The Use of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Methodologies to Enable the first Naval Enterprise Service for Marine Corp Users

Cameo Systems Modeler (CSM) software, bi-directional connectivity, access to a floating license server, and access to a collaborative database were required for the Naval Integrated Modeling Environment (IME) to be utilized as an enterprise service. Previous attempts to establish this connectivity for US Marine Corp users were unsuccessful. The issues encountered during these attempts were not documented and the individuals involved were unknown. To solve this problem, Falconwood employed technical Root Cause Analysis tools. A Five (5) Whys analysis was conducted, and a Fishbone Diagram was used. Actions were identified to develop an effective repeatable solution for the enablement of this capability.  

Business Challenge 

Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) software and licenses have been provided at no cost from the Naval IME to Navy Network users for several years. However, this was being done without dedicated resources from a budgeted funding stream or dedicated support staff. This all changed March 8th 2023, when a joint memorandum from the Dept of Navy (ASN RD&A and CIO) was released designating the Naval IME as the first Naval (Navy and Marine Corp) enterprise service. However, this designation was actually a misnomer. US Marine Corp users were not able to access and utilize the same CSM tools and services available to their Navy counterparts due to firewall restrictions for external networks; in this case the Marine Corp Enterprise Network (MCEN). Additionally, the CSM tools provided by the Naval IME were not approved for use on MCEN assets which was a prohibitive blocker to collaboration between Navy and Marine Corp users.   

Impacts to the Client 

The firewall and asset restrictions posed the following impacts to MCEN Network users:  

• MCEN users had to purchase software licenses. They were not able to use the ones provided by the Naval IME free of charge. 

• MCEN users were forced to remain in a siloed environment and unable to access the IME:  

• Collaboration with Navy modelers in the IME was prohibited    

• Access and utilization of global resources in the IME was prohibited 

• Their ability to create linkages and share data between models in the IME was prohibited  

• Visibility to Navy models created and maintained in the IME was prohibited 

 

Falconwood’s Solution and Approach 

The technical approach involved the use of RCA tools and methodologies.  A Fishbone Diagram was used to define the problem (i.e. the “head”) and to define the  Six (6) M’s: Manpower, Machines, Materials, Management, Method, and Mother Nature (i.e. the “fishbones”), as categories of potential causes (See Figure 1). A “5 Whys” analysis was conducted for each “fishbone” to identify root cause issues. Actions were identified to rectify the issues and to develop a solution. The steps used for this approach are depicted in Table 1. 

Steps to Conduct 5 Whys? RCA Using a Fishbone Diagram 

1. Identify the problem / effect. This is what needs to be solved or mitigated. (i.e. head of the fish) 

2. Identify the major categories of causes. Also known as the Six (6) M’s.  (i.e. the fishbones)  

3. Brainstorm potential causes for each major category (fishbone branches) 

4. Ask “Why does this happen?” for each potential cause to identify its sub-causes. 

5. Document each cause and sub-cause on its respective category branch.  

6. Ask “Why?” for each sub-cause. Continue digging deeper (asking Why 5 times) to reveal the lowest level root cause.  

7. Develop and document mitigating action items for the sub-causes to solve the problem.  

Table 1. 

Figure 1.

The solution to enabling connectivity to the IME from the MCEN Network involved providing USMC users with a modified version of the free CSM software available for download to Navy users. It also required crossing network boundaries to obtain a floating CSM license from a server in an accessible DoD environment in lieu of obtaining one from the license server dedicated for Navy use only (See Figure 2.). Next, it involved identifying all applicable IP addresses, server names, and ports for the Naval IME, and identifying all applicable VPNs and IP addresses for the MCEN Network. Requests were then submitted to whitelist inbound and outbound access to all IP addresses and servers identified. Additionally, the CSM software settings were modified to redirect users to the alternate license server to obtain a license, then back to the IME to access models in the collaborative environment. Last, tech support was solicited to monitor firewall activity, conduct live user testing, to review error logs, and to troubleshoot connectivity issues identified during testing.    

Figure 2.

Results 

MCEN connectivity was tested and confirmed for Cameo Systems Modeler v19 Sp3. Shortly thereafter, MCEN connectivity was lost, and this process had to be repeated due to the Naval IME upgrading to Cameo Systems Modeler v2021x. Upon confirmation of successful connectivity each time, the specific steps, requirements, challenges, and additional actions required to fully enable the Naval IME as an enterprise service for MCEN users were documented by Falconwood in an After Action Report. (AAR). These reports were disseminated to key MBSE stakeholders in the Navy and US Marine Corp to raise visibility. IT leadership support was requested and obtained for the requisite actions captured in the AAR to complete enablement:   

• Authorization for MCEN users to download and install the CSM no-install bundle provided by the Naval IME on MCEN assets. 

• The inclusion of specific information for the MCEN Network Users on the Naval IME. 

• The availability of instructions to enable MCEN Network connectivity on the Naval IME. 

To date, all actions noted above are complete thereby enabling the Naval IME as a true enterprise service for USMC users. An ATO request was submitted to use the modified v2021x CSM no-install bundle software on the MCEN Network as a result of this successful effort. The ATO was granted as of 17 JAN 2024, and the software has been made available from the Naval IME for download and use. Falconwood also drafted and provided specific instructions to enable MCEN Network connectivity to the Naval IME Team. These instructions have been posted on the IME knowledge base, and the Naval IME Team has updated existing information to include the MCEN Network User Community.