Towards a Digital Engineering Initialization Framework

Abstract

Digital engineering is emerging in the US Department of Defense (DoD) as a means to improve system flexibility, counteract system obsolescence, and reduce defects in system design. However, common digital engineering definitions and frameworks have not yet converged across DoD and government engineering contractors. This thesis leverages government publications, memorandums, and presentations, journals and conference proceedings, and systems engineering and defense industry association reports to assess current guidance and capability for digital engineering within the DoD and among the DoD’s engineering contractor base.

A digital engineering lexicon and relationship map are proposed to provide clarity and convergence on key digital engineering terms. The lexicon and relationship map highlight the roles and interactions of key digital engineering elements such as the authoritative source of truth, digital thread, and digital twin.

Through an analysis of digital engineering assessment surveys, stakeholder analysis, and systems analysis, a framework for initializing the digital engineering ecosystem is also proposed. The proposed Digital Engineering Ecosystem Initialization Framework aims to provide a tailorable framework for establishing a digital engineering environment, particularly applicable to small to medium sized government engineering contracting organizations.