Appl’n of Digital Twins & Digital Threads→High Quality Systems & SW Interfc

co-sponsored by Normandale Community College and the North Star Chapter of INCOSE

“Reserve a Spot” here before Nov. 8 for the catering order. Pizza tentative; let us know your preferences from the menu, noting the minimum orders of 10. (no need to show a ticket)

9547 Collegeview Road is not a mailing address but makes a good navigational reference between Lot 5 and the south lot, off 98th.

ABSTRACT

This primer introduces the Digital Twin and Digital Thread (DT–DTh) framework as a structured roadmap for achieving high-quality systems and software interfaces throughout the system development lifecycle. As modern engineered systems grow increasingly software-intensive, the need for a continuous, traceable, and simulation-capable data environment has become critical. Digital Threads provide a continuous, authoritative data flow linking all lifecycle phases — from concept through retirement — enabling real-time traceability and integration of tools, artifacts, and teams. Digital Twins provide dynamic virtual replicas of systems and software environments, enabling simulation, monitoring, predictive analysis, and proactive defect detection.speaker

The DT–DTh framework provides five key quality dimensions: (1) lifecycle data continuity and traceability, (2) interface modeling and validation through shared virtual environments, (3) requirements flow down and bidirectional synchronization, (4) unified verification and validation (V&V) through simulation, and (5) joint governance of digital assets. The primer presents three conceptual models — a DT–DTh Architecture Integration Framework, a Data Continuity and Interface Diagram, and a Quality Assurance Flowdown Diagram — to illustrate these mechanisms in practice.

Intended audience: systems engineers, software engineers, program managers, digital engineering leads, and technical leads on programs where SE–SWE interface quality is mission-critical.

Keywords: Digital Twin, Digital Thread, systems engineering, software engineering, interface quality, lifecycle traceability, digital continuity, model-based systems engineering, quality roadmap, SE–SWE integration, simulation-based V&V

PRESENTER

Dr. Reza Sorour is an adjunct professor and an expert in Systems and Software Engineering, with over three decades of real-world experience and academic research in complex systems development. Based in Bloomington, MN, he possesses extensive knowledge in areas such as Embedded Systems, Agile Methodologies, Data-Driven Software Development, System and Software Interfaces, Software Defect Prediction Modeling, and Software Lifecycle Standards Process Development.

He earned his Doctor of Computer Science degree from Colorado Technical University, specializing in Data Analytics and Big Data. His dissertation focused on applying data analytics to predict failures within the software lifecycle. Dr. Sorour's educational background also includes a Master of Science in Software Engineering from the University of St. Thomas and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Tehran.

His professional journey encompasses significant roles, including Principal Software Engineer at Collins Aerospace and Software Development Manager at Scientific Games Inc. He has led innovative projects in safety-critical software development and championed modern software processes such as Agile/DevOps and data analytics.

In academia, Dr. Sorour has contributed as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Minnesota, supporting programming courses and facilitating learning for students from diverse backgrounds. He is dedicated to enhancing student learning and driving innovation through strategic AI adoption.

His active involvement with the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) includes contributions to the development of resilience systems and AI-enabled frameworks. Dr. Sorour remains a prolific voice in both industry and academia, committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

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