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Transforming Information Systems Management: A Reference Model for Digital Engineering Integration

John Bonar, John Hastings

TL;DR

The paper addresses the limitations of document-centric approaches in securing and managing evolving information systems. It proposes a reference model that fuses Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Digital Threads (DTh), Digital Twins (DTw), and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) to create end-to-end digital representations that align strategic objectives with requirements, architecture, and implementation. Key contributions include a concrete reference model architecture, a gap analysis of existing Information Assurance (IA) and Information System Lifecycle Management (ISLM) frameworks, and a demonstration of how digital engineering practices can close gaps in compliance, monitoring, change management, and risk assessment. The work offers a pathway to transform cybersecurity, operations, service delivery, and governance by enabling real-time, integrated visibility across the system lifecycle, thus supporting modernization and digital transformation efforts.

Abstract

Digital engineering practices offer significant yet underutilized potential for improving information assurance and system lifecycle management. This paper examines how capabilities like model-based engineering, digital threads, and integrated product lifecycles can address gaps in prevailing frameworks. A reference model demonstrates applying digital engineering techniques to a reference information system, exhibiting enhanced traceability, risk visibility, accuracy, and integration. The model links strategic needs to requirements and architecture while reusing authoritative elements across views. Analysis of the model shows digital engineering closes gaps in compliance, monitoring, change management, and risk assessment. Findings indicate purposeful digital engineering adoption could transform cybersecurity, operations, service delivery, and system governance through comprehensive digital system representations. This research provides a foundation for maturing application of digital engineering for information systems as organizations modernize infrastructure and pursue digital transformation.

Transforming Information Systems Management: A Reference Model for Digital Engineering Integration

TL;DR

The paper addresses the limitations of document-centric approaches in securing and managing evolving information systems. It proposes a reference model that fuses Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Digital Threads (DTh), Digital Twins (DTw), and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) to create end-to-end digital representations that align strategic objectives with requirements, architecture, and implementation. Key contributions include a concrete reference model architecture, a gap analysis of existing Information Assurance (IA) and Information System Lifecycle Management (ISLM) frameworks, and a demonstration of how digital engineering practices can close gaps in compliance, monitoring, change management, and risk assessment. The work offers a pathway to transform cybersecurity, operations, service delivery, and governance by enabling real-time, integrated visibility across the system lifecycle, thus supporting modernization and digital transformation efforts.

Abstract

Digital engineering practices offer significant yet underutilized potential for improving information assurance and system lifecycle management. This paper examines how capabilities like model-based engineering, digital threads, and integrated product lifecycles can address gaps in prevailing frameworks. A reference model demonstrates applying digital engineering techniques to a reference information system, exhibiting enhanced traceability, risk visibility, accuracy, and integration. The model links strategic needs to requirements and architecture while reusing authoritative elements across views. Analysis of the model shows digital engineering closes gaps in compliance, monitoring, change management, and risk assessment. Findings indicate purposeful digital engineering adoption could transform cybersecurity, operations, service delivery, and system governance through comprehensive digital system representations. This research provides a foundation for maturing application of digital engineering for information systems as organizations modernize infrastructure and pursue digital transformation.
Paper Structure (29 sections, 14 figures, 1 table)

This paper contains 29 sections, 14 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Background
  3. Digital Engineering
  4. Model-Based System Engineering
  5. Digital Threads
  6. Digital Twins
  7. Product Lifecycle Management
  8. Information Assurance
  9. Information System Lifecycle Management
  10. Background Analysis
  11. Reference Model
  12. Conceptual/Strategic and Requirements Management
  13. Architecture and Design
  14. Implementation and Sustainment
  15. Reference Model Views
  16. ...and 14 more sections

Figures (14)

  • Figure 1: Department of Defense Systems Engineering Lifecycle DoD_Research_and_Engineering_2022
  • Figure 2: ITIL Lifecycle Cannon_AXELOS
  • Figure 3: RMF Lifecycle Force_2018
  • Figure 4: IA and ISLM Gaps & Recommendations Within Each Pillar of DE
  • Figure 5: Reference Model Components
  • ...and 9 more figures