UAF for system of systems modeling

Organizations are changing their emphasis from “We need a new system” to “We need to achieve a specific outcome.” As these outcomes become more difficult to define and the associated systems more complex, the management, modeling and simulation of these SoS becomes equally challenging. Often, the SoS is modeled in all its complexity, at a single level of abstraction or level of detail. Instead of a “mega-model” approach, a standards-based, layered “model of models” (MOM) approach is what is necessary. This paper discusses use of the Object Management Group (OMG) Unified Profile for DoDAF and MODAF (UPDM) for architecture modeling. UPDM supports a MOM approach by enabling the development of integrated model layers such as an outcomes model layer and a component layer. An integrated, layered MOM is in keeping with the Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach. The model layers can be referenced when detailed analysis is required, or hidden when a SoS viewpoint is required.