CRITERIA | RATING |
Usability | |
Function: Draw SysML | |
Function: Simulate / Execute SysML | |
Team Model & Interop | |
Value | |
TOTAL | |
This Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tool review features Sparx Enterprise Architect (Sparx EA) "Systems Engineering edition", which supports the use of the OMG SysML standard for MBSE applications. The review evaluates Sparx EA's MBSE and SysML capabilities using the following weighted evaluation criteria: Usability, Major Functions (Drawing, Simulation & Execution), Standards & Interoperability, Team Modeling & Tech Support, and Value.
Sparx Enterprise Architect (Sparx EA) is a robust technical choice for a MBSE tool that complies with the OMG SysML standard and is relatively easy to use. Sparx EA supports essential MBSE activities, such as requirements traceability, simulation of Behavioral (Activity, State Machine, Sequence) diagrams for analysis and design, simulation of Parametric diagrams for trade studies, and automated documentation generation. Sparx EA offers proprietary and commercial plugins to Requirements Management tools (e.g., DOORS) and Simulation Tools (MATLAB/Simulink). Sparx EA also integrates well with open source standards for team modeling and Parametric diagram simulations (Open Modelica).
Strengths of Sparx EA for MBSE include: relatively easy-to-draw SysML diagrams, support of open standards for team modeling and Parametric diagram simulations, and relatively low price.
Shortcomings of Sparx EA for MBSE include, but are not limited to, gratuitously complex UI, featuritis, irregular compliance to OMG SysML syntax (notation) and semantics, and immature extension mechanisms (Profiles, scripts).
Sparx EA for MBSE is an outstanding value when one considers its SysML support, MBSE feature set, and relatively low price. Recommended as a pragmatic MBSE + SysML modeling tool that supports Agile MBSE methods and basic model simulations. Designated as a "Best Value" among competitive MBSE modeling tools.