Rethinking systems engineering in a software-defined world
The rise of “software-defined everything” is fundamentally reshaping how products are conceived, engineered and delivered—placing new demands on systems engineering across industries. As intelligence, connectivity and autonomy expand across aerospace and defense, automotive, heavy equipment and even consumer and home automation products, traditional systems engineering approaches are struggling to keep pace.
Recent IDC Spotlight research highlights how legacy, document-centric and SysML v1–based methods fall short when managing today’s multidisciplinary, multidomain, software-intensive systems. In response, organizations are shifting toward holistic model-based systems engineering (MBSE) to create stronger alignment, integration and full lifecycle traceability across mechanical, electrical, electronic and software domains.
David Almer, Portfolio Development Executive for Systems Simulation & MBSE at Siemens Digital Industries Software and Sky Matthews, Director of Software Engineering, ELM and Connected Vehicle at IBM, explore why this transition is becoming essential, particularly for aerospace and defense leaders seeking to reduce late-stage changes, enable real-time collaboration and continuous verification, and improve visibility and integration across domains. The discussion examines how siloed tools, disconnected data and fragmented digital threads amplify cost, quality and workforce challenges and how a holistic MBSE approach enables organizations to modernize systems engineering for a software-defined future.
Conoce a los ponentes
David Almer
Portfolio Development Executive - EMEA - Systems Simulation & MBSE
With a career spanning two decades at Siemens, Dave is a true enthusiast for technology and a seasoned veteran in model-based systems engineering (MBSE). He's been instrumental in building the digital thread of product definitions, having held various roles across all levels of model implementation. Dave's initial expertise in system simulation was honed over 10 years in Asia, and he has continued to apply this knowledge in Europe since 2014, developing extensive skills in the field through these experiences.
Sky Matthews
Director, Engineering Lifecycle Management and Distinguished Engineer
Sky is an IBM Distinguished Engineer and the Director of Product Development for IBM’s Engineering Lifecycle Management and Connected Vehicle Insights applications. He is responsible for technical strategy, directions and execution of projects related to the Systems Engineering tools within IBM’s Core Software business. Sky has lengthy experience working with clients in complex and embedded systems development across many industries, including telecom equipment, aerospace/defense, automotive, and electronics. Sky is a co-author of INCOSE's Vision 2035, and is currently focused on the development of SysML V2 tools as well as application of AI in Systems Engineering.