Evaluating model data exchange between systems engineering tools

With new aviation market entrants such as Urban Air Mobility (UAM) vehicles, the role aviation will take in seamless, end-to-end multimodal transportation is evolving. Travelers will likely be able to request on-demand, point-to-point transportation through air taxis in the not-to-distant future. Previous multimodal research efforts have focused on surface urban mobility, where multiple modes of ground transportation compete with and complement each other, ignoring the growing role that aviation will play going forward. Existing public transportation data exchange models, tailored for their respective systems, likewise, have not yet accounted for this looming transportation transformation nor for widespread multimodal end-to-end, seamless transporting. To date, the FAA has succeeded in establishing a robust data exchange architecture to support traditional air transportation, but to facilitate this evolution of the public airspace system with respect to UAM and other emerging air vehicle systems, new and revised data exchange models are necessary. Existing data exchange models in need of revision include the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Flight Information Exchange Model (FIXM) and the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) [2], [3]. New data exchange models in need of creation include the Passenger Information Exchange Model (PIXM), the Operation Information Exchange Model (OIXM), and Vehicle Information Exchange Model (VIXM) [1]. The research here explored these data models, identifying and defining preliminary conceptual data elements necessary to support seamless, end-to-end mobility. The conceptual model herein proposed is holistic and considers all modes of transportation – walk, car, bus, rail, boat, air, etc. - and looks to incorporate the most promising transportation data exchange models from among these transportation systems.A realistic multimodal travel scenario subject to disruptive events (such as severe weather) was developed for the purpose of identifying the necessary exchange of data to reduce the impact of the disruptive events on the traveler. This work helped inform the next steps in the project, the definition of multimodal data exchange models and the development of a corresponding multimodal transportation conceptual data model. The scenario includes Urban Air Mobility (UAM) vehicles that are intended to serve as short haul providers operating in a congested urban metro environment to bypass surface traffic congestion. New aviation market entrants, such as UAM, will likely not operate entirely within a traditional gate to gate model and are eventually likely to use a model similar to on-demand surface transportation such as ride share. Uber Elevate has already been proposing this type of application for their future air taxis [4]. Accommodating these new aviation market entrants will require further extensions to the FIXM (a second package for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is already planned by the FIXM committee), adoption and enhancement of existing industry data exchange models, and entirely new data models. GTFS is the industry-leading and international de facto public transportation data exchange standard and has an extension called "flex" for supporting on-demand mobility, though has been limited to surface applications thus far [3], [5]. Alongside FIXM and GTFS, new models are necessary to facilitate seamless, end-to-end mobility. Proposed models include the Vehicle Information Exchange Model (VIXM), the Passenger Information Exchange Model (PIXM), and the Operator Information Exchange Model (OIXM) [1].This paper serves as an initial exploration of a data exchange model for future of transportation. The authors envision a future where a traveler can easily plan, dynamically re-plan, and track the real-time progress of a multimodal trip from the convenience of a smartphone application. The authors include a description of a future smartphone application to help illustrate the concept (Section 5). Section 6 provides a brief history of multimodal data exchange initiatives. Section 7 includes a brief discussion of next steps and recommendations for continued research.

This paper investigates the oversimplification of the inherently complex systems engineering process in space life support. The standard systems engineering process steps are described. The International Space Station (ISS) life support system is explained with its goals and performance criteria. Although it is not usually emphasized, the essential function of developing a hierarchy of systems and subsystems is to simplify the design process. The System Complexity Metric (SCM) shows how this divide‐and‐conquer approach also reduces the system complexity. The complete systems engineering process has many detailed steps. It is often simplified because of the effort required and the human limitations on working memory and decision span. Systems analysis demands slow, logical, and focused thinking but is often bypassed in favor of quick, intuitive, subconscious “gut feel.” A study of 100 system designs found examples of 12 specific mental mistakes, such as ignoring stakeholder needs, and these mistakes are essentially oversimplifications of the systems engineering process. An analysis of space life support goals, options, criteria, and processes found 11 examples of oversimplifications in systems engineering, such as neglecting safety and cost. All these 11 oversimplifications could be traced to one or more of the 12 previously identified mental mistakes or other well‐known ones, such as ignoring sunk costs. Oversimplification of the systems engineering process is rarely noticed but is a common and harmful problem. A study of failures in 50 different space systems found that problems in systems engineering caused failures and often led to errors in design, development, and test that further contributed to failure. It seems that more diligent systems engineering could prevent many project problems and failures, but projects seem to be more guided by “gut feel” based on tradition, authority, and consensus than on the logical, rational systems engineering approach.

Completing its final development and early deployment on the Navy's multi-role aircraft, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, the SHAred Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) provides the war fighter with the latest digital tactical reconnaissance (TAC Recce) Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor system. The SHARP program is an evolutionary acquisition that used a spiral development process across a prototype development phase tightly coupled into overlapping Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) and Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) phases. Under a tight budget environment with a highly compressed schedule, SHARP challenged traditional acquisition strategies and systems engineering (SE) processes. Adopting tailored state-of-the-art systems engineering process models allowd the SHARP program to overcome the technical knowledge transition challenges imposed by a compressed program schedule. The program's original goal was the deployment of digital TAC Recce mission capabilities to the fleet customer by summer of 2003. Hardware and software integration technical challenges resulted from requirements definition and analysis activities performed across a government-industry led Integrated Product Team (IPT) involving Navy engineering and test sites, Boeing, and RTSC-EPS (with its subcontracted hardware and government furnished equipment vendors). Requirements development from a bottoms-up approach was adopted using an electronic requirements capture environment to clarify and establish the SHARP EMD product baseline specifications as relevant technical data became available. Applying Earned-Value Management (EVM) against an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) resulted in efficiently managing SE task assignments and product deliveries in a dynamically evolving customer requirements environment. Application of Six Sigma improvement methodologies resulted in the uncovering of root causes of errors in wiring interconnectivity drawings, pod manufacturing processes, and avionics requirements specifications. Utilizing the draft NAVAIR SE guideline handbook and the ANSI/EIA-632 standard: Processes for Engineering a System, a systems engineering tailored process approach was adopted for the accelerated SHARP EMD prgram. Tailoring SE processes in this accelerated product delivery environment provided unique opportunities to be technically creative in the establishment of a product performance baseline. This paper provides an historical overview of the systems engineering activities spanning the prototype phase through the EMD SHARP program phase, the performance requirement capture activities and refinement process challenges, and what SE process improvements can be applied to future SHARP-like programs adopting a compressed, evolutionary spiral development acquisition paradigm.

There is tremendous need in collaborative design today for the integration of heterogeneous CAx systems. This general practice has serious shortcomings like design discontinuity, limited parallelisation, loss of information, and conversion errors. To overcome these shortcomings, macro-parametric approach (MPA), which is a history-based method of parametric CAD model exchange, has been proposed. The macro-parametric approach is a way to achieve compatible CAD model exchange amongst a variety of mutually incompatible CAD systems. CAD models can be exchanged in the form of a macro file that comprises a sequence of modeling commands. A standard macro file that contains a set of event-driven commands can transfer the designer intent such as parameters, features and constraints. Currently, STEP (STandard for the Exchange of Product model data) as an international standard (ISO-10303, Industrial automation systems and integration - Product data representation and exchange) for the computer-interpretable representation and the exchange of product model data is widely used. STEP is becoming the 'lingua franca' in the area of modelling and exchanging product data. One remaining problem of the using STEP as a neutral format is that it does not retain parametric information such as the designer intent but only the pure boundary representation (B-rep) of the CAD model. The B-rep model without parametric information presents difficulties for engineering changes and it may also lead to an unexpected distortion of shape. This research aims to investigate an exchange method that uses STEP/XML (extensible mark-up) technology to express a set of standard modeling commands extracted from CAD models created by Autodesk InventorTM, to enable the same CAD models are readable and shareable with other CAD application systems.

Unlike traditional chemical and petrochemical processes, Process Systems Engineering (PSE) tools and methods have not been routinely applied for the design, analysis, and optimization of fermentation-based biorefineries. This has greatly limited the ability to analyze these biomass-based processes, thus also limiting the potential profitability of biorefinery processes. This Perspective elucidates the challenges currently hindering the application of traditional PSE tools and methods to fermentation-based biorefineries. The current state of process simulators and mathematical models, the backbone of PSE, as applied to fermentation-based processes are addressed. Further, this contribution includes a proposed framework that can be applied to fermentation-based processes using existing process simulators with an illustrative case study to highlight how imperative PSE tools and methods are to the advancement of biorefineries. Finally, the future needs and prospects for using traditional PSE tools and methods for the design, analysis, and optimization of fermentation-based biorefineries to provide sustainable alternatives to existing processes and fossil-based products are discussed.

This is an era which the ELT telescopes define 'the new science' for astronomy. Thus, to make optimal contribution (i.e. valuable scientific output in an efficient, sustainable manner), a mid class telescope such as DAG 4m, must have a carefully designed Systems Architecture, which, in our opinion, could only be possible by means of a proper Systems Engineering (SE) process. From a Platonic perspective, the SE work must be started well before (at least conceptually), even the 'idea' of erecting an observatory. As can be seen from the experiences, this, however, never happens, and also it did not happen in our case. Regarding the facts given above, a SE process for DAG observatory has been initiated soon. As a bunch of constraints had already been formed, the work primarily focuses on the scientific instrumentation. This paper demonstrates various phases of the SE process carried until now. We will also discuss the methodologies/techniques that are planned to be used in the future.

Thirty Years of International Symposia on Process Systems Engineering

Insufficient technologies made good integration between the die components in design, process planning, and manufacturing impossible in the past few years. Nowadays, the advanced technologies based on Standard for the Exchange of Product model data are making it possible. This article discusses the three main steps for achieving the complete process planning for prismatic parts of the die components. These three steps are data extraction, feature recognition, and process planning. The proposed computer-aided process planning system works as part of an integrated system to cover the process planning of any prismatic part die component. The system is built using Visual Basic with EWDraw system for visualizing the Standard for the Exchange of Product model data file. The system works successfully and can cover any type of sheet metal die components. The case study discussed in this article is taken from a large design of progressive die.

This paper describes and expands upon the proposed System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) Process Framework for the Air Force Materiel Command first outlined in IEEE SoSE 2011. Through repeated uses, it became quickly understood that systems-of-systems processes were foundationally similar to but different from basic systems engineering processes. The SoSE Process Framework, supporting processes, and products provide a context to integrate across modern complex systems-of-systems. In defining the SoSE Process Framework we tailor existing systems engineering processes and add a minimal amount of SoS-level engineering to it. The four core SoSE processes, Architecture and Analysis, Test and Evaluation, Management and Governance together can help to successfully deliver integrated capabilities at the SoS and Enterprise level within the U.S. Air Force. The key concept introduced is the alignment of analysis and engineering efforts across the Enterprise System Engineering and Architecting realm, and the synchronization of decision making within the SoSE components. The paper concludes by discussing implications of the SoSE Process Framework, as well as recommendations for actions, products, key stakeholder decisions and future challenges.

Spatial data exchange and system interoperate have become crucial technologies in land resources informatization. Due to the land resources data is accessed using a variety of GIS platforms, and the management systems are developed by different development languages, the data exchange model must support platform-independent solutions implemented in distributed heterogeneous environments. This paper proposes for designing a data exchange center by taking advantage of SOA technology and GML standard. The system aims to share and integrate various formats of spatial data with minimal time delay, providing a variety of services for interoperate between different systems. The proposed architecture is applied, as a case study, the data exchange center is implemented in Hunan province. In conclusion, the exchange between Hunan department and Changsha bureau shows that the application can achieve the goal in heterogeneous environments.

The systems engineering process, applied across a typical system life‐cycle model, features design, or synthesis, as a core element. Creativity and innovation are required, to varying degrees, in all successful synthesis activities in systems engineering. The process of creativity and innovation in systems engineering is, however, poorly understood and is not adequately fostered. Educational institutions also place little emphasis on creativity and innovation in undergraduate teaching. This deficiency results in an engineering culture that is frequently resistant to the factors which promote creativity and innovation. This paper presents a phase‐model of creativity which maps onto the process of synthesis in the systems engineering life‐cycle. The paper serves as a framework for fostering creativity and innovation in systems engineers, at all levels, as well as for embedding a creativity culture in the systems engineering process.

Challenges and Opportunities in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Modeling and Optimization

Simultaneous and collaborative development of satellites and Information Systems to support their lifecycle processes

The rapid evolution of technological advancements in Intelligent Field equipment, real time monitoring & optimization over the past few years has contributed significantly to increasing production potential, recovery factor, and efficiency with the safest and environmentally sound practices. To achieve optimum results of the Intelligent Fields program, a reliable information infrastructure and architecture must exist. Successful Intelligent Field implementation is based on two major components. The first one is a robust data acquisition and delivery infrastructure which is the backbone component of Saudi Aramco's Intelligent Field Surveillance Layer. Saudi Aramco has developed and implemented a set of standards, specifications, and guidelines to address and meet intelligent field requirements in terms of data types, frequency, resolution, security, integrity, quality, and reliability. The other major and equally important component is the data processing and exchange workflows. This component plays an important role in achieving the other Saudi Aramco's Intelligent Field layers which are Integration, Optimization, and Innovation. Standardization of hydrocarbon production's data exchange between heterogeneous applications will considerably help to accomplish the overall objectives of the Intelligent Field Project. Saudi Aramco's strategic aim is to implement a comprehensive E&P standards-based information architecture. The previous successful adoption of WITSML (Wellsite Information Transfer Standard Markup Language) enabled Saudi Aramco to standardize the drilling and completion information architecture. It allowed Saudi Aramco to leverage their investment in instrumention to enable new capabilities for automation and optimization that would otherwise be impossible or difficult to achieve. Also, it reduces the cost of information exchange between software and replacing or substituting software to benefit from improved functionality. This paper will highlight Saudi Aramco's experience and methodology of assessing PRODML (Production Markup Language) functionality and usability in a pilot project. It will highlight examples, challenges, benefits, and limitations of the production standard PRODML.

Nowadays, in software, electronics and automotive industries, it takes 1.5–2 years for a new product to appear, although it takes 3 or even more years to develop new space instruments. The update of higher education system standards is even more conservative. It takes 10 or more years. Because of this, graduates come into the industry with outdated knowledge. Thus, the problem is to synchronize the processes of updating technologies that ensure the creation of innovative products with educational programs. It can be solved by changing the paradigm of products creation based on the synthesis of deep and interdisciplinary educational, scientific, innovative and production activities with the model-based systems engineering software and methodological tools.The existing model-based systems engineering (MBSE) Software (SW) tools based on the Systems Modelling Language (SysML) are complex and expensive. This chapter raises the question, “Is it possible to make use of MBSE SW and methodological tools available to a wide audience of users?” To answer this question, the following MBSE approaches and tools were researched: Quality Function Deployment (QFD), House of Quality (HoQ), and SysML. Consequently, five methodological tools were developed for application during space instruments design and development life cycle stages. Tools are based on SysML, QFD, HoQ improvements and synthesis, and expressed in theoretical and practical algorithms.The theoretical algorithm determines “What” (input and output data) and “How” (by using which systems engineering (including MBSE) tools are methodically analysed at the certain space instruments life cycle stage. The practical algorithm automates the development of SysML diagrams by using data structured in HoQ models and widely available SW. It reduces the time to develop and update SysML requirements diagrams from several days to some minutes and enables implementation of SysML SW by many users. Altogether, the obtained results constitute the software and methodological toolkit (SMT) called “improved Quality Function Deployment for improved House of Quality”.To disseminate the obtained results, educational materials were created and validated during lectures on systems engineering. Lectures were supplemented with seminars and practicum. Practicum was focused on the design and development (D&D) of nanosatellites in the MBSE paradigm as the single project. The results showed that the developed SMT makes it possible to implement the life cycle of the cyber-physical system in the MBSE paradigm in a cost-effective way and a short time—in 6 months, students developed, conducted synthesis and flight tests of CubeSat-format satellite prototype and prepared the project documentation. In addition, students were motivated to study science, technology, engineering and math disciplines, MBSE tools, and become transdisciplinary specialists.In addition, developed SysML requirements models were applied to examine the “Preliminary Design” product life cycle (PLC) stage of different space projects. Such application allowed quick assessment of project results, identifying non-compliance with requirements, conducting beforehand all necessary corrections and generating correct new product documentation. Taking into account the mentioned advantages of the obtained MBSE SMT, it can be concluded that its usage improves the quality and accuracy of current projects and speeds up the planning process of future analogue projects by up to 60%. Consequently, projects (their life cycle stages) can be realized faster by 5–10%.These results allow to recommend for all interested in the innovative D&D of systems to initiate: formation of educational programs based on the project approach and MBSE paradigm; preparation of MBSE materials for online and offline teaching of students and teachers; development of domestic widely available software for the development of integrated SysML models with HoQ models that assures synchronization with CAE/CAD/CAM systems; support these recommendations for the implementation of the above-mentioned research results at educational organizations of different levels. The future research is focused on the application of the developed MBSE methodological toolkit during design and development with numerical modelling and operation of several CubeSat satellites.KeywordsSystems engineeringMBSEParadigmMethodological toolkitSysMLQFDHoQ