The complexity of modern simulators has overwhelmed the capacity of conventional approaches to maintain effective cognizance and configuration control. The problem is intensified by the emergence of system engineering techniques which stress functional analysis, requirements allocation, and traceability of design features to requirements. A Software Engineering Management System (SEMS) is described which uses the technology of a relational data base to overcome previous limitations on visibility of software structure and design. Its principles are applicable to the much broader but similar problems of overall simulator development and life cycle management. The principal components of SEMS are:

a) A comprehensive project data base capable of providing multiple user-oriented project views.

b) A suite of processors and protocols to allow production of project-germane information and documentation.

c) Supervisory and monitoring capability for the integration of pre-existing software development facilities into the system.

d) Links to interface geographically separated sites into a unified project control system.

The conceptual development and organization of the system are described and examples of its operation are provided.