers then must design the individual components of the design that will link together to meet those requirements. Requirements traceability features alert the systems engineer if a design requirement is not being met as they begin to design the system. This allows rapid analysis and ensures that requirements are always being met throughout the design.

Simulation — Most systems engineering tools provide simulation and model execution features. This allows users to simulate the performance of a design before it’s gone into production. This provides early design validation and eliminates the need for reworks following production.

Team and stakeholder collaboration — Most systems engineering software is accessed through a web browser. Owners grant sharing and collaboration permissions to all relevant parties so various teams and stakeholders sign in and collaborate or make comments on a design.

Reusability — Reusability features of systems engineering software allow models to be reused for future system designs. This helps speed up the design process which in turn reduces costs and saves time.

Model diagramming — Model diagramming is the cornerstone of systems engineering software. Model diagramming allows users to diagram the various components of an industrial design so the entire system is easily visualized. This shows which system functions must connect to create one functioning unit.

Debugging — Debugging features provide systems engineers with features that detect any bugs in the systems engineering code. This allows engineers to quickly identify issues and resolve them at a quicker pace.

Software and Services Related to Systems Engineering Software

Low-code development platforms — Low-code development platforms are used alongside of or as an alternative to the coding features that are available in some systems engineering software. While systems engineering software provides some features for drag and drop graphical programming, some provide strictly model-based engineering which don’t have as extensive coding features. Low-code development platforms are a great complimentary software so systems engineers can prototype, build, or scale applications without developing complex infrastructures.

Industrial IoT software — Many systems engineers are tasked with creating complex industrial systems that are IoT connected. These are systems that are connected in a network to other software or devices which enhances the functionality of the system. An example would be a smart manufacturing system that is connected via sensors to other assets in a factory such as inventory counts or energy management software. Systems engineering software provides the diagramming features to display which systems should be connected to create an IoT connected device but Industrial IoT software is also a helpful complimentary software to use. Industrial IoT software provides assistance with configuring, managing, and monitoring IoT devices used in manufacturing operations.