With the release of Astah SysML and Astah System Safety v11 today, March 3, 2026, we are excited to introduce key improvements designed to expand your modeling capabilities and streamline team collaboration. This version brings a more intuitive interface and powerful new features to help you manage complex systems with ease.

AI Chat Copilot

For this release, the headline feature is the AI Chat Copilot.

Integrate AI-driven insights into your design process. Simply describe the system you are building to generate initial SysML models, brainstorm structural ideas, or summarize complex existing diagrams instantly through natural language.

Connecting to the AI Agents with MCP

We are not just bringing AI in; we are connecting Astah to the broader AI world. Astah v11 introduces MCP Server support.

Native HTML Export: Model Sharing Made Easy

Previously available as a plug-in, the high-fidelity HTML Export functionality is now built directly into Astah System Safety by default.

This built-in feature lets you export entire projects as interactive, browser-based views. Share complex system models effortlessly with stakeholders—no installation, plugins, or external viewer required. They simply navigate and click through the diagrams as if they were in the tool itself.

(For Astah System Safety Only)
ACP Notation Support in GSN

For our safety case modelers, we have added native support for Assurance Claim Point (ACP) notation within Goal-Structuring Notation (GSN).

Web-to-Mind Map Integration:

Enhance your research and brainstorming with our new Smart Mind Mapping.

You can now drag URLs from your browser directly onto a Mind Map diagram. Astah automatically creates a new topic using the web page’s title and description and embeds a live hyperlink—perfect for rapid research capture and creating web resource lists.

For more details and download, please check out our full release notes:

Try Astah v11 today!

We understand that many of you have already explored Astah SysML or Astah System Safety. To ensure everyone has the chance to evaluate the significant changes in v11, we are offering a 2nd trial license to those who have previously used our software.

If you are interested in exploring the latest version, please request your 2nd trial license via the form below. This license will allow you to fully experience Astah SysML / Astah System Safety v11 through March 18, 2026.

We’d love to hear your feedback on Astah v11!

Happy Modeling!

Astah Team

We’re excited to announce the release of Astah Professional and Astah UML version11, major updates that bring AI-assisted modeling into your daily modeling work – helping you create, understand, refine, and evolve system models.

This release introduces three headline capabilities – AI Chat Copilot, MCP Server, and AI-Powered Code Reverse – along with a wide range of enhancements and fixes across diagrams and core functionality.

Astah v11 is designed to help you model faster, understand systems more deeply, and connect design with implementation using GenAI more seamlessly than ever before.

What’s New in Astah v11

AI Chat Copilot – Get Modeling Help Instantly

AI Chat Copilot lets you interact with youde model using natural language. You can ask questions about diagrams, confirm design intent, and explore relationships between elements – without manually digging through every part of the model.

Examples of what you can do:

• Ask what a class, component, or module is responsible for
• Clarify relationships and dependencies in a diagram
• Get guidance while reviewing or refining your design

Whether you’re validating architecture decisions or trying to understand a model you didn’t create, AI Chat Copilot helps you move forward with confidence.

MCP Server — Connect Astah with AI Tools

Astah v11 adds MCP Server support, enabling integration between Astah and external AI tools via the Model Context Protocol (MCP).

This unlocks advanced, extensible AI-assisted use cases while maintaining safety and governance around your models.

AI-Powered Code Reverse
— From Code to Model, Intelligently

Astah Professional and UML v11 introduce AI-Powered Code Reverse, a smarter approach to reverse engineering that uses AI to interpret source code and generate more meaningful models.

This is especially useful for onboarding, refactoring, or documenting legacy systems.

Enhancements and Resolved Issues

In addition to the new AI features, Astah v11 also includes numerous improvements and bug fixes across diagram types and core features. For more details, Please refer to the official Release Notes:

• Astah Professional v11 Release Notes
• Astah UML v11 Release Notes

Availability

Astah Professional and UML v11 are available now.

Get Started here:

Download Astah Professional v11

Download Astah UML v11

If you want to try it out:

If you’re new to Astah – or you want to explore the v11 features before rolling it out to your team – you can start with a trial:

You can download the 7-day trial license from here:

Download a 7-day Trial License for Astah Professional

Download a 7-day Trial License for Astah UML

Hope you enjoy AI-assisted modeling with Astah!

Best regards,
Astah Team

Thank you as always for your continued support of Change Vision and the Astah product family !
Please note that our office will be closed for the New Year holiday during the following period:

Office Closure Period:

Saturday, December 27, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2026 (Japan Standard Time)

During this period, we will be unable to respond to inquiries.
We will resume normal business operations on Monday, January 5, 2026 (Japan Standard time).

Support During the Closure

During the holiday closure, we will pause responses to:

• New orders for:
  • Astah Faculty Site License
  • Astah Professional Organizational Support Renewal
• Product inquiries
• Support requests

Note: Purchases for other license types via online store will remain available during the closure period.

All requests received during the closure will be handled in order after we reopen on January 5, 2026.

If you have any questions, please refer to the relevant FAQ pages:

• Licensing FAQ
• Purchasing FAQ
• Astah Professional FAQ
• Astah UML FAQ
• Astah SysML FAQ
• Astah System Safety FAQ

Year-End Order Deadline and Shipping (For Reselling Partners)

For our reselling partner companies, please note the year-end order cutoff:

Final order cutoff:

Friday, December 26, 2025, 12:00 PM (noon), Japan Standard Time

• Orders received by 12:00 PM on December 26 will be shipped on the same day.
• Orders placed after the cutoff will be processed and shipped sequentially from January 5, 2026 onward.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Thank you for your continued partnership, and we wish you a happy and peaceful New Year!

Warm regards,
Astah Team

Guest Speaker

Dr. Martin is an Enterprise Architect and Principal Systems Engineer at The Aerospace Corporation, a member of the OMG UAF Revision Task Force, and the lead editor of ISO 42020 (Architecture Processes). He is also an INCOSE Fellow, having made long-standing contributions to the advancement of the systems engineering discipline.

Tutorial content

• Architecture Modeling
• Modeling Concepts
• Unified Architecture Framework
• System Modeling
• Mission Engineering
• Problem Framing

From Unified Architecture Framework (UAF)
Domain Metamodel Version 1.2

The program covered topics such as the basics of architecture modeling, explanations
of the UAF Grid and UAF Conceptual Schema, as well as mission engineering and
problem framing.

The tutorial brought together 40 participants from a wide range of industries, including
aerospace and defense, automotive, maritime, construction, manufacturing, as well as
universities and research institutions. For the participants, it was a valuable opportunity
to gain deeper insights into enterprise architecture modeling and UAF, with lively Q&A
sessions throughout the day.

Following the tutorial, a networking reception was held with Dr. Martin, providing
participants a unique opportunity to exchange ideas directly with the lecturer and to
engage actively with one another.
This event was hosted by Change Vision, Inc., and we extend our sincere gratitude to
all participants and to everyone who contributed to its success.

Learn more about ChangeVision’s Model Description Support Service here

We’re excited to introduce a new feature in the Astah license management portal that lets you add internal notes to each license.

Why This Matters

If you’re an Astah license administrator handling several licenses under one account, it can sometimes be tricky to keep track of who is using which license, or what decisions have been made about renewals. Until now, many customers relied on external spreadsheets, notes or email threads to manage this information.

With the new Notes field, you can record key details directly within each license’s page, so everything you need is in one place.

What You Can Do with Notes

Here are just a few ways this feature can make license management smoother:

Assigning Licenses

Add a note like “Assigned to Mark in System Team” to clarify usage.

Tracking Renewal Decisions

Example: “Renewing support for this license for 3 years – noted by Sarah on 2025/08/18”.

Recording Internal Comments

Any note that helps your team remember decisions, context, or responsibilities tied to a license.

* These notes are for internal reference only. They will not appear in the license file itself.

How to Add a Note

Adding a note is simple:

1. Go to [My Licenses] in the ChangeVision Members site.
2. Open the license you’d like to update.
3. Click the pencil icon in the [Notes] field to add or edit your note.
   

That’s it! The note is instantly saved and available whenever you open that license’s details.

Designed to Save You Time

This small but powerful feature eliminates the need for separate tracking spreadsheets, external notes or back-and-forth emails. Everything about your Astah licenses – from assignment to renewal history – can now live right where you manage your licenses.

Try It Today

Log in to the ChangeVision Members site and start adding notes to your licenses.

We hope this helps you streamline license management and make your job a little easier!

Astah Team

This plugin lets you import PlantUML code into Astah and export Astah diagrams as PlantUML, enabling smooth, two-way conversion between the two formats.

In this latest release, we’ve expanded support for more diagram types and model elements than ever before. And now, it’s available for Astah UML as well as Astah Professional!

If you haven’t tried it in a while, now is the perfect time to explore what’s new.

What’s New in PlantUML Plugin v1.0.0?

1. Support for UseCase Diagrams

You can now import and export UseCase Diagrams in addition to the previously supported diagram types.

2. Expanded Model Element Support Across Diagram Types

We’ve added many new notations for the existing supported diagram types: Class Diagrams, Sequence Diagrams, Activity Diagrams, and Statemachine Diagrams.

Highlights include:

• Common
  • Notes
  • Partial support for color styles
• Class Diagrams
  • Stereotypes
  • Multiplicity and labels displayed together
• Sequence Diagrams
  • Create/Destroy messages
  • Combined fragments (excluding multiple operands)
• State Machine Diagrams
  • Triggers and guards
  • Nested states
• Activity Diagrams (Legacy Notation)
  • Join/Fork nodes
  • Decision nodes

3. Improved Flexibility

Previously, conversions could overwrite existing diagrams. Now, the plugin creates a new diagram every time you convert, allowing you tmore flexible workflows without altering your original models.

4. Now Supports Astah UML

The plugin was previously limited to Astah Professional, but it now supports Astah UML too!

PlantUML × Astah – The Best of Both Worlds

We designed this plugin to bring together the strengths of PlantUML and Astah models, so you can choose the right tool for every stage of your work.

PlantUML Advantages:

• Quickly create diagrams in a text-based format
• Great integration with Markdown and Git
• Great for exchanging design ideas with AI

Astah Advantages:

• Create and edit diagrams without learning PlantUML syntax
• Produce clear, visually optimized layouts
• Structure and track relationships between elements
• Maintain consistency across multiple diagrams
• Integrate with other models and access via APIs
  

Example Workflow Using the PlantUML Plugin

With the strengths of “Lightweight PlantUML” and “Detailed Modeling in Astah”, you can:

1. Start diagramming quickly in text with PlantUML.
2. Import into Astah to add details and expand your models.
3. Export models as PlantUML code for AI analysis.
   Read out blog post: “Astah x AI Integration – Part 1: Introduction to AI-Based Model Analysis”
4. Refine PlantUML code and re-import into Astah.
5. Finalize your models using Astah’s powerful features – polish layouts, run scripts, and integrate with other tools via the API…etc.

Quickly capture ideas with PlantUML,
Grow them into detailed, connected models with Astah, and
Bring AI into your modeling workflow!

Try the New Version Today!

• PlantUML Plugin Latest version: 1.0.0 (Released on August 1st, 2025)
• Supported editions: Astah Professional / Astah UML v10.0 and later

Hope you enjoy using this plug-in!
If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.

– Astah Team

– Learn how to analyze Astah models using AI
– Export models to XML or PlantUML for AI integration
– See a real-world example of AI-driven class diagram analysis

Introduction

Hello everyone!

As AI technologies continue to evolve rapidly, software modeling practices are also entering a new era. In this blog series, we’ll explore the exciting potential of integrating Astah – our modeling tool – with AI.

In this first article, we’ll focus on class diagram analysis. You’ll learn how to provide Astah models to AI, what kinds of insights AI can deliver, and see an example of AI in action.

How to Provide Astah Models to AI

Option 1: Export as XML

Astah allows you to export your models in XML format, making it easier for AI to parse and analyze.

1. Steps to export

1. Open your project in Astah
2. Go to the menu and select: Tools → XML Input & Output → Save as XML Project
   
   
   
3. Choose a file name and destination, then export.

Note: XML export is available only in Astah Professional.
Try Astah Professional for free

Option 2: Use PlantUML Code

You can also use PlantUML code by exporting Astah diagram to PlantUML code via PlantUML Plug-in.

1. Install the PlantUML Plugin in Astah
2. Convert your Class Diagram to PlantUML code
   

2. Tips for Effective AI Interaction

When providing model data to AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude, consider the following:

■ Mind the file size

Large models may exceed the AI’s context limits. Consider creating a trimmed-down version of the project focused on the key components for analysis.

■ Define a clear role and task for the AI

Give the AI an explicit persona and purpose, like:

“You are a skilled UML expert specializing in XML-based models. Analyze the UML class diagram exported from Astah and identify structural flaws and improvement areas.”

■ Ask concrete questions

Avoid vague prompts like “Analyze this.” Instead, ask:

• “What design flaws can you identify in this class structure?”
• “What improvements would you recommend for these classes?”

Such specific questions yield far better insights.

Hands-On: Class Diagram Analysis by AI

Let’s walk through a real-world example.
We analyzed a simple book management system class diagram using Claude 4 Sonnet. Below is a summary of its insights and suggestions. The output was lightly edited for readability.

Prompt Given to the AI

You are a skilled UML expert specializing in UML models described in XML format. You have a deep understanding of UML XMI and can accurately interpret relationships between model elements.
Analyze the class diagram contained within the model exported from the Astah modeling tool.

Questions

Q1: What are the design issues in this class diagram?

Looking at this class diagram, there are several significant design issues that would impact both implementation and maintainability:

Major Issues Identified

1. Improper Association Design Between Classes
   • Issue: In the current design, the User class holds a borrowHistory attribute (a List), but there is no explicit association defined between User and BorrowRecord.
   Even though BorrowRecord contains a userId, no association line is shown between the User and BorrowRecord classes in the diagram.
   • Suggested Fix: Explicitly define a one-to-many association between User and BorrowRecord.

⸻

2. Missing Association Between Book and BorrowRecord
   • Issue: Although BorrowRecord has a bookId, the association between Book and BorrowRecord is not defined. This makes it unclear which book is linked to which borrowing record.
   • Suggested Fix: Define a one-to-many association between Book and BorrowRecord.

⸻

3. Book Availability State Not Managed
   • Issue: While there is an isAvailable() method, there is no attribute (e.g., isAvailable or status) representing the book’s loan status. It’s unclear where the current lending state of a book is managed.
   • Suggested Fix: Add an attribute in the Book class to manage its lending state.

⸻

4. Inappropriate Use of Data Types
   • Issue: Use of primitive types for identifiers – bookId and userId are defined as String, but it is generally more appropriate to use identifier-specific types such as Long or UUID.
   In the XML, these are referenced with xmi.idref=”1p-be…”, but using String here is not ideal from a design perspective.

⸻

5. Incomplete Business Logic
   • No validation methods: No checking for duplicate users, books, etc.
   • No loan limits: Users could theoretically borrow unlimited books
   • No due date management: How are due dates calculated and enforced?
   • No book reservation system: Common library requirement missing

⸻

6. Ambiguous Method Return Types
   • Issue: Unclear meaning of boolean return values – Methods like borrowBook() and returnBook() return a boolean, but the reason for failure (if any) is not communicated.
   • No exception handling or error management strategy is in place.

⸻

7. Improper Aggregation/Composition Design
   • Issue: The relationships between Library and Book/User should clearly be defined as aggregation or composition.
   • The current one-to-many relationship allows books and users to belong to multiple libraries, which may not be appropriate.

⸻

Recommended Improvements

• Explicit Association Definitions: Clearly define all class associations.
• Improved State Management: Add a loan status attribute to the Book class.
• Enhanced Error Handling: Introduce exception classes or more detailed return types.
• Refined Data Types: Use appropriate identifier types.
• Clarified Business Rules: Reflect constraints and rules in the model.

Evaluation

The AI’s analysis goes beyond surface-level observations, highlighting essential issues in UML relationships, data types, and business logic consistency. It also provides practical suggestions, making it suitable for real-world application and discussion.

Q2: How should we extend the class diagram to add a reservation feature?

To add a reservation system, AI proposed the following structured enhancements:

Key Extensions for Reservation Feature

1. New Core Classes

Reservation Class

• Tracks individual book reservations with queue position
• Manages reservation lifecycle (active → fulfilled/cancelled/expired)
• Includes expiry dates and notification triggers
• Provides methods to check fulfillment eligibility

ReservationManager Class

• Centralized reservation business logic
• Handles queue management and position updates
• Processes expired reservations automatically
• Enforces reservation limits and policies

NotificationService Class

• Manages all reservation-related communications
• Sends confirmation, availability, and expiry notifications
• Decouples notification logic from core business logic

2. New Enumerations

ReservationStatus Enum

• ACTIVE: Reservation is waiting in queue
• FULFILLED: Book became available and was borrowed
• CANCELLED: User cancelled the reservation
• EXPIRED: Reservation expired due to timeout

BookStatus Enum

• AVAILABLE: Book can be borrowed immediately
• BORROWED: Book is currently checked out
• RESERVED: Book is available but has pending reservations
• MAINTENANCE: Book is temporarily unavailable

3. Enhanced Existing Classes

Library Class Enhancements:

• Added reservations collection to track all reservations
• New methods for reservation processing and queue management
• Enhanced book search and availability checking

Book Class Enhancements:

• Added status attribute for better state management
• Added currentBorrower reference for direct relationship
• New methods to check reservation eligibility
• Better encapsulation with proper getters/setters

User Class Enhancements:

• Added activeReservations collection
• Contact information (email, phone) for notifications
• Reservation-specific methods (reserveBook, cancelReservation)
• Validation methods (canReserve, hasMaxReservations)

BorrowRecord Class Improvements:

• Fixed to use proper object references instead of strings
• Added proper encapsulation with getters
• Enhanced with return tracking methods

4. Key Reservation Workflows

Making a Reservation:

1. User requests to reserve a book
2. System checks if user can reserve (not at limit, book is reservable)
3. ReservationManager creates reservation with queue position
4. NotificationService sends confirmation

Processing When Book Becomes Available:

1. Book is returned or becomes available
2. ReservationManager checks for active reservations
3. First person in queue is notified
4. Reservation marked as ready for fulfillment
5. If not fulfilled within expiry period, moves to next in queue

Queue Management:

• Automatic queue position updates when reservations are cancelled
• FIFO (First In, First Out) processing
• Position tracking for user transparency

4. Business Rules Implemented

• Reservation Limits: Users can’t exceed maximum reservations
• Queue Priority: First-come, first-served reservation handling
• Expiry Management: Reservations expire if not acted upon
• Book State Management: Books can’t be reserved if not reservable
• Notification System: Users informed at key points in reservation lifecycle

5. Integration Points

With Existing Borrowing System:

• When a book is returned, reservation queue is checked first
• BorrowRecord creation can be triggered by reservation fulfillment
• Book availability depends on both current loans and active reservations

With User Management:

• User profiles enhanced with reservation history
• Contact information enables notification system
• Reservation limits prevent system abuse

This design provides a comprehensive reservation system that integrates seamlessly with the existing library management functionality while maintaining proper object-oriented principles and business logic separation.

Evaluation

The AI’s proposal covers more than just structural additions – it thoughtfully integrates rule constraints, and workflows. It serves as a strong foundation for real design discussions and system planning.

Tips for Practical Use

• Trim large XML files to relevant parts before providing them to AI if you use XML files
• Use specific, well-scoped prompts
• Treat AI suggestions as support, not a replacement for design expertise – final design decisions should be made by the designer

Want to Try Astah × AI Integration?

Try Astah Professional (Free Trial) – includes XML export.

Or if you’d like to use PlantUML Plugin:

We’re releasing a new version of Astah Professional with official AI integration via plugin. Stay tuned for updates!

If your license support period has expired, consider renewing it to access the latest features.

Coming Up Next

Did you enjoy Part1 of the Astah x AI Integration Series?
Let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments!

In Part2, we’ll explore AI-powered sequence diagram analysis and improvement strategies.

Ass you in the next post!

– Astah Team

At Change Vision, we’ve been closely following the evolution of SysML v2 for over a decade, continuously following the discussions and development trends as a modeling tool vendor.

We are now pleased to announce the release of a SysML v2-compatible text-based editor, available as an extension for Visual Studio Code.

About the SysMLv2 Editor

SysMLv2 Editor is a lightweight code editor that supports the SysML v2 , designed to work as an extension in Visual Studio Code. It provides essential modeling and authoring support features, including:

• Syntax highlighting
• Real-time detection of syntax and spelling errors
• Jump to definitions and reference navigation
• Outline view for structural overview
• Automatic diagram generation

This editor was developed internally as part of our own research and implementation efforts around SysML v2. It is released separately from our main product family, Astah, in a distinct format.

While the tool currently offers only a minimal feature set, we hope it serves as a first step for users to get hands-on experience with SysML v2 and build a deeper understanding.

More about the SysMLv2 Editor for VS Code

For Those Interested in SysML v2

If you’re interested in SysML v2, considering MBSE adoption, or exploring how SysML v2 could apply to your organization’s engineering challenges, we’d love to hear from you.

Whether you’re new to model-based practices or unsure how to get started with SysML v2 in your team, please feel free to reach out. We’re here to help.

At Change Vision, we believe that open dialogue and shared insight into real-world challenges are essential to promoting the adoption and practical use of SysML v2.

We hope the SysMLv2 Editor can be the first touchpoint for such conversations.

Change Vision’s professional services

Contact & Feedback

If you have any questions or feedback regarding the SysML v2 Editor – or anything related to SysML v2 – please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts!

— SysML v2 Team
Change Vision, Inc.

This means that INCOSE members can now access and use Astah System Safety and Astah SysML products at no cost for non-commercial purposes, in line with the INCOSE SE Lab Terms of Use.
You can find Astah System Safety and Astah SysML under [INCOSE SE Laboratory Tools] – [Vendor-Supported Tools].

About Astah System Safety

Astah System Safety is a modeling tool designed for safety-critical systems, enabling system architecture modeling, safety assessment, and analysis. It supports SysML, UAF (via plug-in), STAMP/STPA, GSN/D-Case, and ASAM SCDL, providing comprehensive tools for system safety and reliability engineering.

Astah SysML

Astah SysML is a modeling tool for model-based systems engineering (MBSE), offering comprehensive support for SysML diagrams, model comparison, merging, and customization. It streamlines system design and enhances diagramming efficiency for engineers and system architects.

The Astah Team

We’d like to inform you of a temporary change to our office schedule due to an internal event.

Our Offices Will Be Closed on May 16, 2025

On Friday, May 16, 2025, our offices will be closed for the entire day as we hold our internal event. During this time, our customer support, sales, and technical teams will not be available to respond to any inquiries.

When Will We Be Back?

We will resume normal operations on Monday, May 19, 2025.
All inquiries received during the closure will be prioritized once we’re back.

How Can You Reach Us During This Time?

If you need to get in touch, please use our contact form on our website.
We’ll respond to all messages after we return to the office.

Can I Purchase Astah Licenses During This Time?

Yes, our online store and resellers will remain available for purchases.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Warm regards,
The Astah Team