ASPICE is a framework that is becoming a standard in the automotive industry. To better understand this model, learn 3 things you need to know about ASPICE in this article.
1- What is ASPICE®?
ASPICE, or Automotive SPICE, is a framework based on best practices of IT systems development within the Automotive Industry. It is a model of work applied to software developers in this sector. This standardized requirement of work procedures has been put in place due to the importance of software development within this industry.
As of today, 80% of the innovation in this sector is achieved through software development. Connected vehicles and self-driving cars are two examples of progress related to the use of advanced mechatronic and computer systems in automobiles (embedded software).
This wider usage of this technology brought to life the need of new standards to ensure high quality in the final products. Therefore, ASPICE has been developed to support the development of automotive software and systems. All the procedures within the work definition, implementation and evaluation are included in this framework.
ASPICE (Automotive Software Process Improvement and Capability dEtermination) came to answer to manufacturers’ needs. It brings together a series of reference models to guarantee the quality of the software development. Moreover, it also meets the IATF (International Automotive Task Force) requirements, an international standard to ensure automotive quality.
For these reasons, ASPICE is already required by the German and equipment manufacturers, and it is becoming the standard in the automotive industry.
2- Why implementing ASPICE® in your company?
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) may be interested in implementing this framework to ensure the quality of its software suppliers to produce safer and no-defect vehicles.
From the point of view of systems and software suppliers, as ASPICE is becoming a requirement among several vehicles manufacturers, the framework implementation is getting more and more relevant for business deals.
Besides its commercial importance, as ASPICE is a management system, it ensures continual improvement, waste reduction and defects prevention. These benefits bring more control throughout the software development workflow. Thus, ASPICE positively impact its products quality and, therefore, its reputation among its customers.
3- How can you implement Automotive SPICE® in your company?
As every evaluation model, ASPICE has several implementations requirements. To understand the technical requests of this framework implementation, you need to know that Automotive SPICE is based on the V-model development cycle.
This model provides, for each level of the product’s development process, a specific verification criteria. These criteria are then used to implement authentication, qualification, and validation tests in each step of the software’s development process.
The V-model process enables the analysis of the whole production workflow, from the systems’ requirements to its application into internal specifications. Thanks to its format, it is possible to determine software requirements, build its architecture and shape each one of its programs through a highly disciplined method.
The Automotive SPICE evaluates 16 main software and system development processes, as well as the associated support processes (project management, problem and modification management, etc.). The framework can also determine the level of capacity achieved by the company on a given project.
The requirements of ASPICE also encompass bidirectional traceability and consistent reviews between internal and customer requirements, system and software architecture design and associated testing. Besides, the projects’ synthesis and communication processes need to be implemented within project teams.
All these development approaches are based on support processes described by ASPICE related to project management, quality assurance, technical management of suppliers, problem and modification management, as well as management of all associated documentation.
This framework’s implementation may seem complex. The good news is that TRIGO offers personalized approach according to your company needs in terms of trainings and coaching for a perfect ASPICE implementation. Either if you are specialized in software development either if you want to proceed with software employment into your traditional automotive products, TRIGO has an ideal service that suits your needs.
Contact our specialists’ team to know more!*
*Service available only in Europe.