Fact Sheet: Unified Architecture Framework (UAF)

General

Short description/ Transmitted information	Standard for model-based Enterprise Architecture Provides a graphical, descriptive, semi-formal modeling language and an architecture framework Implemented as an extension of SysML
Normative document	Unified Architecture Framework Profile (UAFP), v1.1 (omg.org)
Version / Release state	1.1
Release date	April 2020
Application scope	Focus on Enterprise Architecture (i.e. Systems of Systems) rather than on specific systems Based on existing standards from military, but generic and applicable to other industries
Goals	Bring the benefits of the model-based approach (traceability etc.) to Enterprise Architecture Provide a model-based Enterprise Architecture standard for industries other than military as well Support the analysis and development of complex Systems of Systems Describe strategies, goals, missions and the required resources No focus on specific systems (technical implementation etc.)
Promoting bodies	OMG INCOSE
Type	OMG Standard
IT Standard Classification	Modeling Standard
Data format	Graphical modeling language
Additional available resources	Slides sets (and some Youtube videos) from OMG and different software vendors freely available online These slide sets / videos try to introduce UAF and explain what it is, rather than talking about how to use it Documentation shipped with authoring tools
Relevant prostep ivip project groups	-

UAF does not focus on the development of specific systems, e.g. mechanical or E/E design or integration are not part of UAF
Positioning in the SSB V model needs to be discussed

UAF provides a modeling language and an architecture framework

Modeling language:

Defines entities (Capabilities, Activities, Resources, Measures etc.) and relations that make up an Enterprise architecture
UAF is implemented as a SysML extension
- Looks and feels very much like SysML
- Integration of UAF (SoS model) and SysML (system model) possible
- UAF is integrated in current releases of all major SysML authoring tools

Architecture framework:

UAF provides a structure (the UAF Grid) to organize the Enterprise Architecture model into views
The UAF Grid breaks down an Enterprise Architecture into different domains / layers (rows, e.g. Strategy, Services, Security)
Each domain / layer can be described by different model kinds (columns, e.g. Structure, Behavior, Parametrics)

Little adoption of UAF yet → currently there's simply a vision for the relevance and benefits of UAF in Collaborative Systems Engineering:

Vision based on analogy between military and automotive
UAF‘s origins: military domain
- Military needs to ensure that Systems of Systems (consisting of personnel, aircraft, marine etc.) collaboratively accomplish a mission
- Enterprise Architecture models provide a specification and communication platform to manage information and complexity
- This platform supports military in creating and managing Systems of Systems (procurement, development, maintenance etc.)
Automotive domain has the same challenge: Develop and manage Systems of Systems
- How to ensure different systems (manufacturer, maintenance, infrastructure etc.) collaboratively accomplish the mission Personal Mobility?
- Enterprise Architecture / UAF can support development & execution of new strategies / business models
Model-based & Standardized from head to toe:
- UAF could provide the highest-level building block for an integrated chain of standards
- System of System architecture (UAF) ↔ Processes (BPMN) ↔ System architecture (SysML) ↔ Implementation (DSL, e.g. UML)

UAF is a new standard (version 1.0 released in 11/2017) with low maturity, little penetration and low visibility especially in non-military domains
UAF itself is complex
- Statement from INCOSE: UAF has a long and shallow learning curve → expect slow adoption
Little real-world experience / best practices / documentation available that could help with adoption
Risk and impediments of SysML also apply to UAF