At intive, we have years of experience working in quality assurance across industries, and in automotive, we've recently been ranked as Capability Level 2 of the Automotive Software Process Improvement Capability Determination (ASPICE), the standard guideline for evaluating software development in the automotive space.
In the automotive industry, the pressure to introduce new features often overshadows the focus on quality. However, given that each car system might be produced by a different team or company, it is crucial to ensure proper alignment and identify any defects early in development. To uphold high standards, the ASPICE maturity model was established. This model assesses quality through software development processes and process definitions within companies.
Many OEMs require their suppliers to achieve ASPICE Capability Level 2, which necessitates an external audit. Before a project begins, a strategy for all ASPICE-required processes must be defined and adhered to throughout the project. Auditors seek evidence that these processes have been consistently applied over time, rather than being hastily prepared just before the audit. While higher ASPICE levels focus on a company's overall processes, they are rarely demanded by OEMs.
Achieving ASPICE Level 2 after an assessment by a leading German OEM was a significant milestone for intive. This achievement not only elevated us to the status of one of their top suppliers but also did so without requiring major reworks, indicating full compliance with Level 2 requirements.
intive’s ASPICE Level 2 Capability underscores our dedication to enhancing software processes in the automotive sector and ensuring quality across all our software and system development efforts. This milestone is a testament to our team's hard work and commitment to our clients.
It serves as a stepping stone toward more robust software development practices in the automotive industry. On our path to Level 3 and beyond, we are committed to setting high-quality standards as the foundation for all our software practices across various industries.
1. Building a Well-Rounded Team of Specialists
From the outset, the project aimed to integrate all essential competencies within a single team, comprising Project Manager, Quality Managers, Configuration Manager, Business Designer, Requirements Engineers, Software Architects, Software Developers, and Software Testers. Despite its modest size of 14 members, the team collectively brought 99 years of automotive experience to the table, which was instrumental in achieving the project goals while upholding high quality standards.
2. Empowering Effective Leadership
The team was granted significant trust and autonomy, empowering them to chart the best course toward achieving long-term goals. Each member took daily ownership of their responsibilities and collaborated proactively to quickly address obstacles, all while upholding professional integrity. This approach reduced the need for mandatory meetings, allowing the team to concentrate on planning, reviews, and continuous improvements.
3. Cultivating Collaboration and Transparency
Process issues were carefully discussed and validated until a consensus was reached among all team members. This collaborative approach ensured that every challenge was addressed with input from all relevant parties, fostering a culture of respectful dialogue and experimental problem-solving. The Quality Managers, with their extensive assessment experience, played a crucial role in prioritizing findings and ensuring prompt and effective cooperation.
4. Driving Efficiency and Manageability
The team designed their ways of working to reduce cognitive load and enhance creative output. They advanced swiftly through Tuckman's stages of team development—forming, storming, norming, and performing—reaching their full potential with efficiency. Key processes were embedded into the team’s tools, ensuring that essential actions and information were always accessible. High levels of automation for routine tasks facilitated manageability, even under tight deadlines.
5. Strengthening Team Cohesion and Performance
The team invested significant effort in fostering a strong sense of unity, both within the office and through organized activities such as integration events, sports, and team-building exercises. This collaborative spirit extended beyond daily tasks, creating a positive work environment that contributed to high levels of satisfaction, as reflected in positive customer feedback on both engineering and quality outcomes.
Over time, the team demonstrated continuous improvement, effectively meeting all functional and non-functional project requirements. This commitment to excellence and teamwork positions us well for future projects, ensuring we consistently deliver high-quality results.
If you're looking to collaborate with a highly organized team dedicated to delivering exceptional quality, connect with one of our experts today.
Discover how our ASPICE Level 2 expertise can elevate your automotive software project. Benefit from top-tier results, expertly designed products, and meticulous attention to detail, all delivered on time.