Process-oriented requirements definition and analysis of software components in critical systems

Requirements management is a key aspect in the development of software components, since complex systems are often subject to frequent updates due to continuously changing requirements. This is especially true in critical systems, i.e., systems whose failure or malfunctioning may lead to severe consequences. This paper proposes a three-step approach that incrementally refines a critical system specification, from a lightweight high-level model targeted to stakeholders, down to a formal standard model that links requirements, processes and data. The resulting model provides the requirements specification used to feed the subsequent development, verification and maintenance activities, and can also be seen as a first step towards the development of a digital twin of the physical system.