The Road to Developing a World Class Automotive Systems Engineering Capability

The Capability Maturity Model (CMM), originally developed as a software process evaluation tool for Department of Defense projects by the leadership of Carnegie Mellon University in the early 1990's, was quickly adapted for Systems Engineering. The resulting model, Systems Engineering Capability Maturity Model (SE-CMM) described the essential elements of an organization's Systems Engineering process that must exist to ensure superior performance (2). Its development was intended to first measure and then provide systematic step-by-step guidance for improvement to ensure that an organization effectively and accurately translate Customer needs into a compliant product.

The Delphi Thermal Systems Engineering Common Process (SECP) was designed to meet and grow by means of this process. Initial surveys were conducted to assess the existing status and identify needs and opportunities. From these needs, the SECP was established and future plans have been identified to grow this process to “World Class” as defined by the SE-CMM. This paper will identify and discuss Lessons Learned and best practices in developing an effective Systems Engineering organization using the process principles from the SE - Capability Maturity Model. Emphasis will be placed on the actions that are planned for levels 4 and 5, Quantitatively Controlled and Continuously Improving respectively. The author currently rates this process at level 3 - Well Defined.