A worldwide established standard

Automotive SPICE® (Software-based systems Process Improvement and Capability Determination), first published in 2005, is now a global standard (version 4.0) used by OEMs and suppliers to evaluate software-based system development. Based on ISO/IEC 330xx standards, it features its own Process Reference Model (PRM) and Process Assessment Model (PAM) for process evaluation. Version 4.0, developed by VDA QMC’s working group 13, addresses modern trends in vehicle electronics and software, supporting innovation, reliability, and shorter development cycles to meet market demands.

The Assessment Model

Automotive SPICE^® consists of two dimensions: the process dimension and the capability dimension.The process dimension contains the processes included in Automotive SPICE^® which have been explicitly defined for application within the automotive industry.The capability dimension contains the six process capability levels from level 0 to level 5, according to the definitions from the ISO/IEC 330xx series. In addition, the capability dimension specifies how a certain level ia achieved. When performing an assessment, the capability of each individual process in scope is evaluated, thus one obtains a detailed picture of the strengths and improvement potentials of the examined project. A consolidated level for a project or a company does not exist.

Capability Dimension

The six capability levels in Automotive SPICE^® represent the capability of a process as analysed in the project.
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‍Level 0 means that the expected results of a process do not exist, are incomplete or unsuitable, or that the process activities are not carried out.

At level 1, it can be stated that the results of the process exist, but that they have not been controlled and that the process activities are not controlled either.

At level 2, the implementation of the process activities is planned and monitored, responsibilities are clarified and the process results are systematically filed and quality assured.
From level 3, standard processes are defined in the assessed organisational unit, which are also implemented in the project.

At levels 4 and 5, statistical indicators are defined for process implementation, which are collected during process implementation and used for further improvement.

Process dimension

The process dimension describes the 32 processes of the Automotive SPICE^®model, which are divided into 3 categories and 11 groups.