Engineering Data Model for Machine Automation Systems

This research note presents a data model that defines the key artefacts of the systems engineering and safety processes of machine control systems. Existing data models, like the ISO 10303-233 and the German automotive specifications, especially MSRYS, are exploited when defining the model. The model presented in this research note defines artefacts related to the overall system and its context, requirements and their validation, risk assessment, behaviour (system use cases and functional specifications), system structure and documentation. The emphasis is on defining the linkage between these artefacts also across process boundaries. These links form the traceability chains from risk assessments to safety requirements, functional specifications, designs, implementation, verification and validation. Besides providing traceability of artefacts, such a model allows centralized, single source, data repository implementations that ensure a consistent view of artefacts in different design disciplines, such as software development and electrical CAD. Two implementations of the designed model are presented: Polarion ALM and MySQL with an MS Access front-end. Examples of tool integrations using the model are also demonstrated. The benefits are also emphasized from the perspective of documentation. A centralized artefact repository can support the automated creation of documents based on demand. For example, the system requirements specification and the relevant parts of the technical file, which is required by the Machinery Directive, can be generated from the database.