The automotive industry is experiencing significant transformation due to the introduction of advanced technologies such as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving, connected vehicles, and vehicle electrification. These advancements have considerably increased the complexity of the electronics and software integrated into modern cars. Consequently, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their electrical system suppliers face substantial pressure to ensure high quality at every stage, from system design to specific domains, by adhering to industry standards and best practices. Thus, Automotive SPICE (Software Process Improvement and Capability dEtermination) was developed to address the challenges in automotive system development. OEMs now mandate that suppliers achieve at least Automotive SPICE process capability level 3, which signifies that a supplier’s development processes are well-defined, consistently implemented, and effectively managed. Elmos is striving to fulfill OEMs‘mandate. Automotive SPICE guides the necessary processes and attributes to meet automotive industry requirements. However, it does not dictate specific methodologies or tools for implementation. This study proposes a comprehensive model to achieve process capability level 3 and beyond by integrating Automotive SPICE with key performance indicators (KPIs), lean thinking, and the 5 Whys technique. The research methodology combined an integrative literature review with qualitative interviews with an industry expert. The findings from the literature review were validated through these expert interviews.
The study identified crucial metrics for evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of system and software development processes, such as requirements quality, reusability, requirements volatility, project management, risk management, architectural design, and product quality. Integrating lean principles can significantly improve development processes by streamlining workflows, reducing waste, and fostering continuous improvement. Additionally, the 5 Whys approach is a valuable tool for analyzing performance deviations and identifying root causes of problems. Overall, by adopting this holistic approach, companies can improve the maturity level of their development processes. The chosen 15 key metrics form a robust basis for delivering actionable insights into the performance of Elmos’ development processes.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Motivation
- Problem Statement
- Research Objectives and Questions
- Significances of the Study
- Structural Outline
- Literature Review
- Automotive SPICE and Other Maturity Models
- Overview of Automotive SPICE
- Process Reference Model (PRM)
- Measurement Framework
- Process Assessment Model (PAM)
- Process Performance Measurement and Management
- Definition of Key Performance Indicators
- Performance Measurement Frameworks
- What to measure?
- Data Automation for Performance Measurement
- 5 Whys Approach
- Lean Thinking
- Lean Software Development
- Rationale for Integrating the Automotive SPICE, KPIs, Lean Management, and the 5 Whys Approach
- Research Methodology
- Research Design
- Selection of the Case
- Sampling
- Data Collection Methods
- Integrative Literature Review
- Interviews
- Elmos' Documents
- Observations
- Data Analysis Technique
- Validity and Reliability of the Research
- Ethical Considerations
- Results and Discussion
- General Overview of Elmos Product Emergence Process (ePEP)
- Evaluation of the Compliance of ePEP with the Automotive SPICE Model
- Process Performance Measurement and Management
- Defining Performance Objectives for Development Projects and Ensuring Alignment with the Company's Strategic Goals
- Setting Targets and Thresholds
- Developing Key Performance Indicators for the Development Processes
- Performance Indices for Forecasting Project Schedule and Cost
- Facilitating Access to Data
- Establishing Baseline Measurements
- Performance Reporting
- Providing Feedback to Relevant Stakeholders
- Continuous Process Improvement
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The main objective of this study is to propose a comprehensive model for achieving and exceeding Automotive SPICE process capability level 3 within the automotive industry. This is accomplished by integrating Automotive SPICE with key performance indicators (KPIs), lean thinking, and the 5 Whys technique. The study aims to improve the maturity level of development processes through a holistic approach. * Improving Automotive SPICE process capability level. * Integrating KPIs for effective process evaluation. * Utilizing lean thinking principles for process optimization. * Employing the 5 Whys technique for root cause analysis. * Developing a robust model applicable to the automotive industry.Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This chapter sets the stage by outlining the motivation behind the study, the problem statement, research objectives, significance, and the structure of the thesis. It highlights the challenges faced by the automotive industry due to increasing complexity and the need for improved development processes.
Literature Review: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of Automotive SPICE, various maturity models, key performance indicators (KPIs), lean thinking principles, and the 5 Whys technique. It explores existing frameworks for process performance measurement and management and justifies the rationale for integrating these different approaches.
Research Methodology: This section details the research design, case selection, data collection methods (literature review, interviews, document analysis), data analysis techniques, and considerations for validity, reliability, and ethical conduct. The focus is on Elmos's development processes.
Results and Discussion (excluding Conclusion and sections on implementation and future research): This chapter presents an analysis of Elmos’s Product Emergence Process (ePEP) and evaluates its compliance with the Automotive SPICE model. It discusses the development and implementation of key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of development processes within Elmos. The chapter examines specific KPIs related to project schedule, cost, and product quality, and explores methods for data gathering and analysis.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Automotive SPICE, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Lean Thinking, 5 Whys, Process Capability Level 3, Automotive Industry, Software Development, Process Improvement, Elmos, Project Management, Process Performance Measurement.- Quote paper
- Salma Idriss Ismail Ali (Author), 2024, The Higher Maturity Level of the Development Processes Through Adopting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Lean Thinking in the Automotive Industry, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1501659
