The development of complex mechatronic systems, such as those in the automotive or aerospace industries, is increasingly under pressure to be faster, more efficient, and cost-effective. A key lever for achieving this is the use of Systems Engineering methods in combination with virtual validation through simulation. Since these development processes are typically distributed across multiple levels of the supply chain, there is an urgent need for standardized simulation processes and interoperable data formats to enable efficient exchange and reuse of models and relevant information among partners.
Against this backdrop, the Smart Systems Engineering (SmartSE) project group of the prostep ivip Association has set itself the goal of developing application-oriented concepts for cross-company collaboration in simulation-based Systems Engineering.
In May 2025, SmartSE published Recommendation V4. This comprehensive guideline forms the foundation for the strategic advancement of simulation-based methods in Systems Engineering. It includes, among other things:
A concise Executive Summary provides an overview of the contents. In addition, there is a podcast available in German, English, and Japanese, praised for its clear structure and the ability to listen to key topics “on the go.” Ideal for decision-makers and professionals.
The developed SSP Layered Standard is already being actively implemented within SmartSE by several leading tool vendors. This standardization enables a consistent description of system structures, parameters, and extensions, thereby laying the foundation for seamless interoperability between different simulation and engineering tools.
A major milestone was this year’s Modelica Conference, where SmartSE presented the requirements for further tool development in several technical sessions. These requirements address, among other things, support for complex co-simulation scenarios, integration into model-based development processes, and the extension with collaborative functions. In doing so, SmartSE is setting clear impulses for the future tool landscape and strengthening the role of open standards in Systems Engineering.
The year 2025 brought several challenges for SmartSE. The biggest was the enormous diversity of topics within the initiative – ranging from standards and processes to tool integration. To manage this complexity, use-case clusters were established as structuring elements, focusing on practical application examples. In parallel, demonstrators are being developed to make the implementation of concepts tangible.
Another important step was the stronger networking of work packages (WPs). The topics increasingly overlap, which led to the introduction of the cross-WP approach. This enables closer collaboration between teams and fosters synergies to advance the development of simulation-based methods more efficiently and consistently.
In the coming year, SmartSE will continue to consistently develop the initiated use-case clusters and demonstrators to make the practical application of simulation-based methods even more tangible.
In addition, a new White Paper titled “Simulation Credibility Assessment” will be published. This document addresses the central question of how the trustworthiness of simulation results can be evaluated and ensured—a crucial step for the acceptance and use of simulations in safety-critical and complex systems.
“2025 has shown: The diversity of topics has brought companies closer together. Through use-case clusters, demonstrators, and cross-WP approaches, companies are now more actively involved and jointly driving further development.”
“SmartSE creates the ideal connection between OEMs and tool vendors: pragmatic, fast, and solution-oriented. Together, we develop, align, and implement short-term approaches—for maximum efficiency and tangible results.”
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