DoD Instruction 5000.97
The United States Department of Defense's new digital engineering directive significantly impacts work instructions, steering away from paper/PDF formats toward advanced solutions that leverage 3D CAD and detailed data models.
DoD Directive 5000.97, issued in late December 2023, requires new programs to incorporate digital engineering unless provided an exemption. Existing programs should move toward digital engineering to the maximum extent possible, beneficial, and feasible.
The directive nullifies 2007's Modeling and Simulation Management Directive.
Digital Engineering Framework
The DoD's digital engineering framework consists of a digital ecosystem, digital models, digital twins, digital thread, and digital artifacts.
The framework connects all phases of a system lifecycle, ensuring the development of technically accurate digital systems and twins. In a summary document issued with the directive, the DoD stresses that "data management should adhere to DoD Data Strategy goals - make data visible, accessible, linked, trustworthy, interoperable, and secure."
5009.97 moves the primary method of communicating system information from documents to digital models and data. As a result, according to the directive, "digital models become ubiquitous and central to how engineering activities are performed."
Digital Models
The directive calls modeling "essential to understanding complex systems and system interdependence and to communicate among team members and stakeholders."
According to the directive, digital models and their underlying data should be traceable "from operational capabilities through requirements, design contracts, production, test, training, and sustainment."
Digital threads should be extendable and configurable to relay important info to different audiences throughout a lifecycle.
Digital Artifacts
The DoD defines digital artifacts as "digital products and views that can be dynamically generated directly from digital models." Examples of DoD artifacts include: assembly instructions, machining instructions, design specifications, technical drawings, interface management documents, bills of material (BOM), software source code, work breakdown structures, test planning and cases, production schedules, and product support strategies.
Envision's Model-based Approach
Canvas Envision's model-based approach to documentation directly supports the goals outlined in DoD Directive 5000.97. Envision facilitates the transition from traditional to model-based documentation, aligning with the DoD's push for modern, efficient, and integrated digital solutions.
Watch an Envision demo to see how it works!
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