---
title: "🏁 New level for your processes: Automotive SPICE simply explained"
description: How to increase the quality of your software development in the automotive industry with the maturity model
---

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# [🏁 New level for your processes: Automotive SPICE simply explained](https://blog.coman-software.com/en/blog/reifegradmodell-automotive-spice)

 Written by [Mats](https://blog.coman-software.com/en/blog/author/mats) | Jun 27, 2025 4:00:00 AM

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](https://coman-software.com/en/contact-overview?hsLang=en)

 

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