In brief
- The automotive industry’s profound shift toward software-defined vehicles (SDVs) is leading to a significant increase in software complexity within vehicles
- OEMs are increasingly insourcing software, creating integration challenges that necessitate a new breed of professional: Software systems integrators
- Software systems integrators play a critical role in automotive, bridging the gap between traditional engineering disciplines and software-centric approaches, ensuring seamless integration of disparate software systems within vehicle architectures
In the world of automotive research and development (R&D), seismic shifts are occurring. Once dominated by mechanical engineering and hardware innovations, the automotive industry is now undergoing a profound transformation toward software-defined vehicles (SDVs). This transition is not merely an evolution; it's a revolution, redefining the core of what vehicles are and how they operate. At the heart of this transformation is the drive from waterfall to agile software development driving a trend of OEM’s insourcing software previously done by Tier 1 suppliers, which necessitates a new breed of professionals: The software systems integration hero.
The shift toward software-defined vehicles
The automotive industry's pivot to SDVs is driven by the escalating demand for connectivity, autonomy, electrification and shared mobility services. Vehicles are no longer just modes of transportation; they are becoming sophisticated, connected devices on wheels, brimming with sensors, actuators and advanced computing capabilities. This paradigm shift has led to an exponential increase in the amount and complexity of software within vehicles. Software now controls everything from basic vehicle functions like engine control and braking systems to advanced features such as autonomous driving and infotainment systems.
The challenge of software insourcing
As the importance of software has grown, many OEMs are taking control of their software stack by insourcing software previously owned by Tier 1 automotive suppliers. This change is happening in order to reduce the time of ‘code to car’ in agile development cycles. However, this insourcing brings forth significant challenges, primarily in integrating disparate software systems into a seamless, functioning whole within the vehicle architecture.
The need for a new hero: The software systems integrator
This is where the software systems integration hero comes into play. These professionals are the bridge between the traditional automotive engineering disciplines and the new, software-centric approach. Their role is multifaceted, requiring a deep understanding of both hardware and software, as well as the ability to navigate the complex interdependencies between various vehicle systems.
Skills and responsibilities
The software systems integrator must possess a rare blend of skills:
- Deep technical expertise: Proficiency in software development, systems engineering and an understanding of automotive hardware
- Systems thinking: The ability to see the big picture, understanding how individual components interact within the larger vehicle ecosystem
- Problem-solving: The capacity to tackle complex integration challenges, ensuring that different software systems work together harmoniously
- Communication: Effective communication skills bridge the gap between software developers, hardware engineers and non-technical stakeholders
The role in automotive R&D
In the R&D phase, the software systems integrator plays a crucial role in:
- Defining system architectures: Designing the overall structure of the vehicle's software systems, ensuring scalability and flexibility
- Integration and testing: Merging software from various sources (both insourced and from third-party vendors) and ensuring they operate correctly with the vehicle's hardware
- Quality assurance: Establishing rigorous testing protocols to identify and rectify any issues, ensuring the software meets stringent automotive safety and performance standards
- Continuous improvement: Keeping abreast of technological advancements to continuously refine, optimize and enhance the vehicle's software systems
Conclusion
The transformation toward software-defined vehicles and the insourcing of software development by OEMs is redefining the automotive landscape. This new era demands a novel archetype within the automotive workforce: The software systems integration function. This function is pivotal in melding the realms of hardware and software, driving innovation, and ensuring the seamless operation of increasingly complex and software-reliant vehicles. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the role of the software systems integrator will only grow in importance, marking a new chapter in automotive R&D.
John Makin
As Senior Director in Zoreza Global Automotive, John is responsible for creating and implementing GTM and business strategies. He’s established Zoreza Global’s vision as “accelerating the transformation to software-defined vehicles.” Previously, John held the role of chief technology officer for a large organization involved in complex IT outsourcing; here he gained insights and in-depth experience in the automotive, government, utilities and financial services industries.
