What does it mean to empower engineers? A base definition found through ever handy Google, is
Empowering engineers to adopt Model-Based Design fits
into this base definition like a hand in glove. But how do we extend beyond the base solution? So what can we do to tailor the adoption empowerment?
Support phase 1
As already covered, the Model-Based Design roadmap first phase is an initial research and proof on concept phase. How is this supported? There are three methods of support
- Education: Both formally through training and informally through readings such as this blog.
- Time: The initial research stage takes between 1 and 3 months depending on the existing level of knowledge. Successful adoption of MBD processes requires dedicated time by the establishment team.
- Failure: The scope of the initial adoption phase should not be on a critical path. The establishment team needs the leeway to make mistakes during their initial investigation.
Ongoing support
The ongoing support consists of 3 factors
- Specialization of tasks: engineers and software architects should be allowed to work in their domain. Requiring everyone to learn all tools and steps in the workflow creates an unnecessary burden.
- Provide the required tools: Not every engineer needs every tool. However, identifying the tools required and providing them to the engineers will enable them to quickly do their required work
- Automate: where possible automate common tasks. Nothing is more demotivating than the requirement to perform repetitive tasks.
Final thoughts
Empowering engineers to adopt and use Model-Based Design is little different from any other process. The central difference is in the initial adoption phase where the Education, Time and Failure requirements exist.
Notes:
I have no connection to Santa Cruz college. I just couldn’t resist the “slug support team” for part of this post.