Interoperability analysis via agent-based simulation

Abstract

This paper demonstrates an approach for the use of agent-based simulation, supported by model-based systems engineering products, to analyze interoperability. To demonstrate the approach, a representative maritime search-and-rescue (SAR) operation is simulated in the agent-based simulation program Map-Aware Non-Uniform Automata (MANA). The MANA SAR model is used to assess interoperability decisions at organizational, operational, and technical levels and to highlight dependencies between decisions at each level of interoperability. Analysis indicates that, within the MANA SAR model, organizational interoperability decisions have the largest impact on operational performance but that organizational challenges may be overcome with substantial investment at both the operational and technical levels of interoperability.