Putting Some SPICE Into Mechatronics

Jan, 12, 2021 10:30 AM

Putting Some SPICE Into Mechatronics

WHAT IS SPICE?

SPICE stands for "Software Process Improvement and Capability Determination". Even if software development was the main driver of the initiative at that time, the "S" in SPICE is nowadays used for the entire system development. Automotive SPICE is a domain-specific adaptation of the International Standard ISO/IEC 15504 (SPICE). The purpose of Automotive SPICE is the assessment of process capability. The ASPICE Process Assessment Model can be found here, it is a framework and the material can be downloaded. We have different types of SPICE that could be the requirements from OEMs in the future.

Automotive SPICE
Test SPICE
Hardware SPICE
Agile SPICE
Mechanical SPICE

All contents are available here.

WHY IS ASPICE NEEDED?

OEMs can use the ASPICE framework to assess the process quality capability of their suppliers during supplier selection. It is mainly used to evaluate the development processes utilized by automotive suppliers of control units and software in the vehicle. For Kautex, this means that as we develop a control unit and software for Rhapsody, we must follow the ASPICE framework. The ASPICE framework is built around the V-model demonstrated below. Some OEMs require different levels of ASPICE for both awarding business and PPAP before SOP, so it is therefore important to fully understand and implement in our development.

WHAT ARE THE LEVELS OF ASPICE?

There are five levels of ASPICE and explained in the graphic, ranging from L0 to L5.

WHAT'S NEXT?

For further info on ASPICE and Kautex's safety system, contact us today.

About Kautex

At Kautex, we are innovating the way you move.

As a Tier One automotive supplier with 30 plants in 13 countries, Kautex is a pioneer in the design and manufacture of traditional and hybrid fuel systems, engine camshafts and plastic industrial packaging solutions.

For the era of new mobility, Kautex is also expanding its portfolio to offer thermoplastic composite and composite-metal hybrid battery systems as well as assisted and autonomous drive vehicle cleaning systems.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is one of the world’s best known multi-industry companies, recognized for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, E‑Z‑GO, Arctic Cat and many more. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative products and services. For more information, visit: https://www.textron.com

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non‑historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward‑looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward‑looking statements.