ISO 15504 (SPICE)

ISO/IEC 15504 process assessment standard is also known as SPICE. The standard was created with the aim to consistently assess processes against a reference measurement framework. The standard consists of 3 main elements:

A measurement framework with 6 defined Process Capability Levels. A set of requirements for defining processes. A set of requirements for how to perform consistent assessments.

The standard provides a means to harmonize process assessment methods, such as SPICE for SPACE, Automotive SPICE and OOSPICE; it aims to allows organizations to “compare apples against apples”. ISO/IEC 15504 differs from many preceding standards in two fundamental ways. First, it does not prescribe a way of working (i.e. the processes to be followed). It is important to note that while the standard refers to processes, they are meant to be typical examples for the purpose of assessment, not required processes to run an enterprise! Secondly, it does not focus on process compliance, but rather on how well processes are performed and managed (using the capability levels). We generally perform process assessments using ISO 15504. The assessment provides a client organisation with a report on their process strengths and weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. We also perform in-house training and coaching.  It is also possible to use CMMI assessments with our networked resources.

It is a second generation process assessment standard. It uses two dimensions, processes and capability which are not coupled. The SEICMMI Continuous representation also uses this approach, and is generally compatible with the standard. This provides much greater flexibility than the older SW CMM standard because any processes can be managed at any capability level. In addition, it allows use of several different process life cycles, including system and software life cycles.

I am the originator and technical editor for the new part 9 of the ISO/IEC 15504 standard. This covers Target Process Profiles which are the requirements for setting target process capability levels. As a result, the Practical Process Profiles methodogy will be fully compatible with the emerging standard.

ISO 15504 Part 9

Leistungs Consult is sponsoring and Han van Loon is the author and project editor for a new standard within the ISO 15504 suite. This new part 9 describes the use and definition of Target Process Profiles.

ISO/IEC 15504 consists of 3 main elements:

A measurement framework with 6 defined Process Capability Levels. A set of requirements for defining processes. A set of requirements for how to perform consistent assessments.

A Target Process Profile provides a desired target for the purpose of selecting suppliers for specific projects, programmes and product types, and for targeting improvement of processes to meet defined business needs.

Overview of Target Process Profile use.

ISO 15504 Part 9

The new standard will guide users how to select processes and set a Capability Level or Process Attributes for each process. It is based on ground-breaking research into how processes can mitigate risk and create business value. Unlike conventional risk analysis that is about adding risk specific processes or activities, it looks at business risk and determines what key processes and their capability are needed in normal operation so that the risks are reduced or eliminated. The cost of doing this is much less than the cost of fixing problems when a risk becomes a problem. The Practical Process Profiles methodology is fully compatible with the emerging standard.

Latest news - ISO 15504-9 has completed working draft and reached CD (Committee Draft) stage, an important step forward in the standards process. The contents cover:

Introduction to the standard Target process profiles sponsor role and responsibilities Target process profiles overview - purpose and outcomes Deploying a documented process to create profiles

Defining a target process profile

Defining the purpose of the target process profile Select the community of use Define the business requirements Define the domain of application Define categories for the domain of application Define target process profile factors used to convert the intended use into process

attributes Define criteria for data and information collection Select business processes and practices, PRM and PAM Define target process profile output content and format Define target capability statement

Process for creating, selecting and using Target Process Profiles

Create the target process profiles Using target process profiles Application for gap analysis

Qualification of persons creating and using the target process profiles

To learn more about applying the methodology for implementing the standard, see Practical Process Profiles methodology, refer to theauthor's books or contact the author

ISO/IEC 15504

Modelo para la mejora y evaluación de los procesos de desarrollo y mantenimiento de sistemas y productos de software.

Origen

En enero de 1993 la comisión ISO/IEC JTC1 aprobó un programa de trabajo para el desarrollo de un modelo que fuera la base de un futuro estándar internacional para la evaluación de los procesos del ciclo de vida del software. Este trabajo recibió el nombre de proyecto SPICE (Software Process Improvement and Capability dEtermination), y en junio de 1995, con la publicación de su primer borrador, desde ISO fueron invitadas diferentes organizaciones para aplicarlo y valorar sus resultados.

En 1998, pasada la fase de proyecto, y tras las primeras evaluaciones, el trabajo pasó a la fase de informe técnico con la denominación ISO/IEC TR 15504. La instrucción técnica consta de 9 apartados, recogidos en volúmenes independientes que se han ido publicando como redacción definitiva del estándar internacional ISO/IEC 15504 durante el periodo 2003 - 2005.

Características

Establece un marco para métodos de evaluación, no es un método o modelo en sí. Comprende: evaluación de procesos, mejora de procesos, determinación de

capacidad. Está alineado con el estándar ISO/IEC 12207 que define los procesos del ciclo de

vida del desarrollo, mantenimiento y operación de los sistemas de software. Equivalencia y compatibilidad con CMMI. ISO forma parte del panel elaborador del

modelo CMMI y SEI mantiene la compatibilidad y equivalencia de ésta última con 15504. Sin embargo CMMi aún no es conforme a SPICE - ISO 15504.

Dimensiones

Tiene una arquitectura basada en dos dimensiones: de proceso y de capacidad de proceso.

Desde la dimensión de proceso agrupa a los procesos en tres grupos que contienen cinco categorías de acuerdo al tipo de actividad:

Procesos primarios

CUS: Cliente - Proveedor

ENG: Ingeniería

Procesos de soporte

SUP: Soporte

Procesos organizacionales

MAN: Gestión ORG: Organización

Para todos los procesos se definen los componentes: Identificador, Nombre, Tipo, Propósito, Salidas y Notas.

Desde la dimensión de capacidad el modelo define una escala de 6 niveles para determinar la capacidad de cualquier proceso:

Nivel 0: Incompleto Nivel 1: Realizado Nivel 2: Gestionado Nivel 3: Establecido Nivel 4: Predecible Nivel 5: En optimización