ASPICE (Automotive Software Process Improvement and Capability Determination) is a process assessment and maturity model adapted for the automotive industry. This certification body includes the organization, evaluation and execution of the assessor examinations and handles the subsequent certification process.
Prime focus: To evaluate and improve the development processes of software and system components in vehicles.
ASPICE certification is based on the ISO/IEC 330xx family of standards (like ISO/IEC 33001, ISO/IEC 33002, ISO/IEC 33004, and ISO/IEC 33020) and are widely recognized by the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers to ensure high quality automotive software development.
Maturity model for the automotive industry:
Automotive SPICE helps to assess the maturity of development processes for electronic and software-based systems like ECUs. Also, they are based on the initiative of the Special Interest Group Automotive and the Quality Management Center (QMC) in the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).
When talking about the levels of maturity, there are totally 6 levels whereas Level 0 is the lowest maturity level. The suppliers who take the ASPICE certification will be scored at one of these six maturity levels. The maturity levels are named and characterized as follows:
- Level 0 = “incomplete” – This means that the process is incomplete and there is no purpose out of it. There will be no attributes here.
- Level 1 = “performed”; – The process purpose is fulfilled by executing the base practices and generating the output work products. Hence, it allows to achieve the purpose with the process performance.
- Level 2 = “managed”- The process performance is planned and monitored at the project level; the work products are managed and checked according to a project-specific standard. They are planned, controlled and maintained. Here it is, performance management and work product management.
- Level 3 = “Established” -The process performance follows an organization-wide defined standard process. It is based on the standard rules set across the organization that includes process definition and process deployment.
- Level 4 = “Predictable” -The process execution is controlled by metrics and can be achieved within defined limits. This includes process measurement and process control.
- Level 5 = “Innovating” – Here the process innovation and optimization takes place. Whereas the metrics obtained from process execution are used to optimize processes and to meet important business goals.
The verification and validation model (V – model):
Automotive SPICE is basically built on the V-model which holds a stringent requirement for constant evaluation and development. This approach helps to resolve potential issues at the first stage itself.
Stages of V-model:
- Initial stage
- Secondary stage
Initial stage – This stage includes activities like requirement analysis, system design, architecture design, module design, and coding. The initial stages are part of the software engineering process group to focus on the systematic design and development of software systems.
Secondary stage – Here, majorly testing takes place like unit testing, integration testing, system testing and acceptance testing. The primary motive of this stage is to ensure comprehensive validation and verification of the software.
Training and qualification
The people who perform Automotive SPICE assessments must have in-depth knowledge in the automotive SPICE concepts. This can be achieved by training, certification, and proof of the regularly performed activity as an assessor. It is important to know that the latest version of Automotive SPICE was released in November 2023 as Automotive SPICE 4.0.
Qualification bodies include:
- iNTACS(International Assessor Certification Scheme), and
- ARCS (International Assessor Registration and Certification Scheme).
Gain your ASPICE compliance with us:
Global Quality Services helps you to navigate through all the complexities of Automotive SPICE framework. This framework is highly essential to take care of the safety standards of vehicle and the potential challenges that may arise. We help you to achieve excellent results and product quality with ASPICE certification.
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