With the 3DExperience platform, engineers from all industries can develop their products and systems in real time in an environment that reflects reality and test various scenarios.

The easiest way to describe systems engineering is as a process model represented by a "V" with interdisciplinary networking. The left-hand strand of the V-model shows the design phases, while the right-hand strand shows the test phases. Systems engineering in mechatronic product development is divided into three main phases: system analysis, physical development and system integration. In system analysis, the product to be developed is described theoretically through the steps of requirements definition, functional analysis, logical architecture design and component specification and specified through the resulting product models. The physical development results in the creation of product development data. As part of system integration, the developed components are simulated and tested, integrated into the system and subjected to continuous verification and validation.

Digitally mapping the value chain

A prerequisite for successful systems engineering is that all data, standards and software tools in a company converge seamlessly in one platform. Ideally, suppliers and other parties involved in the product development process can also be integrated in order to avoid interface and media disruptions. The 3DExperience platform from Dassault Systèmes digitally maps the entire value chain - from the initial idea through engineering and production to sales and service. Here, engineers from all industries can develop their products and systems in real time in an environment that reflects reality and test various scenarios.

Social and networked apps enable the creation of networked communities whose participants can exchange and discuss content on problems. Apps for information intelligence simplify presentations and dashboarding. 3D modeling is integrated into the platform via the Catia, Solidworks, Geovia and Biovia apps, as are the apps for content and simulation at the interfaces between the virtual world and reality.

Comprehensive verification requirements for the consistency of development processes and the traceability of the entire product development process are important components of systems engineering due to the high level of complexity. The traceability of the individual development steps is ensured in a traceability report. For manufacturers, but also customers and authorities, it is of the highest legal relevance if they can prove that they have fulfilled the respective state of the art in the event of malfunctions or damage in the context of product liability.

The future of systems engineering

The introduction of systems engineering in companies will tend to take place gradually over a longer period of time. Companies that take this path more quickly and adapt their processes and methods rapidly will quickly achieve sustainable competitive advantages with systems engineering. The easier it is to use common platforms, the greater the chances of mastering complexity and thus increasing product quality.

However, model-based system development not only requires new tools and standards. It also requires a different way of thinking and organizational, procedural and methodological changes within the company. The individual employees from the various specialist departments must be integrated at an early stage - with the aim of developing a common approach combined with a uniform system description and system thinking. The big challenge is to maintain a dialog with the people involved and get them excited about the topic because they are convinced of the benefits. am

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