Integration of MBSE and PLM: complexity and uncertainty

Abstract

Currently, MBSE and PLM methods and solutions are not well aligned with each other resulting in excessive complexity and uncertainty. Their full-scale integration would facilitate the development of complex systems. Better data flow from conceptual design to detailed design and feedback from later stages of product development are needed. In this paper, we analyse the MBSE and PLM integration from a system of systems (SoS) perspective and apply some of the methods used in systems engineering to better understand their nature, quantify their epistemic uncertainty and propose possible solutions to reduce their complexity and uncertainty. To achieve these goals, we study systems ontologies, such as the object-process methodology (OPM), the core product model (CPM), and manufacturing process management (MPM), which represent essential elements of a digital engineering solution. We also propose a measure of complexity to better quantify the structure of the interfaces through the design structure matrix (DSM)-based approach.