SysML Tool Review: Sparx EA
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Usability | |
| Function: Draw SysML | |
| Function: Simulate / Execute SysML | |
| Team Model & Interop | |
| Value | |
| TOTAL | |
0 ratings
- Easy-to-draw SysML diagram notation
- Supports plugin for integration with Requirements Management tools (DOORS import)
- Supports open standards for team modeling repository (MySQL) and Parametric diagram simulations (Open Modelica)
- Relatively low price
- Does not enforce OMG SysML wellformedness rules for syntax (notation) and semantics
- Suffers from tool featuritis and UX is gratuitously complex (needs extreme makeover)
- Crude extension mechanisms (Profiles, scripts)
- XMI interoperability does not work as advertised with competitive tools
- Recommended as a pragmatic SysML modeling tool that supports Agile MBSE and basic-level model simulations
- Designated as a "Best Value" among competitive SysML modeling tools.
Review: Sparx Enterprise Architect - SysML & MBSE Support
- Product Name: Sparx Enterprise Architect (Sparx EA)
- Brand: Sparx Systems Pty Ltd.
- Description: SysML enterprise architect modeling tool for MBSE applications. Ultimate Edition supports behavioral and parametric simulations.
- Reviewer: Editor, SysMLtools.com
- Date: 12/30/2022
- Review Summary:
This SysML modeling tool review features Sparx Enterprise Architect (Sparx EA) "Systems Engineering edition", which supports the use of the OMG SysML standard for Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) applications. The review evaluates Sparx EA's SysML and MBSE capabilities using the following weighted evaluation criteria: Usability, Major Functions (Drawing, Simulation & Execution), Standards & Interoperability, Team Modeling & Tech Support, and Value.
Sparx EA is a solid technical choice for a system architecture modeling tool that complies with the OMG SysML standard and is relatively easy-to-use. Sparx EA supports essential Model-Based Systems Engineering (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 SysML + 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 SysML + 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 SysML is an outstanding value when one considers its pragmatic MBSE feature set and its relatively low price. Recommended as a pragmatic SysML modeling tool that supports Agile MBSE and basic model simulations. Designated as a "Best Value" among competitive SysML Modeling Tools.
- Editor Rating: 3.4 / 5 Stars
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