V7 of Mastering MBSE with SysML and Rational Rhapsody

I have just completed the version 7 update of my 4-day Rational Rhapsody SysML training material. As with the v6 material it's still based on Rhapsody v8.3. However, I've added an improvements particularly in the ports and interfaces area including new theory slides and a full new lab (covering standard vs proxy ports).  If any previous training attendees want the new slides then email me.

My next open training course is 3-4, 5-6 July in conjunction with HORIBA-MIRA academy. It's not only automotive focused but I imagine the topics of how SysML and Rhapsody can be used in 26262 and A-SPICE projects will be on the radar. Course is confirmed but there's still time to register if you're fast. There are options for 2-day Foundation in SysML, essentials 3-day or advanced 4-day training on SysML with Rhapsody. The material is up-to-date and developed with a license agreement with IBM.

Looking at a Pizza chain system from 4 different perspectives - MBSE Interest Group Mtg - 22 Jun 18

Following on from a practical session I tried another team exercise at the INCOSE UK MBSE Interest Group yesterday (at Thales in Reading) using white boards. This came from positive feedback to the idea of the last practical session I did (on ports). The topic this time was around the confusion that is often caused if you don't understand or stakeholders misinterpret the system context. 

The room was split into 4 different teams and each team was given 10 minutes to come up with the use cases for a Pizza restaurant chain that makes Pizza, from a different perspective: The organisation, a restaurant, the kitchen and the chef were the 4 levels. These were the results:

Each team then presented back and we explored the idea of looking at a system-of-systems like this with use cases at different levels, how actors and goals might be different at different levels of abstraction and how the higher levels allow you to make bigger decisions with more impact.

Personally I think there's a lot of value of doing recursive use cases system models, and ensuring that all use case models are created in team workshops rather than individually. Also, I think it was good also as it gets people talking and learning each others view points. I enjoyed the meeting and learnt a lot from the feedback. Importantly, rapport is often key in a team and getting each others views really helps this. I might use the idea in my next training!

Rhapsody Tip #36 - Stamp Mode including double-click in 8.3.1 (Simple)

Stamp Mode has been in the IBM Rational Rhapsody drawing toolbar for a long while. This short 1 min info video shows how it works and what it's for and also highlights an improvement to it in Rhapsody v8.3.1 (2018). If you double rather than single click a tool then essentially stamp mode will become enabled. This reduces the effort required to enable it by making it easier to turn.

Rhapsody Tip #35 - Nested ports in SysML 1.3 (Intermediate)

Rhapsody supports the SysML concept of nested ports. However, it's not always easy to remember how to enable these. This short video illustrates how to do nested ports with SysML proxy ports and their associated InterfaceBlock. Nested ports are enabled via a right-click menu on the SysML port. Interestingly when you add a nested port to a port, then it is added to the Block or InterfaceBlock that is typing the port. This video shows a proxy port example with an InterfaceBlock. Rhapsody also supports the same capability with FullPorts. As such you could use similar steps to model physical interfaces with Full Ports typed by Blocks.

The video uses 8.3 although this capability was fist introduced in 8.1.3. This is all part of a SysML language that can weave many different types of tapestries. If you want to know which is the best tapestry to weave then that's a different question ;-)

MBSE with OMG SysML (and Rhapsody) Open Training 3-4 5-6th July near Nuneaton, UK

I'm pleased to announce plans to run an Open/Public training for OMG SysML at HORIBA-MIRA near Nuneaton 3-6th July 2018.

If you just want tool-neutral SysML awareness there's an option to just do the first 2 days. Training will be 4 days for those wanting deep-Rhapsody learning (3 days if you just want Rhapsody essentials). Plenty of options, therefore, but if you have specific needs then feel free to discuss. Training would be with latest Rhapsody release, 8.3 (although I could cover some 8.3.1 preview bits on day 4, if needed).

https://www.horiba-mira.com/our-services/capabilities/model-based-systems-engineering

Rhapsody Tip #34 - Diagrams: Bridges for line intersections - new in 8.3.1 (Simple)

With 8.3.1 in the release pipeline, this video gives taster of one of the customer-requested usability enhancements in the RC1 open beta. Of-course, Visio does this kind of thing but it's nice to see that the team are polishing IBM Rational Rhapsody's diagramming capabilities and this is one of my favorites. The feature works when the line is rectilinear_arrows or rounded_rectilinear_arrows. Two  properties can be used to control it.

General::Graphics::RectilinearBridgeDrawing turns it on and off,
and
General::Graphics:::RectilinearBridgeShape can be set to Rounded, Rectangle, Triangle, or Space.

There's few notable things in the release so stay tuned for more 8.3.1 videos.

Next INCOSE UK MBSE Meeting - 21 Jun 18

FYI: The next INCOSE UK MBSE interest group meeting is Thursday, 21st of June, 2018 in Reading RG2 6GF. These tend to be really well attended with a  mix of different industries/companies/tool users. At the last meeting in March I did a session on the different port types in SysML that seemed to be well received as it was quite interactive.

Time: 10:00 to 16:00 (Provisional dependent on agenda)

For those that don't know WG exists:
https://incoseonline.org.uk/Groups/Model_Based_Systems_Engineering/Main.aspx?CatID=Groups&SubCat=Model_Based_Systems_Engineering

Attendance would require you to be on the list though.