The defense industry is navigating an era of unprecedented complexity and rapid technological advancement. Modern systems are more intricate than ever, demanding a level of agility and innovation that strains traditional development processes. For large defense contractors, this environment presents significant challenges. Stakeholders must contend with evolving regulations, integrate disparate and advanced technologies, and deliver mission-critical capabilities under accelerated timelines. The pressure to maintain a competitive edge while ensuring compliance and operational efficiency is immense.
With the recent release of the Department of Defense (now known as Department of War) Instruction 5000.97, the mandate for a new approach is clear. This instruction requires the use of digital engineering for new acquisition programs, establishing a formal framework for modernizing the development lifecycle. Understanding and implementing these new standards is not merely a matter of compliance; it is a strategic imperative for securing future contracts and delivering superior systems.
Since DoDI 5000.97 was first introduced, the defense landscape has shifted significantly—new leadership, rising geopolitical tensions, accelerated development of autonomous systems, and increased competition from startups. These changes make digital engineering not just a compliance requirement but a strategic necessity for maintaining technological superiority and operational readiness.
What is digital engineering?
Digital engineering within the Department of Defense (DoD) involves the use of advanced digital technologies to enhance the lifecycle of defense systems. This approach integrates digital models, simulations, and data management to create a cohesive system that supports decision-making and optimizes operations. By leveraging digital engineering, the DoD can streamline processes, improve collaboration, and ensure that all stakeholders have access to up-to-date and accurate data.
Why is digital engineering important to the DoD?
Digital engineering is pivotal for the DoD as it enhances agility, efficiency, and innovation. To guide this transformation, the DoD has outlined five strategic goals for its Digital Engineering Strategy:
- Formalize the development, integration, and use of models to inform enterprise and program decision-making.
- Provide an enduring, authoritative source of truth for all data and models.
- Incorporate technological innovation to continuously improve the engineering practice.
- Establish a supporting infrastructure and environment to enable activities, collaboration, and communication across all stakeholders.
- Transform the culture and workforce to adopt and support digital engineering across the entire system lifecycle.
By pursuing these goals, the DoD aims to develop and sustain complex defense systems more effectively, ensuring the military remains prepared for a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. Implementing a robust digital engineering strategy also helps achieve cost savings and reduce risks associated with traditional engineering practices.
What is DoDI 5000.97?
DoDI 500.97 is a directive that mandates the integration of digital engineering into all defense programs. It represents a significant shift in how the DoD manages system development and sustainment, emphasizing the use of digital models and data management. This policy change aims to create a digital engineering ecosystem that serves as an authoritative source of truth, ensuring consistent and accurate information across programs.
The evolution of digital engineering in the DoD
The evolution of digital engineering in the DoD reflects a shift from document-based processes to model-based approaches. This transition was driven by the need for more efficient and accurate methods of managing defense systems. Over time, the DoD has implemented various strategies and technologies to support digital engineering, including the adoption of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and the integration of digital threads. These advancements have laid the foundation for more agile and responsive defense infrastructure.
What are the benefits of digital engineering in defense?
Accelerated development
Digital engineering accelerates the development of defense systems by enabling rapid prototyping and iteration. This approach allows engineers to test and refine designs in a virtual environment, reducing the need for costly physical prototypes and accelerating time-to-market.
Increased efficiency
By streamlining processes and improving data accessibility, digital engineering enhances overall efficiency within the DoD, ultimately enabling faster project completion, reduced errors, and improved resource management.
Informed decision-making
Digital engineering empowers decision-makers with real-time data and insights, enabling them to make well-informed choices. This capability is crucial in defense, where timely and accurate decisions can have critical strategic implications.
How does the DoD utilize digital engineering strategies?
The DoD employs various strategies to leverage digital engineering, including data-driven decision-making, collaborative environments, and model-based simulations. These strategies are designed to optimize operations and enhance system performance.
Formalized development and models
The use of formalized models and simulations allows the DoD to validate requirements and assess changes efficiently. This approach fosters better decision-making and accelerates development by removing traditional testing constraints.
Authoritative source of truth
Establishing an authoritative source of truth is essential for successful digital engineering. The DoD relies on product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions to provide a centralized platform for accurate and consistent data, ensuring that all stakeholders work from the same information. Additionally, digital engineering is increasingly centered on Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), which provides the framework for defining, analyzing, and validating system requirements through models rather than documents. PTC’s integrated portfolio ensures that models, requirements, and product data remain synchronized across the lifecycle, creating a unified digital thread that serves as an authoritative source of truth for all stakeholders.
Technological innovation
The DoD embraces cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation in digital engineering. By investing in advanced tools and analytics, the DoD can enhance engineering practices and achieve greater efficiencies.
Infrastructure and environments
A robust digital engineering ecosystem requires a supportive infrastructure that facilitates integration and collaboration. The DoD’s Digital Engineering Ecosystem (DEE) provides the necessary framework for seamless operations.
Workplace culture transformation
Successful implementation of digital engineering requires a cultural shift within the DoD. By fostering a culture of agility and data-driven decision-making, the DoD can empower its workforce to effectively utilize digital tools and practices.
Quality digital engineering services
The DoD’s quality strategies align with digital engineering practices to enhance system reliability and performance. This includes a focus on quality management and manufacturing planning to mitigate risks and ensure successful transitions.
What is the role of PLM in digital engineering for defense?
PLM is integral to digital engineering in defense, providing a centralized platform for managing data and processes throughout a system’s lifecycle. PLM solutions support digital twin simulations, enhance collaboration, and ensure data integrity. By serving as an authoritative source of truth, PLM enables the DoD to optimize operations and improve decision-making.
Digital engineering and data transformation
Services and digital management
Digital engineering facilitates the seamless integration of digital models across the product lifecycle, enhancing collaboration and decision-making. This approach reduces errors and ensures that all stakeholders have access to the latest information.
Modernization through application
Applying digital engineering principles allows the DoD to transform outdated processes into agile, data-driven workflows. This modernization enhances operational efficiency and supports strategic objectives.
Adaptive operation models
Adaptive operation models enable the DoD to respond swiftly to changing requirements and threats. By leveraging these models, the DoD can remain agile and resilient in a dynamic environment.
Goals of digital engineering in DoD
Technological advancement of equipment
Digital engineering supports the development of state-of-the-art defense systems through advanced simulations and analytics. These capabilities ensure that the DoD remains at the forefront of technological innovation.
Identifying risks
Proactive risk management is essential in defense, and digital engineering enables the DoD to identify and address risks early in the system's lifecycle. This approach enhances system reliability and resilience.
Testing designs
Virtual prototypes allow the DoD to test and validate designs efficiently, reducing reliance on costly physical tests. This capability accelerates development and ensures that systems meet necessary requirements.
Ideal transformation
The DoD aims for seamless interoperability, agility, and efficient lifecycle management through digital engineering. By fostering collaborative environments, the DoD can achieve its strategic objectives and maintain a technological edge.
The future of digital engineering in the DoD
The future of digital engineering in the DoD is characterized by continued innovation and integration of advanced technologies. As the DoD evolves, digital engineering will play an increasingly vital role in enhancing capabilities and ensuring national security. By embracing digital transformation, the DoD can remain agile, efficient, and prepared for future challenges.
Streamlining the path to DoD 5000.97
Understand PTC’s viewpoint on the four DoD Digital Engineering Capability Elements to help you get started on your implementation journey.
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