The Department of Defense is beginning a paradigm shift from traditional acquisition to digital, model-based acquisition. Digital modeling "promotes the use of digital representations of systems and components and the use of digital artifacts to design and sustain national defense systems." (DoD Digital Engineering Strategy).
Digital modeling puts all your decision-making in one place, allowing for a holistic view of your program. With these models, you and your team can understand how changes to your system will impact other competencies, as well as the program as a whole or other related systems.