MBSE in the High-Tech Equipment Industry : MBSE-Study phase 2 of TNO-ESI and Partners: Key MBSE topics and approaches

This report documents the second phase of the MBSE study conducted by TNO-ESI and its partners, focusing on the deployment and added value of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in the Dutch high-tech equipment industry. MBSE is increasingly adopted as a means to improve systems engineering effectiveness. By positioning models as the authoritative source of engineering information, MBSE can support the full lifecycle of cyber-physical systems and facilitate collaboration across disciplines and organizations. Key Observations and Recommendations: The phase 2 MBSE study was structured around four thematic workshops, each addressing a critical aspect of MBSE deployment in the high-tech equipment industry. The following key observations and recommendations have emerged:
- Interface-centric MBSE as a pragmatic starting point. Focusing MBSE efforts on interface management provides immediate value, especially in distributed and brownfield development environments. Modelling interfaces clarifies responsibilities, reduces integration risks, and supports modularity. Early value can be achieved by formalizing and governing interfaces, which also strengthens collaboration with suppliers.
- Variation management and product line engineering. Managing product diversity and platform-based development is central to the high-tech equipment industry. MBSE enables configuration management, systematic reuse, and impact analysis across product lines. The adoption of standard updates such as SysML v2 can facilitate consistent product line modelling practices, improve traceability and management of variability throughout the engineering lifecycle.
- Critical-to-quality (CTQ) modelling and system behaviour. CTQ properties (e.g. performance, reliability, and safety) are essential for meeting customer expectations and contractual obligations. The study highlights the need to connect descriptive system models with analytical models and simulation tools, enabling early validation and continuous verification throughout development.
- Organizational embedding and change management. Successful MBSE deployment requires organizational readiness, strategic alignment, and investment in training, governance, and stakeholder engagement. Pilots addressing concrete business challenges, differentiated training, and internal communities of practice are recommended to build momentum, demonstrate early value, and sustain adoption.
For achieving value with MBSE in complex systems engineering environments, adopting a phased and business-driven approach to MBSE is favoured, supported by incremental implementation and alignment with agile engineering practices. Importantly, MBSE should be seen as an enabler that strengthens both rigorous engineering execution and alignment with strategic product definition: MBSE supports 'designing the product right,' but does not replace the need for technical leadership and sound system architecting nor replaces the need for a deep understanding of business needs and market context. Next Steps: Following the completion of phase 2 of this study, a Special Interest Group (SIG) is continuing the initiative, focusing on cross-organisational knowledge exchange, and ongoing exploration of MBSE practices tailored to complex, low-volume system development.