In summary:
- The future of mobility depends on robust advances in embedded software. Systematically defining requirements from the outset is often the key difference between right-first-time development and damaging delays.
- Rework is costly and bugs and defects cause delays. Following the right software development procedures can be termed as proactive risk-management and governance steps, as they help avoid the threat of costly recalls and legal issues.
- We can cover both the left- and right-hand side of the V-System – from requirements to testing and implementation, we utilise resources as efficiently as possible to aim for right-first-time development
- Our heritage in both engineering technology and information technology is well positioned to help automotive OEMs in the UK get the most value out of their investment in embedded software. We have partnered with a high-performance sports car manufacturer in the UK on their embedded software development with extremely positive results.
Driving today is about much more than the vehicle, it is about user experience and creating a seamless, connected journey. The analogue, manual cars of the past are now layered with digital technology that continues to advance exponentially, with autonomy as the inevitable destination. The key to this progression is through embedded software.
Putting EV technology to one side, the major innovations and investments today are about software, not propulsion, as was the case for so long in automotive. Modern vehicles are now a platform for human interaction. Highly connected vehicles will become an extension of our home and work routines, but getting there will require a significant amount of coding and computing.
For some time, cars have had the ability to ‘drive by wire’ rather than the physical machinery of steering wheels, brakes and transmission. Every element of vehicle behaviour and operation is now governed by embedded software. When development goes right, manufacturers bring successful new models to market on time and within budget.
The future of embedded software is meshed with the future of mobility
However, development is not always successful. Software is now the most common reason for launch delays, which can bring major reputational implications for OEMs, especially if negative news makes it into the media. Bugs and defects are far harder to find and take considerably longer to iron out than mechanical issues, which explains the real benefits of working towards a right-first-time standard. The worst-case scenario is that manufacturers simply cannot sell their cars, and businesses become paralysed, with no return on the billions of pounds of investment.
Often, the problem goes back to how well requirements are defined at the start. The likelihood of getting it right first time is significantly increased by adopting a shift-left approach. Frontloading considerations around testing and implementation into the design stages will prevent problems later.
The saying ‘good code is green code’ is true. Bad code consumes more energy. The more robust your code, the better it is for the environment. The closer you are to right first time, the less risk, from both a financial and reputational basis. Investing in robust software development procedures can now be viewed as proactive risk-management and governance steps, as they help avoid the threat of costly recalls and even legal issues.
Rising force in the UK market
Formed in 2017, Expleo may appear to be a newcomer to the UK automotive scene, but we bring a decade worth of experience in both engineering and information technology that is needed to manufacture modern cars. The high demand for robust and Services Embedded Systems has led to close partnerships over many years with OEMs and Tier1 suppliers, including the Volkswagen Group, Daimler, Stellantis and Renault.
Our 200+ strong team of engineers, developers, and testers operate across all the major modules, such as the body, chassis transmission and powertrain control modules – these capabilities can all be implemented in the UK.
We recently partnered closely with a high-performance sports car manufacturer in the UK on their embedded software development to ensure their next phase of growth and profitability. Following the unveiling of its highly advanced supercar, the client is now working on developing its next prototype and have entrusted Expleo with the ongoing model year updates and releases of the newly launched vehicle. This decision reflects the high level of trust and respect gained from a close-working partnership, coupled with the high level of expertise and capability from Expleo’s team.
Playing in the V
The greatest challenge with software is bugs and defects. To avoid software faults, robust development, testing and validation of code is required. The Expleo team is well practiced in operating the V-System to cover every step of the development life cycle ¬– from initial requirements through to code release into production.
We help clients on both sides of the V, including definition, implementation and then validation and integration. This tried-and-tested process includes capturing requirements, the software development, manual and automated testing, as well as building the machines that run test scripts. We also offer driving tests, as needed.
With teams in the UK, France, Romania and in India, we leverage our global capability to give the best possible solution for customers.. Global reach allows us to balance the optimum solution between capability and cost.
Our experience in IT means we can assist with backend infrastructure, whether client’s function in the cloud or on-premises, or a combination of the two. As the amount of data transferred to and from the vehicle increases with the roll-out of 5G – the focus on backend performance and cybersecurity will continue to intensify. OEMs need to leverage data to harvest the business intelligence they require for competitive advantage and to meet their customers’ growing expectations. Expleo’s data quality capability is becoming ever relevant for our automotive customers.
With the rapid advances in embedded software, these are exciting times for OEMs and suppliers with the dual capability in engineering and information technologies. Expleo is especially well positioned to help automotive OEMs in the UK get the most value out of their investment in embedded software
