Skip to main content
  • Capability

Stages Automotive Process Framework

Develop agile, standards-compliant engineering processes with our Automotive Process Framework.

People working around an electric car

The Automotive Process Framework (APF) leverages UL Solutions Software Intensive Systems experts' combined know-how and decades of experience to help automotive systems and software manufacturers and suppliers accelerate process rollout.

In its most recent release, we added support for EssentialSAFe from Scaled Agile Inc.
APF V diagram

APF can help you streamline process definition and rollout through:

 

  • A ready-to-use foundation for the creation of initial processes.
  • Extendable process and work product templates, role descriptions and other guidelines to fit your organization’s needs.
  • A cohesive process architecture that covers all relevant process standards and best practices (including Automotive SPICE®, safety, security and SAFe).
APF table

Improve compliance with standards and best practices

 

The Automotive Process Framework covers the project scopes of the following standards:

  • Automotive SPICE® v4.0 (including Hardware SPICE®).
  • Mechanical SPICE® v1.8.
  • ISO/SAE 21434:2021 Road Vehicles — Cybersecurity Engineering.
  • ISO 26262:2018 Road Vehicles — Functional Safety.
  • ISO 21488:2022 — Security of the Intended Functionality (SOTIF).
APF screenshot

 

 

Become agile and improve standard compliance

APF supports agile practices by including EssentialSAFe 6.0, especially focusing on agile ways to perform project and risk management.

Best practices for APF adoption - Deploy early, iterate often

Consider employing an iterative-incremental approach to support adoption of APF at your organization:
  • Start with the most critical needs and focus on typical projects.
  • Integrate your existing practices, templates, checklists, etc.
  • Involve all stakeholders in reviews and approvals.
  • Pilot with a few supportive projects as soon as possible.
Stages method - 4 step process

APF benefits to customers

 

  • Reduces process development time, efforts and costs when compared with creating processes from scratch.
  • Provides a neutral framework that can be easily integrated into customers’ existing processes.
  • Extensive project coverage and compliance mapping to Automotive SPICE® and other ISO standards.
  • Flexibility to create organization-wide standard processes and tailor them to the needs of specific business units and projects.
  • Focuses on systems engineering and addresses the needs of complex projects, including mechanical, hardware and software components.

 

APF Customers

 

Autoliv logo
DANA logo
Geely logo
LG logo
Nissan logo
Valeo logo

 

 

Discover how MAHLE transformed fragmented PLM processes with APF

Learn how Stages Automotive Process Framework helped MAHLE, a leading international development partner and supplier to the automotive industry, harmonize and standardize product lifecycle management (PLM) processes, methods and tools.

"One question from the customer, one answer from MAHLE”
Cyril Stock, project manager, R&D Processes Methods and Tools | MAHLE

Download case study

 

 

MAHLE case study cover image

 

Experience APF

Join a demo to learn more about Automotive Process Framework and gain an impression of the tool.

Join a demo

 

 

X

Get connected with our team

Thanks for your interest in our products and services. Let's collect some information so we can connect you with the right person.

Please wait…

Within UL Solutions we provide a broad portfolio of offerings to many industries. This includes certification, testing, inspection, assessment, verification and consulting services. In order to protect and prevent any conflict of interest, perception of conflict of interest and protection of both our brand and our customers brands, UL Solutions has processes in place to identify and manage any potential conflicts of interest and maintain the impartiality of our conformity assessment services.