Integrating Textual Requirements in SysML: A Personal Take

When I work with SysML, I appreciate its unique approach to textual requirements. Unlike UML, SysML has a special notation for these requirements. It also includes a unique diagram type: the requirements diagram. This diagram isn’t tied to the structure or behavior view, which gives it a special role.

Linking Textual Requirements to Model Elements

In my experience, a SysML requirements diagram helps me link textual requirements to model elements. This integration is crucial when I need to connect predetermined requirements from specific fields. By doing this, I can show how modeled requirements make textual ones more specific.

A SysML requirements diagram is a type of diagram in the Systems Modeling Language (SysML). It is used to capture, represent, and manage textual requirements and their relationships within a system model. SysML requirements diagrams allow the integration of these textual requirements with other model elements. This approach facilitates traceability and clarity in the specification and validation of system requirements.

A SysML Requirements Diagram
A SysML Requirements Diagram

Flexibility of Modern UML Tools

Most UML tools now let us use textual requirements in any diagram. This flexibility is great. As a requirements engineer, I sometimes find textual specifications clearer than diagrams. For example, I might refine an action in a flow with several textual requirements. These are then linked back to the action using tracing relationships.

A Requirement in a Flow
A Requirement in a Flow

Specifying Quality Requirements

This approach helps me specify quality requirements tied to specific actions. For instance, I can outline performance requirements as textual requirements and connect them to the action within the diagram. This integration ensures that all necessary details are clear and well-documented.

Comprehensive Requirements Models

By using textual requirements alongside diagrams, I can extend model elements and create richer, more detailed requirements models. This method allows for a comprehensive view of how textual requirements relate to the overall system. It’s a powerful way to ensure all aspects of a project are covered and connected.

Credits: SysML Requirements Diagram Model by 17387349L8764 from Wikimedia Commons under the license CC BY-SA 4.0 ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 4.0 INTERNATIONAL

This text is based on content from the source: International Requirements Engineering Board (ireb.org). The International Requirements Engineering Board is the owner of the copyright.

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