Glossary · Systems engineering and MBSE
Engineering information model
German: Engineering-Informationsmodell
In systems engineering, an engineering information model is a structured model linking requirements, functions, system elements, risks, assumptions, tests and evidence. It defines which kinds of items exist and how they may be related.
- Systems engineering
- Data and interfaces
- Technical documentation
- German source term
In one sentence
An engineering information model defines how requirements, functions, risks, tests and evidence are linked, enabling traceability across tools.
Example
A machine builder defines an engineering information model in which every hazard links to a safety function, every safety function to a requirement and every requirement to a verification record.
How it applies
- Traceability: The model defines the allowed link types, which makes traceability queryable instead of manual.
- Integrated systems: Agree on one engineering information model across disciplines and suppliers, or define mappings. Otherwise links break at tool and company borders.
- Technical documentation: Documentation topics can be linked to the same items. This connects instructions to the functions and hazards they describe and supports a digital thread.
- AI and retrieval: A well-defined model gives retrieval systems explicit relations instead of text similarity. Semantic formats such as RDF can represent it.
Engineering information model vs. information model
A general information model can describe any domain. The engineering information model is specific to engineering lifecycle items and their relations, such as “verifies”, “mitigates” or “derives from”.