In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive engineering, ensuring high software quality is a key challenge. With the increasing complexity of vehicle functionalities and the integration of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), maintaining stringent quality standards is essential. Volkswagen introduced the Software Quality Improvement Leader (SQIL) initiative to bridge the gap between software quality and supplier collaboration, ensuring the highest standards in automotive software development.
We delve into the SQIL approach, the need for additional criteria beyond Automotive SPICE, insights from leading industry players such as BOSCH and HELLA, and the significance of monitoring software quality trends. By leveraging established methodologies, SQIL ensures a rigorous and structured approach to software quality improvement.
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In 2024, software issues accounted for 15% of all vehicle recalls in the United States, a notable increase from 6% five years prior. Source: Financial Times
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A 2024 survey revealed that 29% of automotive software professionals identified software quality as their primary concern, surpassing safety. Source: DevPro Journal
Automotive SPICE (ASPICE) is a widely adopted framework for assessing and improving software development processes in the automotive industry. It ensures that suppliers follow a structured and quality-driven development process. However, Volkswagen identified areas where additional criteria were needed to enhance software quality further. This led to the development of Konzerngrundanforderungen Software (KGAS) or Group Basic Requirements Software.
Vehicles today are not just assemblies of individual components but interconnected ecosystems of features and functionalities. A steering system, for example, is responsible for multiple interrelated tasks, such as:
To manage this complexity, Volkswagen introduced KGAS, an extension of ASPICE that provides additional consistency and traceability requirements. Some key requirements include:
By enforcing these criteria, KGAS ensures that software development is robust, traceable, and aligned with functional safety standards.
An SQIL is responsible for maintaining software quality across Volkswagen’s supplier network. The primary responsibilities include:
Process reviews are an integral part of SQIL activities. They involve:
SQIL ensures that requirements maintain bidirectional traceability, meaning that every software requirement must be linked to its design, implementation, and test case. Poorly defined requirements often lead to software defects despite high test coverage. To mitigate this, SQIL reviews the entire development chain from system requirements to code implementation.
SQIL reports leverage metrics based on Automotive SPICE Annex D, which defines key performance indicators for software traceability and verification. Some of the crucial metrics include:
Regular monitoring and trend analysis allow Volkswagen to proactively address potential quality issues before they escalate.
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An automotive OEM implementing AI-driven quality management experienced a 15% reduction in annual warranty costs, decreasing from $2 billion to $1.7 billion. Source: Viaduct – The AI Revolution in Automotive Quality: A Data-Driven Perspective
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The same OEM saw customer satisfaction scores rise from 72% to 86% after adopting AI-enhanced quality management strategies. Source: Viaduct – The AI Revolution in Automotive Quality: A Data-Driven Perspective
BOSCH Automotive Steering Systems implemented SQIL methodologies in Volkswagen’s MQB platform, which significantly streamlined quality tracking. Key strategies included:
HELLA adopted SQIL principles through a dashboard-based quality monitoring system. This approach enabled:
By embedding SQIL methodologies into standard project workflows, HELLA ensured compliance with Volkswagen’s rigorous quality expectations.
Volkswagen is further refining the SQIL framework by introducing enhanced dashboard functionalities and expanded documentation requirements. The latest initiatives include:
The SQIL initiative by Volkswagen represents a significant leap in software quality assurance within the automotive sector. By extending Automotive SPICE with KGAS, enforcing rigorous traceability, and leveraging automated quality tracking, Volkswagen ensures that its suppliers deliver high-quality, safe, and reliable software.
As automotive technology advances towards full autonomy and cloud integration, structured quality management will remain the foundation of success. The SQIL framework serves as a model for other manufacturers aiming to enhance software quality in a rapidly evolving landscape.
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