Through the Model-Based Requirements Verification Lifecycle (MARVL) project, ESA sought to optimize the processes and the associated exchange of information with its suppliers (LSIs, or Large System Integrators) and the lower levels of the supply chain.
As part of the MARVL project, ESA enlisted the help of 3DSE Management Consultants to define a suitable methodology for reducing complexity and ensuring consistency in the exchange of data and information among the various stakeholders. “Until now, various tools and a multitude of models and analysis reports have been used for this purpose, which has led to a high level of complexity in the data exchange process,” says Joachim Fuchs, Head of the Software Systems Division at ESA. “We wanted to work with 3DSE to address this issue and achieve a significant improvement.””
To this end, 3DSE first mapped the overarching processes currently in use and conducted a gap and potential analysis. Building on this, a target process for the exchange of data and information was derived based on the assumption of a so-called Common Information Platform (CIP). The CIP supports the integration of design and verification information and requirements as early as possible in the product lifecycle, thereby ensuring that the requirements, as well as the resulting product and associated information, are easily accessible and navigable. The target process was documented using a commercially available process modeling tool.
“We are pleased with how 3DSE has contributed to this important project through its process development and documentation,” said Joachim Fuchs. The target process defined by 3DSE reduces the complexity of data exchange and ensures a channeled data flow via the central exchange platform. Key success factors here include, in particular, the consistency of data, models, and toolchains, as well as the comprehensive, cross-functional definition of data flows between ESA and its suppliers.
