Automotive SPICE (ASPICE) – Software Process Improvement & Capability Determination
Overview
Automotive SPICE (ASPICE) is an internationally recognized process assessment model for automotive software and system development. It provides a framework to evaluate and improve the capability of development processes for both OEMs and suppliers.
ASPICE ensures that automotive projects follow structured, repeatable, and measurable processes, reducing risks, improving quality, and increasing compliance with functional safety (ISO 26262) and cybersecurity (SAE J3061) standards.
Key Objectives of ASPICE
Process Assessment – Evaluate the capability of development and management processes across the lifecycle.
Continuous Improvement – Provide guidance to improve process quality and maturity.
Compliance Support – Aligns with ISO 26262 and other automotive standards for functional safety and cybersecurity.
Supplier Management – Allows OEMs to assess and manage the capabilities of Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers.
Risk Reduction – Helps prevent defects, delays, and integration issues in software and system development.
Core Elements of ASPICE
| Process Category | Description |
|---|---|
| System Development | Processes for requirements, system architecture, integration, and verification. |
| Software Development | SW requirements, design, implementation, unit testing, integration, and verification. |
| Supporting Processes | Configuration management, change management, documentation, and quality assurance. |
| Management Processes | Project management, risk management, supplier monitoring, and process improvement. |
| Process Capability Levels | Measured from Level 0 (Incomplete) to Level 5 (Optimizing). |
Importance for the Automotive Industry
ASPICE is widely used by automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers as a benchmark for software and system development processes. Implementing ASPICE allows organizations to:
Ensure process consistency across multiple projects and suppliers.
Increase software and system quality while reducing defects.
Demonstrate compliance with international standards (ISO 26262, ISO/SAE 21434).
Improve supplier selection and performance monitoring.
ITEC and Partner Support
At ITEC, we help automotive teams implement and assess ASPICE-compliant processes. From process improvement guidance to supplier audits and project support, our partners provide tools and expertise to enhance software and system development capabilities.
