Simulation-based requirements testing

Abstract

Lockheed Martin Distribution Technologies (LMDT) develops mail-sorting systems for the United States Postal Service. LMDT's development process is extensive and typically several prototypes are implemented before the best solution is found. This process can be both time consuming and costly to the company. Our Capstone team developed a program to help alleviate some design inefficiencies. Specifically we automated the requirements tracking between a simulation program and the company's contracts (Statements of Work, or SOW). In the past at LMDT, simulations have been used after the final system was designed to show the customer the functionality of the ultimate product. Our goal was to increase the usefulness of simulations by utilizing them before physical prototyping. Our product consists of three separate parts. First, a simulation must be built. Next, system requirements must be extracted from the SOW. Finally, an interface must be designed that will automatically check how the simulation results compare to the actual requirements.