Cameo to Code: Bridging the Gap Between Systems Engineering and Software Development with Tangram Pro

In the intricate world of systems engineering, professionals often find themselves navigating a labyrinth of complexity and ambiguity modeling system architectures consisting of requirements, behaviors, and structure. Their goal is to create an authoritative 'source of truth'. Systems engineers have adopted  Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools like Cameo™ to manage this task.

Software engineers operate in a constant state of change. Their focus is on working code. They expect requirements to change rapidly. Often, not much attention is placed on the system or software architecture.  As a result, a chasm forms between the systems engineers and software engineers.  This leads to inefficiencies and challenges in fielding complex software-based capabilities.

At Tangram Flex, we've recognized this critical issue and have developed a solution to bridge this divide. We have developed a digital thread connecting system architectures modeled in Cameo along with our software integration platform, Tangram Pro. This Cameo plug-in allows for the ingestion of system architectures directly into Tangram Pro. This capability creates interface code based on system components (software) and the messages they exchange. This establishes a robust digital thread traced from system requirements to integrated software code.

With Tangram Pro’s Cameo to Code feature, the collaboration between software developers and systems engineers is transformed. This feature creates living linkages to requirements, ensuring that every aspect of the software development process aligns with the original specifications. This not only enhances accuracy and efficiency but fosters collaboration and precision, ensuring your integration model satisfies all known requirements.

Enhancing Collaboration and Integration

Understanding the distinct yet overlapping roles of software and systems engineers is key to appreciating the challenges they face. Software engineers focus on the rapid release and iterative improvement of working code, while systems engineers emphasize strategic planning and integration of complex systems from the outset. These differing approaches can lead to a disconnect, especially in defense-related capabilities where software and systems engineering must intersect seamlessly.

Tangram Flex addresses this by leveraging a model-based approach to software integration. By automating time-consuming details like message definition, transport layer definitions, and run/build verification, Tangram Pro reduces ambiguity and streamlines the integration process. This model-based approach allows software engineers to manage the complexity of integrated systems more effectively, fostering a collaborative environment where both software and systems engineers can contribute their expertise.

Building a Unified Vision

The adoption of model-based methodologies in software integration provides numerous benefits, particularly for defense applications. By shortening development schedules and reducing costs, Tangram Pro enables faster implementation of new systems and integration of innovative technologies. This efficiency is crucial for maintaining agility and strength in defense operations.

Moreover, Tangram Flex is committed to extending standards like SysML to bridge the gap between software and systems engineering. By creating formal linkages between system requirements and software models, we facilitate better communication and collaboration, ensuring that both domains work together harmoniously.

Conclusion

Through our Cameo plug-in and the Tangram Pro platform, Tangram Flex is pioneering the integration of systems engineering and software development. By providing tools that create living linkages to requirements and streamline the integration process, we help our customers achieve their goals more effectively and efficiently. Our commitment to innovation and collaboration ensures that we meet the evolving needs of the defense industry, ultimately enhancing our capabilities and maintaining our competitive edge.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to develop and refine our solutions to bridge the gap between systems engineering and software development.

For more insights, read our detailed discussion on the Tangram Flex blog: When Worlds Collide.