Digital Modernization for Systems Engineering

Digital modernization is a relatively new concept that the Department of Defense (DoD) has embraced and recommended for implementation across the services. We explain the concepts behind digital modernization using a systems approach to avoid confusion and promote clarity. Many other definitions of these concepts include unnecessary combination of descriptions, goals, and methods. We describe digital modernization in terms of its purpose, elements, and interconnections. Additionally, we offer new simpler definitions of the digital thread, digital system model, and digital twin concepts. To conclude we propose ways in which digital modernization could be implemented in systems engineering practice.