TECHNIA and Synoptix use MBSE to bridge requirements and simulation

Synoptix is a UK-based engineering company that helps organisations solve complex engineering, technology and integration challenges across the defence, aerospace, space and energy sectors. Through expertise in systems engineering, cyber security and AI products and services, Synoptix enables customers to improve project engineering performance and success through engineering efficiency, collaboration and decision-making throughout the product lifecycle.

Together, TECHNIA and Synoptix developed a Proof of Concept (PoC) integrating Cameo Systems Modeler (also known as CATIA Magic) with Dymola to establish a seamless digital thread from system requirements through to simulation-based verification. Using a Thistle Rocketry engineering use case, the project demonstrated how MBSE and engineering simulation can be integrated to accelerate design decisions, improve traceability and deliver greater confidence throughout the development lifecycle.

THE CHALLENGE

Use MBSE to directly connect systems requirements with engineering simulation and update them in real time

Engineering teams frequently rely on separate tools for systems modelling, simulation and verification, creating disconnected workflows and making it difficult to maintain traceability between requirements, engineering models and evidence of predicted system performance. The resulting manual processes typically limit collaboration, delay engineering decisions and increase programme risk. Synoptix recognised the opportunity to demonstrate a focused digital thread between requirements, simulation outputs and verification evidence, enabling earlier insight into predicted subsystem performance while reducing reliance on manual handovers between tools.

The key challenges included:

• Establishing direct traceability between system requirements and simulation results;
• Reducing reliance on manual transfer of data between systems modelling and simulation tools;
• Providing earlier confidence in system performance and design decisions; and
• Demonstrating how improved traceability and earlier verification evidence could help reduce engineering uncertainty in future, more complex programmes.

THE SOLUTION

An integrated digital thread

TECHNIA and Synoptix combined their complementary expertise in engineering simulation and MBSE to develop a focussed Proof of Concept that connects requirements, system models and simulation-based verification creating a targeted digital thread.

The solution integrated Cameo with Dymola using FMUs, enabling simulation results to be automatically assessed against defined system requirements. By linking systems engineering and Multiphysics simulation, engineering teams can maintain traceability, gain earlier insight into system performance and reduce reliance on manual verification activities.

The integrated solution provides:

• End-to-end traceability from requirements to verified system performance;
• Automated verification of requirements using simulation evidence;
• Improved collaboration between systems, design and simulation teams; and
• Earlier visibility of performance enabling more informed engineering decisions.

“Working with TECHNIA has enabled us to extend the MBSE beyond systems modelling into simulation-driven verification. This Proof of Concept demonstrates how a connected digital thread can provide customers with greater traceability, objective engineering evidence, and earlier confidence that system requirements can be achieved. We see this as the beginning of a strong partnership that combines complementary expertise to solve real engineering challenges.”

Peter Douglas, Principal Systems Engineer | Synoptix

THE RESULT

Smarter integrated solution

The PoC successfully demonstrated how integrating MBSE with engineering simulation create a seamless digital thread from requirements through to verified system performance.

“This PoC demonstrates the value of bringing MBSE and Simulation together within a connected digital thread. By combining our simulation expertise with Synoptix’s MBSE capabilities, we’ve shown how organisations can verify system performance earlier, improve engineering confidence, and make better-informed decisions throughout the development lifecycle. More importantly, it establishes the foundation for a long-term partnership that will help customers accelerate their digital engineering journeys.”

Alessandro Picarelli, Engineering Director | TECHNIA UK

By directly linking requirements, system models and simulation outputs, engineers gained earlier insight into whether the subsystem met its intended objectives, enabling more efficient and more informed decision-making. The approach reduced reliance on manual data transfer and verification activities, improved traceability, and provided objective engineering evidence to support design choices throughout the development lifecycle.

The outcome was a more connected engineering environment that helps organisations reduce programme risk, accelerate development, optimise system performance and increase confidence in design decisions. Building on the success of the PoC, TECHNIA and Synoptix are now exploring opportunities to further develop the capability with Thistle Rocketry and other organisations. The project proved the feasibility and value of integrating MBSE and engineering simulation within a connected digital engineering environment. Future work will focus on tailoring the approach to individual customer needs, creating solution architectures that align with existing engineering processes, toolchains and business objectives, while delivering improved traceability, earlier insight into system performance and more efficient verification activities.