🏁 New level for your processes: Automotive SPICE simply explained

Learn all about the Automotive SPICE maturity model and its importance in the automotive industry. Let's start with the question...

What are maturity models?

Before we dive into the world of Automotive SPICE, let's clarify what it's all about: maturity models.

These models help you to make the quality and development status of your company processes measurable. Instead of relying on gut feeling, a maturity model gives you a clear structure for analyzing processes, identifying weaknesses and initiating targeted improvements.

Sounds theoretical? In practice, such models are worth their weight in gold - whether in project management, when introducing new tools or in software development.

Good to know: Maturity models can also be mapped, monitored and actively controlled with COMAN. Especially when things get complex, this helps you to maintain an overview.

How did Automotive SPICE come about?

Automotive SPICE, or A-SPICE for short, stands for Automotive Software Process Improvement and Capability Determination. The model was developed by the Automotive Special Interest Group and the Quality Management Center (QMC) of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).

It involves major OEMs and suppliers who are pursuing a common mission - namely to create uniform standards for software development in the automotive industry.

A-SPICE is based on the international standard ISO/IEC 15504-2 (now part of the ISO 330xx family) - but has been specifically adapted to the requirements of the automotive industry.

The process dimensions in detail

The A-SPICE model does not just "somehow" evaluate processes, but takes a structured approach:
There are 32 processes in total, divided into three superordinate categories and twelve process groups:

Primary Lifecycle Processes

• System Engineering (SYS)
• Validation (VAL)
• Software Engineering (SWE)
• Hardware Engineering (HWE)
• Machine Learning Engineering (MLE)
• Acquisition (ACQ)
• Supply (SPL)
• Cybersecurity Engineering (SEC)

Organizational Lifecycle Processes

• Management (MAN)
• Process Improvement (PIM)
• Reuse (REU)Supporting Lifecycle Processes
  
  

Supporting Lifecycle Processes

• Supporting (SUP)
  

Each group has clear criteria and requirements. This makes A-SPICE a reliable tool - provided you use it correctly.

The six maturity levels of A-SPICE

The capability levels are a central element of Automotive SPICE. They show you how well a process is actually running - from "chaotic" to "innovative":

• Level 0: Incomplete process
  The process is not implemented or is failing to achieve its goals.

• Level 1: Performed Process
  The process achieves its purpose - the basic practices are in place.

• Level 2: Managed Process
  There are project plans, standards and monitoring. Everything is more controlled.

• Level 3: Established Process
  The process is standardized across the organization - real progress.

• Level 4: Predictable Process
  Processes are measurable and predictable - with stable performance.

• Level 5: Innovating Process
  You actively use key figures to continuously improve processes.

Of course, the goal is not always Level 5, but knowing where you are - and where you want to go - is the first step in the right direction.

Where is Automotive SPICE used?

Clearly in the automotive industry - especially where safety-critical software is developed.

But A-SPICE is also used in industries such as aerospace. The model helps to ensure transparency and quality wherever software processes have to meet high requirements.

In short: if you have to deal with complex development processes - A-SPICE can be your game changer.

How to use Automotive SPICE correctly

The theory is good. But what about practice?

To make Automotive SPICE really work, you should consider the following:

✅ Train your teams. Everyone involved needs to know what it's all about - and how A-SPICE works in everyday life.

✅ Carry out regular audits. This is the only way to identify weaknesses and make targeted adjustments.

✅ Get external support. Our partner Evomotiv supports you with preparation, implementation and training on all aspects of A-SPICE - including practical implementation with COMAN software.

✅ S tay tuned. Maturity level improvement is not a one-off project, but a continuous process.

Conclusion: Automotive SPICE pays off - if you do it right

Yes, A-SPICE is complex. But it is also a huge opportunity: for more quality, more transparency and less chaos in software development.

If you understand the model and use it in a targeted manner, you can measurably improve your processes - and at the same time make yourself fit for the requirements of tomorrow.

And that's exactly where we can help you.
With COMAN. With strong partners. And with knowledge from the industry.

Curious?

Then take a look at how COMAN can help you to make complex ASPICE processes visible and controllable - including real-time maturity monitoring.

👉 Find out more now