A Model Based System Architecture Methodology Leveraging the ARCADIA Method

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A Model Based System Architecture Methodology Leveraging the ARCADIA Method

System Architecture, its derived requirements and systems analysis performed, are often attributed to defining 70% of the cost and capabilities of a system. However, after nearly two decades of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), there is a lack of architecture focused methodologies and tools to aid programs in creating a robust, transdisciplinary system architecture.

One notable exception is the Thales developed Architecture Analysis and Design Integrated Approach (ARCADIA) method and associated Capella modeling tool. The ARCADIA Architecture Development Method (ADM) provides instance-based methodologies for each ADM step with rich viewpoints and views to ensure a robust architecture is obtained. As the goal of the proposed methodology is to rapidly create a robust, transdisciplinary system architecture, ARCADIA was selected for its native alignment with this goal.

However, the ARCADIA method is like a framework and requires a defined methodology to be applied to it to determine what views, and in what order, constitutes the desired architectural model.

The proposed methodology defined these elements based on alignment with the IEEE 15288:2015 architecture standard, and to further the goals of ease of learning, rapid modeling, and reduced modeler workload/errors.

Presented by:

Eric Dano - Associate Professor of Practice at George Washington University

Dr. Dano is an Associate Professor of Practice, who started in the GWU EMSE department in the Fall 2022 semester. His research interests include improvement of complex engineered systems through robust system architecture, system thinking, model-based systems architecture/engineering, and system engineering practices. Prior to starting at GWU, he worked as a Systems Engineer at BAE Systems for over 25 years. During that time, he has served in numerous systems engineering roles including serving as System Architect/Chief Engineer on multiple advanced defense systems. Dr. Dano has been an INCOSE member since 2011 and is a past president of the New England chapter, a member of the Physics Honor Society (ΣΠΣ), the industry liaison for the ASEE-Mid Atlantic Section, a Senior member of IEEE and participates on numerous IEEE, NDIA and INCOSE working groups.