Products are software-defined, ecosystems are connected – traditional quality approaches fall short. ASQMS (Automotive Software Quality Management System) was developed to address precisely this issue:
as an organization-wide quality management system for software-driven products that covers development, operation and change in equal measure.
A standard with vision – beyond the automotive industry.
ASQMS originated in the automotive industry, but is now relevant for all industries in which software, connectivity and updates are part of our everyday life – e.g:
A holistic approach across the life cycle
ASQMS goes further than traditional models:
It considers not only the development, but also the entire life cycle of software-based systems – from the idea to SOP and maintenance to discontinuation.
Organizations that work with ASQMS
- understand software as a strategic core element of their products
- establish stable processes for continuous further development
- anchor quality, safety and traceability in the organization in the long term
The result: sustainable, connectable software quality – regardless of product generation or business model.
Fast, but safe: ASQMS creates speed with structure
Short development cycles and agile methods are essential – but not without risk.
ASQMS enables “China Speed” with governance: it makes change manageable, traceable and audit-proof.
This turns speed into a competitive advantage – not a weakness.
The key to transformation into a system supplier
With the transformation from component supplier to system supplier, the requirements increase:
in terms of architecture, responsibility, verifiability and collaboration.
ASQMS provides the organizational basis for mastering this step – not as a technical method, but as a established understanding of quality throughout the entire company.
q.sphere accompanies you on this path – practical, structured and with a deep understanding of development and change.
Conclusion: ASQMS is the quality foundation for software-based industrial products
Regulatory pressure, digital business models, systems – ASQMS provides the structure to manage the increasing complexity.
For companies that want to strengthen their role in the ecosystem, ASQMS is not optional, but strategically indispensable.
FAQs
Automotive Software Quality Management System (ASQMS) is a framework for systematic approach to ensuring quality in automotive software development, in compliance with relevant standards and processes for software centric systems.
ASQMS helps to minimize software defects and risks for recalls, ensure compliance with standards (e.g. ASPICE, ISO 26262), and improve product safety and customer satisfaction in the long term.
In addition it supports the transformation to a software centric organization.
ASQMS supports standards such as Automotive SPICE, ISO 26262, ISO 21434 (Cybersecurity) and UNECE R 156 (Software update management system).
Companies involved in software development, especially Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers and engineering service providers benefit from implementing an ASQMS.
ASQMS contains 28 processes.
Typical processes include management processes like Performance Evaluation and Improvement, supporting processes (Configuration Management, Quality Assurance, etc.) and operating processes, e.g. Project Management and Software Update.
A traditional QMS focuses on general quality processes, while an ASQMS is specifically designed for software centric organizations.
No, any organization from any sector can apply the best practices from ASQMS. Organizations form the automotive sector can be certified but all other companies can benefit by aligning the ASQMS requirements.
Common tools including Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) systems such as Polarion, DOORS, and Jama, as well as test and quality management tools.
Yes, all companies in the automotive mobility eco system can be certified by accredited certification bodies.
OEMs like BYD and Geely are already ASQMS certified.