Modelling Systems-of-Systems: Issues and possible solutions

Abstract

This paper discusses a problem with current Systems modelling techniques when applied to Systems-of-Systems (SoS) - namely that in the SoS case, the composition and boundary of the SoS is often only defined transiently and that a System may also form part of several SoSs simultaneously. Therefore there is no longer a simple mapping from an operational view of requirements to the system of systems which enact the required capabilities. This calls into question whether current modelling methods and capability-based procurement paradigms are sufficiently dynamic and flexible to cover future SoS architectures. The paper discusses the attributes required of a modelling approach which attempts to address this problem.