Purchaser Assessments of Supplier Software Capability

[alec]

Many automotive purchasers in Germany, Sweden, Italy and Japan are now embarking upon software process capability assessments of their suppliers using either ISO 15504 or CMM.

I would be pleased to hear of any experiences from either purchaser or supplier on this matter.

Sofware is becoming increasingly important (and therefore a high risk) as many of the componenets are safety critical.

ALso I would be pleased to hear of any industry initiatives in the different manufacturer groupings establishing contractual requirements on their suppliers for embedded software development.

Alec Dorling

 

[Marc]

What type of software? Test software? Canned SPC software? In-house written software? Embedded device software (also known as firmware)? Software which controls the engine control computer? Anti-lock brake nmodule firmware?

 

[Marc]

I can't cite personal experience. Just trying to nailthings down. I as well am interested in any war stories or other information.

By the way, CMM in the software world is not a dimensional measurement device, but rather SEI's Software Capability Maturity Model.

[This message has been edited by Marc Smith (edited 15 April 2001).]

 

[alec]

Maily embedded software in
- braking systems
- steering wheels, cruise controls etc
- infotainment systems
- airbags
- stabalising systems
- lighting systems
- telephone systems (including emergency)
- etc etc

 

[Marc]

Any contemporary thoughts on software process capability assessments of software suppliers using either ISO 15504 or CMMI?

 

[antoine.dias]

Any contemporary thoughts on software process capability assessments of software suppliers using either ISO 15504 or CMMI?

There is a clear switch towards " automotive SPICE " ( released on 2005 08 31 )
Several automotive OEM's are already using this to evaluate and rate the supplier's processes.
Can be found using following link:

(broken link removed)

You just have to register to be able to download 2 files :
Automotive SPICE process assessement model and
Automotive SPICE process reference model

The checklist used to perform the audit you have to buy.

Best regards,

Antoine