Transforming Information Systems Management: A Reference Model for Digital Engineering Integration

TL;DR

This paper presents a reference model demonstrating how digital engineering techniques can enhance information systems management by improving traceability, risk management, and integration, thereby supporting digital transformation efforts.

Contribution

It introduces a reference model applying digital engineering to information systems, addressing gaps in compliance, monitoring, and risk assessment, and illustrating its benefits for modernization.

Findings

Enhanced traceability and risk visibility in information systems

Digital engineering closes gaps in compliance and change management

Purposeful digital engineering adoption can transform cybersecurity and system governance

Abstract

Digital engineering practices offer significant yet underutilized potential for improving information assurance and system lifecycle management. This paper examines how capabilities like model-based engineering, digital threads, and integrated product lifecycles can address gaps in prevailing frameworks. A reference model demonstrates applying digital engineering techniques to a reference information system, exhibiting enhanced traceability, risk visibility, accuracy, and integration. The model links strategic needs to requirements and architecture while reusing authoritative elements across views. Analysis of the model shows digital engineering closes gaps in compliance, monitoring, change management, and risk assessment. Findings indicate purposeful digital engineering adoption could transform cybersecurity, operations, service delivery, and system governance through comprehensive digital system representations. This research provides a foundation for maturing application of digital engineering for information systems as organizations modernize infrastructure and pursue digital transformation.