SYS.4
System Integration and Integration Verification
Linked Knowledge Nuggets: arrow_forward "Systems Engineering - Why the heck do we need this?"
personAuthor: Alexander Feulner
The increasing complexity, shortened development times, distributed development, heightened cost pressures, technological change, and organizational transformations are just a few of the challenges facing the current development.
If these statements seem unfamiliar to you, we congratulate you warmly. For all those who are confronted with these challenges on a daily basis, we present the methodology of ‘Systems Engineering’ in our webinar and answer the question: "Why the heck do we need this?". This webinar is tailored not only for system developers but also for professionals in various domains including software development, hardware development, testing, project management and more.
school
Webinar recording and slides
arrow_forward "Testmanagement"
personAuthor: Process Fellows
Test Management ensures that testing activities are strategically planned, monitored, and evaluated across all development phases. From unit tests to system-level integration, this cross-cutting discipline defines methods, tools, documents, and roles to ensure traceable and efficient verification and validation.
school
PF_Testmanagement_Extract.pdf Short Overview of Test Management (related to all Automotive SPICE® verification processes)
arrow_forward "Verification level vs. Verification timepoint"
personAuthor: Process Fellows
The execution of a verification measure is not necessarily linked to the verification time point.
It is possible that a verification measure from SWE.6 is carried out as part of the verification of the SW component and integration verrifcation if the setup or the environment is better suited to this.
However, it remains a verification of the SW requirements.
The decisive factor is what a verification measure is derived from.
However, it is important to ensure that this verification measure is included in and part of the report and in the summary of the SW verification.
Pay attention to the sequences and dependencies to be followed.
# PROCESS PURPOSE
The purpose is to integrate the (System Element = System elements can be:
Logical and structural objects at the architectural and design level. System elements can be further decomposed into more fine-grained system elements of the architecture or design across appropriate hierarchical levels.
Physical representations of these objects, or a combination, e.g., peripherals, sensors, actuators, mechanical parts, software executables.
) and to verify that the integrated (System Element = System elements can be:
Logical and structural objects at the architectural and design level. System elements can be further decomposed into more fine-grained system elements of the architecture or design across appropriate hierarchical levels.
Physical representations of these objects, or a combination, e.g., peripherals, sensors, actuators, mechanical parts, software executables.
) are consistent with the (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) architecture.
# PROCESS OUTCOMES
O1 (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.) are specified for the (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) integration verification of the integrated (System Element = System elements can be:
Logical and structural objects at the architectural and design level. System elements can be further decomposed into more fine-grained system elements of the architecture or design across appropriate hierarchical levels.
Physical representations of these objects, or a combination, e.g., peripherals, sensors, actuators, mechanical parts, software executables.
) based on the (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) architecture, including the interfaces of, and interactions between, the (System Element = System elements can be:
Logical and structural objects at the architectural and design level. System elements can be further decomposed into more fine-grained system elements of the architecture or design across appropriate hierarchical levels.
Physical representations of these objects, or a combination, e.g., peripherals, sensors, actuators, mechanical parts, software executables.
).
O2
The (System Element = System elements can be:
Logical and structural objects at the architectural and design level. System elements can be further decomposed into more fine-grained system elements of the architecture or design across appropriate hierarchical levels.
Physical representations of these objects, or a combination, e.g., peripherals, sensors, actuators, mechanical parts, software executables.
) are integrated up to a complete integrated (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) consistent with the (Release = A product delivered to a customer, including a defined set of functionalities and properties.) scope.
O3 (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.) are selected according to the (Release = A product delivered to a customer, including a defined set of functionalities and properties.) scope considering criteria, including criteria for (Regression verification = Selective re-verification of elements to verify that modifications have not caused unintended effects.).
O4
The integrated (System Element = System elements can be:
Logical and structural objects at the architectural and design level. System elements can be further decomposed into more fine-grained system elements of the architecture or design across appropriate hierarchical levels.
Physical representations of these objects, or a combination, e.g., peripherals, sensors, actuators, mechanical parts, software executables.
) are verified using the selected (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.), and the results of the (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) integration verification are recorded.
O5
Consistency and bidirectional traceability are established between (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.) and the elements of the (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) architecture.
O6
Bidirectional traceability between the verification results and the (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.) is established.
O7
Results of the (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) integration and integration verification are summarized and communicated to all affected parties.
# BASE PRACTICES
BP1
Specify verification measures for the system integration. (
O1 )
Specify (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.), based on a defined sequence and preconditions for the integration of (System Element = System elements can be:
Logical and structural objects at the architectural and design level. System elements can be further decomposed into more fine-grained system elements of the architecture or design across appropriate hierarchical levels.
Physical representations of these objects, or a combination, e.g., peripherals, sensors, actuators, mechanical parts, software executables.
) against the static and dynamic aspects of the (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) architecture, including
techniques for the (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.),
pass/fail criteria for the (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.),
a definition of entry and exit criteria for the (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.),
necessary sequence of the (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.), and
the required verification infrastructure and environment setup.
Note 1: Examples of what a (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.) may focus on are the timing dependencies of the correct signal flow between interfacing (System Element = System elements can be:
Logical and structural objects at the architectural and design level. System elements can be further decomposed into more fine-grained system elements of the architecture or design across appropriate hierarchical levels.
Physical representations of these objects, or a combination, e.g., peripherals, sensors, actuators, mechanical parts, software executables.
), or interactions between (Hardware = Assembled and interconnected electrical or electronic hardware components or parts which perform analog or digital functions or operations.) and software, as specified in the (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) architecture. The (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) integration test cases may focus on
the correct signal flow between (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) items,
the timeliness and timing dependencies of signal flow between (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) items,
the correct interpretation of signals by all (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) items using an interface, and/or
the dynamic interaction between (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) items.
BP2
Select verification measures. (
O3 )
Document the selection of (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.) for each integration step considering selection criteria including criteria for the (Regression verification = Selective re-verification of elements to verify that modifications have not caused unintended effects.). The documented selection of (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.) shall have sufficient coverage according to the (Release = A product delivered to a customer, including a defined set of functionalities and properties.) scope. Note 2: Examples of selection criteria can be prioritization of requirements, the need for (Regression verification = Selective re-verification of elements to verify that modifications have not caused unintended effects.) (due to, e.g., changes to the (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) architectural design or to (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) components), or the intended use of the delivered product (Release = A product delivered to a customer, including a defined set of functionalities and properties.) (e.g., test bench, test track, public road etc.).
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BP3
Integrate the system elements and perform the integration verification. (
O2, O4 )
Integrate the (System Element = System elements can be:
Logical and structural objects at the architectural and design level. System elements can be further decomposed into more fine-grained system elements of the architecture or design across appropriate hierarchical levels.
Physical representations of these objects, or a combination, e.g., peripherals, sensors, actuators, mechanical parts, software executables.
) until the (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) is fully integrated according to the specified interfaces and interactions between the (System Element = System elements can be:
Logical and structural objects at the architectural and design level. System elements can be further decomposed into more fine-grained system elements of the architecture or design across appropriate hierarchical levels.
Physical representations of these objects, or a combination, e.g., peripherals, sensors, actuators, mechanical parts, software executables.
), and according to the defined sequence and the defined preconditions. Perform the selected (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) integration (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.). Record the (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.) data including pass/fail status and the corresponding (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.) data. Note 3: Examples for preconditions for starting (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) integration can be successful (System Element = System elements can be:
Logical and structural objects at the architectural and design level. System elements can be further decomposed into more fine-grained system elements of the architecture or design across appropriate hierarchical levels.
Physical representations of these objects, or a combination, e.g., peripherals, sensors, actuators, mechanical parts, software executables.
) verification or qualification of pre-existing (System Element = System elements can be:
Logical and structural objects at the architectural and design level. System elements can be further decomposed into more fine-grained system elements of the architecture or design across appropriate hierarchical levels.
Physical representations of these objects, or a combination, e.g., peripherals, sensors, actuators, mechanical parts, software executables.
). Note 4: See SUP.9 for handling the verification results which deviate from expected results.
Linked Knowledge Nuggets: arrow_forward "Archiving test results"
personAuthor: Process Fellows
Don’t lose your evidence. With perspective to testing, SUP.8.BP1 in combination with SUP.8.BP8 expects structured storage of test logs, verdicts, anomalies, and configuration info. This is not only a formality: It enables you to later on reproduce details about a certain system version.
Ensure consistency and establish bidirectional traceability between the (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.) and the (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) architecture. Establish bidirectional traceability between the verification results and the (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.). Note 5: Bidirectional traceability supports consistency, and facilitates the impact analysis of change requests, and the demonstration of coverage. Traceability alone, e.g., the existence of links, does not necessarily mean that the information is consistent.
Linked Knowledge Nuggets: arrow_forward "Consistency vs. Traceability – What’s the Difference?"
personAuthor: Process Fellows
Consistency ensures that related content doesn’t contradict itself – e.g., requirements align with architecture and test. Traceability, in contrast, is about links: can you follow a requirement through to implementation and verification? Both are needed – consistency builds trust, traceability enables control. Typically, traceability strongly supports consistency review.
arrow_forward "The role of traceability in risk control"
personAuthor: Process Fellows
Traceability isn’t just about completeness — it’s about managing impact. When a requirement changes, trace links tell you what’s affected. That’s your early-warning system.
arrow_forward "The true benefit of traceability
"
personAuthor: Process Fellows
Sometimes the creation of traceability is seen as an additional expense, the benefits are not recognized.
Traceability should be set up at the same time as the derived elements are created. Both work products are open in front of us and the creation of the trace often only takes a few moments.
In the aftermath, the effort increases noticeably and the risk of gaps is high.
If the traceability is complete and consistent, the discovery of dependencies is unbeatably fast and reliable compared to searching for dependencies at a later stage, when there may also be time pressure.
It also enables proof of complete coverage of the derived elements and allows the complete consistency check.
BP5
Summarize and communicate the results. (
O7 )
Summarize the (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) integration and integration verification results and communicate them to all affected parties. Note 6: Providing all necessary information from the test case execution in a summary enables other parties to judge the consequences.
# OUTPUT INFORMATION ITEMS
13-52
Communication evidence (
O7 )
Evidence of interpersonal communication.Identifies:
Scope of information
Need for feedback, for example an expected confirmation within one week
Meta data, for example time when communication was done or how information was distributed.
Includes:
Personal information
Work-flows, for example within tools
Examples and References:
E-mails and other forms of memos
Verbal statements
Meeting minutes, for example in standups
Electronic media, for example webcasts, blog posts intranet forum
Chat protocols
Wiki pages
Photo protocol
Used by these processes:
ACQ.4 Supplier Monitoring
HWE.1 Hardware Requirements Analysis
HWE.2 Hardware Design
HWE.3 Verification against Hardware Design
HWE.4 Verification against Hardware Requirements
MAN.3 Project Management
MLE.1 Machine Learning Requirements Analysis
MLE.2 Machine Learning Architecture
MLE.3 Machine Learning Training
MLE.4 Machine Learning Model Testing
PIM.3 Process Improvement
REU.2 Reuse of Products
SUP.1 Quality Assurance
SUP.11 Machine Learning Data Management
SWE.1 Software Requirements Analysis
SWE.2 Software Architectural Design
SWE.3 Software Detailed Design and Unit Construction
SWE.4 Software Unit Verification
SWE.5 Software Component Verification and Integration Verification
SWE.6 Software Verification
SYS.1 Requirements Elicitation
SYS.2 System Requirements Analysis
SYS.3 System Architectural Design
SYS.4 System Integration and Integration Verification
SYS.5 System Verification
VAL.1 Validation
Used by these process attributes:
PA2.1 Process performance management process attribute
13-51
Consistency evidence (
O5, O6 )
Evidence of information to be semantically coherent alongrelevant artifacts, ensuring completeness, purpose maturity of processes, (Task = A definition, but not the execution, of a coherent set of atomic actions.) and products throughout their lifecycle.Identifies:
Traceability information, for example hyperlinks, repository location or editorial references.
Naming conventions
Relevant artifacts
Revision and revision history information
Change documentation and analysis information
Includes:
Meta-information, for example database identifiers notes in Git commits comments
Examples and References:
Evidence of Definition of Done (DoD) adherence.
Used by these processes:
HWE.1 Hardware Requirements Analysis
HWE.2 Hardware Design
HWE.3 Verification against Hardware Design
HWE.4 Verification against Hardware Requirements
MAN.3 Project Management
MLE.1 Machine Learning Requirements Analysis
MLE.2 Machine Learning Architecture
MLE.3 Machine Learning Training
MLE.4 Machine Learning Model Testing
SUP.8 Configuration Management
SUP.10 Change Request Management
SWE.1 Software Requirements Analysis
SWE.2 Software Architectural Design
SWE.3 Software Detailed Design and Unit Construction
SWE.4 Software Unit Verification
SWE.5 Software Component Verification and Integration Verification
SWE.6 Software Verification
SYS.2 System Requirements Analysis
SYS.3 System Architectural Design
SYS.4 System Integration and Integration Verification
SYS.5 System Verification
VAL.1 Validation
11-06
Integrated System (
O2 )
Set of elements composed from different units or integrated sub- (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.).Identifies:
The intended use
Boundaries, for example (Application parameter = An application parameter is a software variable containing data that can be changed at the system or software levels; they influence the system’s or software behavior and properties. The notion of application parameter is expressed in two ways:
The specification (including variable names, the domain value range, technical data types, default values, physical unit (if applicable), the corresponding memory maps, respectively).
The actual quantitative data value it receives by means of data application.
Application parameters are not requirements. They are a technical implementation solution for configurability-oriented requirements.)
Includes:
All configured elements, for example references to requirements specification
Used by these processes:
SYS.4 System Integration and Integration Verification
06-50
Integration Sequence Instruction (
O2 )
Workflow definition to combine, assemble or connect different (System = A collection of interacting components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of functions within a specific environment.) or components into an integrated configuration.Identifies:
Physical elements, for example (Hardware = Assembled and interconnected electrical or electronic hardware components or parts which perform analog or digital functions or operations.) mechanical and wiring elements.
Software
(Application parameter = An application parameter is a software variable containing data that can be changed at the system or software levels; they influence the system’s or software behavior and properties. The notion of application parameter is expressed in two ways:
The specification (including variable names, the domain value range, technical data types, default values, physical unit (if applicable), the corresponding memory maps, respectively).
The actual quantitative data value it receives by means of data application.
Application parameters are not requirements. They are a technical implementation solution for configurability-oriented requirements.)
Sequences and order of integration
Preconditions
Includes:
Safety instructions
Recovery or fallback procedures
Verification activities
Used by these processes:
SWE.5 Software Component Verification and Integration Verification
SYS.4 System Integration and Integration Verification
08-60
Verification Measure (
O1 )
Tool or method used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of a (Measurement = The activity to find the size, quantity or degree of something.) or test under specified conditions to verify specified functionality.Identifies:
Description of test scope, for example fault injection safety case
Classifications, for example black-box or grey-box test
(Measurement = The activity to find the size, quantity or degree of something.) to be performed during the test, for example an optical inspection
Test steps description
Pass/fail criteria, for example from end user survey
Includes:
Simulation scenarios
Emulation
Entry criteria
Equivalence classes and boundary values
Calculations and mathematical functions
Techniques and resources, for example review verification
Verification environment setup and configuration
Sequences
Used by these processes:
HWE.3 Verification against Hardware Design
HWE.4 Verification against Hardware Requirements
SWE.4 Software Unit Verification
SWE.5 Software Component Verification and Integration Verification
SWE.6 Software Verification
SYS.4 System Integration and Integration Verification
SYS.5 System Verification
03-50
Verification Measure Data (
O4 )
Data recorded during the execution of a (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.).Identifies:
Logging data, for example raw data or tool generated output
Values of (Measurement = The activity to find the size, quantity or degree of something.) and calculations
Protocols of simulations
Review data
Includes:
Finding records
Used by these processes:
HWE.3 Verification against Hardware Design
HWE.4 Verification against Hardware Requirements
SWE.4 Software Unit Verification
SWE.5 Software Component Verification and Integration Verification
SWE.6 Software Verification
SYS.4 System Integration and Integration Verification
SYS.5 System Verification
08-58
Verification Measure Selection Set (
O3 )
A set of (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.) selected for a specific purpose.Identifies:
(Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.)
Scope of their application, for example a product variant, regression or a subcomponent
Includes:
Identification of the (Verification measure = Verification measure can be:
Test cases
Measurements
Calculations
Simulations
Reviews
Analyses
Note, that in particular domains certain verification measures may not be applicable, e.g., software units generally cannot be verified by means of calculations or analyses.)
Criteria for re-verification, for example in the case of changes
Dependencies
Used by these processes:
HWE.3 Verification against Hardware Design
HWE.4 Verification against Hardware Requirements
SWE.4 Software Unit Verification
SWE.5 Software Component Verification and Integration Verification
SWE.6 Software Verification
SYS.4 System Integration and Integration Verification
SYS.5 System Verification
15-52
Verification Results (
O4 )
Results of verification activities.Identifies:
Identification information
Log data
Passed and failed results
Not executed/blocked verification activities
Test execution details, for example tester name, role.
Timing information
Includes:
Summary of verification results
References, for example to problem resolution actions.
Used by these processes:
HWE.3 Verification against Hardware Design
HWE.4 Verification against Hardware Requirements
SWE.4 Software Unit Verification
SWE.5 Software Component Verification and Integration Verification
SWE.6 Software Verification
SYS.4 System Integration and Integration Verification
SYS.4
System Integration and Integration Verification
