Analysis and optimization of the software architecture in data management at the German Aerospace Center

Architecture consulting for an integrated data management system

Analysis and optimization of the software architecture in data management at the German Aerospace Center

Architecture consulting for an integrated data management system

The challenge

Rapid digitalization in the production environment and in the consideration of product life cycles means that digital representations of the real world are necessary, which are stored in data management systems.
At the Center for Lightweight Construction and Production Technology of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), a prototype of such a data management system was developed as open-source software, which can be used to store and link data (e.g., measured values, simulation results, CAD data) and metadata (e.g., provenance, semantic classification) can be stored and linked along real and digital process chains. The aim of the system is to provide users throughout the DLR with a tool for storing, analyzing, and exchanging research data with a focus on production and industrial automation. Against the backdrop of the high demands of the dynamically growing environment, DLR commissioned XITASO to review the architecture and analyze the technologies used.

German Aerospace Center (DLR)

As the German Research Center for Aerospace of the Federal Republic of Germany, DLR conducts extensive research and development in aviation, space, energy, and transportation, as well as security and digitization. Beyond its own research, the DLR, as the space agency on behalf of the German government, is responsible for planning and implementing German space activities and representing international interests. In addition, the DLR acts as the umbrella organization for the largest national project management agency.

How we helped

As part of the project, the vision for the software was refined in collaboration with the customer. XITASO examined the following technical aspects:

Sharpening the product vision (software functions, data mapping, improving usability and user interaction)
Review of existing software and conception of architecture and design variants
Identification of constraints for the software, especially with regard to performance, expandability, and maintainability
Review of the technologies used (especially the data interfaces and databases used) and conception of alternatives
Consulting on concepts still to be implemented (authorization, search functions, data analysis, error handling)
Review of the front end of the software

The project was carried out in the form of several joint workshops with representatives of the customer. The topics of the individual workshops were defined jointly and prepared by XITASO. In addition to the technical results, a viable product vision for Shepard was developed together with representatives of the customer. With the support of XITASO, the product vision was refined and a catalog of recommended actions and a roadmap for implementation were created.