Abstract
The rapid transformation of modern vehicles into highly electronic and software-driven systems has significantly increased the importance of functional safety in automotive engineering. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electrification, connectivity, and automated functions have introduced unprecedented system complexity, making adherence to functional safety standards such as ISO 26262 more critical than ever.
At the same time, organizations must maintain strong engineering discipline and process capability through frameworks such as Automotive SPICE® (ASPICE).
As a result, the relationship between these two standards has evolved from independent compliance activities to a strategic opportunity for integrated governance.
This presentation explores three possible approaches to cover interaction between Automotive SPICE® and ISO 26262—Isolated, Co-Existence, and Fusion. These approaches are examined from multiple stakeholder perspectives, including process management, project teams, customers, and assessors, highlighting impacts on development efficiency, compliance, and assessment effectiveness.
In Isolated approach, Automotive SPICE® and ISO 26262 are kept completely isolated from each other. Assessments are performed independently, & results are not accepted by the other side.
The Co-Existence approach introduces partial alignment, Automotive SPICE® and ISO 26262 guidance are both applied. Assessment Result from the Automotive SPICE Assessment is reused in the Functional Safety Audit, reducing the audit workload and project team interruptions.
The Fusion approach represents a fully integrated method.
There is one integrated process assessment model that fulfils the requirements from Automotive SPICE® and ISO 26262
This evolution reflects a broader industry shift toward harmonized engineering governance as OEMs and suppliers manage increasingly complex safety-critical systems. Deliberate integration, whether through structured co-existence or full fusion, can provide tangible benefits in compliance efficiency, product quality, and organizational effectiveness.
The intacs® Functional Safety Working Group continues to investigate and promote best practices that support the practical harmonization of Automotive SPICE® and ISO 26262 within modern automotive development environments.”
Value
Organizations in the automotive software domain are often required to undergo both Automotive SPICE assessments and ISO 26262 audits, which are typically performed separately and require significant preparation effort and assessment time.
This presentation explores different approaches to align or combine these activities, such as shared evidence preparation, coordinated interviews, and cross-referenced work products. Such integration can help reduce duplicated effort, shorten assessment duration, and improve efficiency for both assessors and organizations.
The presentation also aims to gather feedback from assessors on these approaches, which will help the working group evaluate their practicality and move in the right direction toward defining effective guidance for combined assessments