by Uche Nwagwu
What is digital engineering?
Digital engineering is an approach to system design that uses data and models to support lifecycle activities, from the analysis phase through disposition. Commonly referred to as a “digital thread,” digital engineering is a concept arising from the perspective that the interconnectivity of data is critical to the development of enterprise solutions. It also can be considered an extension of lifecycle management by creating and storing system artifacts via an Authoritative Source of Truth (ASoT).
How can an ASoT provide value?
It is imperative to maintain artifacts in a centralized repository where technical and non-technical stakeholders can access real-time models rather than instances of models. With an ASoT, system models and data can be modified as a solution evolves throughout its lifecycle and as business needs and requirements change.
What are the main goals of digital engineering?
In 2018, the Department of Defense published “Digital Engineering Strategy,” a document that serves as an industry-leading guide for the standardized implementation of digital engineering.
The five key goals that anchor its foundation are:
- Formalize the development, integration, and use of models to inform enterprise decision-making.
- Provide an authoritative source of truth.
- Incorporate technological innovation to improve engineering practice.
- Establish a supporting infrastructure and environments to perform activities, collaborate, and communicate across stakeholders.
- Transform the culture and workforce to adopt and support digital engineering across the lifecycle.
More information about digital engineering can be found here.
REFERENCES
Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering | Digital Engineering: DoD Advances Digital Engineering Practice https://www.cto.mil/news/digital-engineering-practice/