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Systems engineering is a multidisciplinary approach for developing solutions to
complex problems. The increase in system complexity is demanding more rigorous
and formalized systems engineering practices. In response to this demand,
along with advancements in computer technology, the practice of systems engineering
is undergoing a fundamental transition from a document-based approach
to a model-based approach. In the model-based approach, the emphasis shifts
from producing and controlling documentation to producing and controlling a
coherent model of the system. Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) can help
to manage complexity, while at the same time improve design quality and cycle
time, improve communications among a diverse development team, and facilitate
knowledge capture and design evolution.
A standardized and robust modeling language is considered a critical enabler
for MBSE. The Systems Modeling Language (OMG SysMLTM) is a general-purpose
modeling language that supports the s1"'cification, design, analysis, and vcrification
of systems. These systems may include hardware, software, data, personnel,
procedures, and facilities. SysML is a graphical modeling language with a semantic
foundation for representing requirements, behavior, structure, and properties
of the system and its components. The modeling language is intended to model
systems from a broad range of industry domains such as aerospace, automotive,
health care, and so on.
SysML is an extension of the Unified Modeling Language (UML), version 2,
which has become the de facto standard software modeling language. Requirements
were issued by the Object Management Group (OMG) in March 2003 to
extend UML to support systems modeling. UML 2 was selected as the basis for
SysML because it is a robust language that addresses many of the systems engineering
needs, while at the same time, the systems engineering community is able
to leverage the broad base of experience and tool vendors that support UML. This
approach also facilitates the integration of systems and software modeling, which
is becoming increasingly important for today's software-intensive systems.
The development of the language specification was a collaborative effort
between members of the OMG, the International Council on Systems Engineering
(INCOSE), and the AP233 Working Group of the International Standards Organization
(ISO). Following three years of development, the OMG SysML specification
was adopted by the OMG in May 2006 and the fortnai version 1.0 language specification
was released in September 2007. Several vendors have now implemented
SysML in their tools. It is expected that OMG SysML will continue to evolve
through further revisions to the specification based on feedback from end users,
tool vendors, and research activities. Information on SysMLis available on the official
OMG SysMLWeb site at http.//www.omgsysml.org. |
