Leveraging SPICE for Software Supplier Qualification in the Automotive Industry

As the automotive industry increasingly relies on software to enhance vehicle functionality and user experience, the importance of high-quality software acquisition has never been more critical. To address this need, car manufacturers are employing sophisticated assessment models to evaluate and qualify their software suppliers. One such method gaining traction is the SPICE (Software Process Improvement and Capability Determination) model, particularly its specialized version known as Automotive SPICE. This approach ensures that suppliers meet rigorous quality standards, thereby enhancing the overall reliability and safety of the vehicles produced.

Initially, Information Technology (IT) made its mark in automobiles through simple function controls. However, over time, IT has evolved significantly. Today, modern vehicles are complex systems with multiple electronic control units (ECUs) working together to perform time-critical and safety-critical functions. These advancements demand robust and reliable software systems, which has led to the necessity for stringent supplier qualification processes.

A study published by the ISO found that companies using SPICE-based assessments experienced a 35% increase in the implementation of best practices among their software suppliers within two years of adopting the assessment model. This improvement led to a significant reduction in software defects and enhanced overall project delivery times.

In the early 2000s, leading European car manufacturers, including Fiat Auto, initiated efforts to integrate SPICE-based assessments into their software supplier qualification mechanisms. The goal was to establish a standard approach to evaluating the capability of software suppliers, ensuring consistency and quality across the supply chain. Fiat Auto’s implementation of the SPICE-based qualification mechanism, known as the ESCAPE project, provides an illustrative example of how these assessments are conducted and the benefits they bring.

Launched in 2001, the ESCAPE project aimed to improve Fiat Auto’s software acquisition process by assessing and qualifying software suppliers based on their process capability. The project was structured in two phases:

Phase A (2001-2004): This phase involved pilot assessments using the SPICE methodology on 17 Fiat Auto software suppliers. The focus was on key processes like Requirements Elicitation, System Requirements Analysis, Software Design, and System Testing, evaluated up to capability level 4. This phase provided Fiat Auto with a comprehensive understanding of its suppliers’ capabilities, identifying areas of strength and weakness.

Phase B: Building on the success of Phase A, Phase B introduced a formal supplier qualification mechanism. Suppliers were required to meet a defined capability profile to participate in Fiat Auto’s sourcing phase. While strict, this approach was flexible, allowing suppliers with lower capability levels to qualify provisionally if they committed to an improvement program.

The SPICE-based qualification process has brought significant benefits to Fiat Auto and its suppliers:

• Enhanced Supplier Selection: By using SPICE assessments, Fiat Auto can objectively measure the quality and reliability of its software suppliers. This ensures that only suppliers with high capability profiles are selected, leading to better quality software and fewer issues in production vehicles.
• Improved Project Monitoring: The detailed insights gained from supplier assessments allow Fiat Auto to synchronize its project monitoring activities with supplier milestones, leading to more effective oversight and control of the software development process.
• Identification of Improvement Areas: SPICE assessments highlight potential areas for improvement, not only for suppliers but also within Fiat Auto’s own processes. This collaborative approach helps both parties enhance their practices and deliver better-quality software products.
• Better Communication and Collaboration: Establishing a common language based on SPICE process definitions facilitates clearer communication between Fiat Auto and its suppliers, reducing misunderstandings and enhancing collaboration.

The Future of Automotive SPICE

Looking forward, Fiat Auto and other major car manufacturers aim to integrate SPICE-based assessments more deeply into their supplier qualification processes. The ongoing development of Automotive SPICE, tailored specifically to the needs of the automotive industry, promises to bring even greater alignment and consistency across the European automotive sector. By setting common standards and expected capability profiles, the industry can ensure that all players—manufacturers and suppliers alike—are working towards the same high-quality benchmarks.

Conclusion

The implementation of SPICE-based software supplier qualification mechanisms represents a significant step forward for the automotive industry. By focusing on process capability and continuous improvement, car manufacturers can ensure that their vehicles meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. As the ESCAPE project demonstrates, the benefits of this approach are far-reaching, impacting not only the quality of the end product but also fostering better relationships and more effective collaboration across the automotive supply chain. As Automotive SPICE continues to evolve, it will play a crucial role in shaping the future of software development in the automotive industry, driving innovation, safety, and customer satisfaction.

References

• Fabbrini, F., Fusani, M., Lami, G., & Sivera, E. (2007). A SPICE-Based Software Supplier Qualification Mechanism in the Automotive Industry. Software Process Improvement and Practice, 12(5), 523-528.
• Automotive SPICE