Model-Based System Architecture

Chapter 1Introduction

Model-based system architecture (MBSA) combines the two key technologies: model-based and system architecting. Both are major parts of the future state of systems engineering [57].

Many systems result from an evolutionary development. They are driven by their parts and do not emerge from the architecture. The parts could be anything that in combination are assembled to a man-made technical system. System architecture is exhibited by a complete system. Often system architecture is referred to the architecture from the perspective of a software architecture in combination with the hardware or the architecture of software-intensive systems [20]. We understand system architecture is more holistic and also consider systems without any software. Although systems without any software that are handled with systems engineering processes and model-based system architecture concepts like described in this book are very rare, a system architecture is always present. In today's and future systems engineering, it is crucial to apply explicit system architecting for the success of the system project [57]. Chapter 4 defines the term system architecture within its context.

Studies clearly show that system architecting is critical for the performance and success of the system [34]. This is particularly evident for projects that require significant architectural work or rework. Due to more and more dynamic and complex markets and environments, the system architecture must ...