You are reading part 3 of our series of articles on ASQMS (Automotive Software Quality Management System).
China has set a new global standard with ASQMS. European companies are faced with a choice: follow suit or fall behind. But those who act strategically now can not only keep up, but also play an active role in shaping the future. Eight concrete steps show the way to ASQMS readiness and give you a decisive competitive advantage.
With the consistent introduction of ASQMS and its mandatory application across the entire software supply chain, China is sending a clear signal. Europe, North America, and Japan are faced with the challenge of not falling behind in terms of standardization, compliance, and global competitiveness.
The question is no longer whether ASQMS will become relevant, but how quickly your company will respond.
Think of ASQMS not as an option, but as a requirement if you work with Chinese OEMs or plan to do so. Germany is also currently developing ASQMS-Germany, which is to be synchronized with the Chinese standard and will facilitate market access.
Conduct internal briefings for managers, quality managers, and software teams to explain the purpose and requirements of the standard. Create awareness in your organization at an early stage.
Set up an internal ASQMS competence center or task force to analyze the standard in depth and coordinate its organizational implementation.
Involve cross-functional departments: quality management, engineering, project management, supplier management, and IT security. Only an interdisciplinary approach ensures that all relevant perspectives are taken into account.
Create a systematic mapping matrix to compare your existing processes and standards with the ASQMS requirements. Focus on integration with ASPICE, ISO 26262, and IATF 16949.
Identify overlaps, gaps, and new requirements—especially in the areas of supplier QMS and off-vehicle software. This mapping forms the basis for efficient implementation without unnecessary redundancies.
Since official training outside of China is currently limited, you should explore alternative avenues:
Collaborate with early adopters in China or Germany. Engage consultants or subject matter experts with ASQMS audit experience. Analyze and translate available materials and checklists.
Invest in building up your teams' knowledge. This will pay off in the long term.
Prepare systematically for ASQMS audits: Perform gap analyses, establish internal audits, and continuously maintain your processes and documentation.
Use the ISO 19011 guidelines as a basis and conduct test audits to gradually increase your audit readiness. The earlier you start, the smoother the subsequent certification process will be.
Get involved with ASQMS Deutschland GmbH or international working groups through your OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, or trade associations.
Actively work toward European or global harmonization. Those who get involved early on can help shape the further development of the standard and contribute their own requirements.
Expand your quality management system to include cloud systems, road infrastructure, V2X communication, and connected car platforms—as required by ASQMS.
Raise awareness and train your supply chain and partners for these software-centric quality requirements. A future-proof QMS does not end at your company's boundaries.
Establish a systematic approach to lessons learned and integrate them into your QMS in a structured manner. Use key performance indicators for continuous monitoring and improvement.
Ensure that software quality is implemented preventively and measurably – not just reactively when problems arise.
Active engagement with ASQMS Germany offers the opportunity to help shape European standards. Early involvement reduces long-term risks, avoids additional effort, and lowers the costs of later adjustments.
ASQMS creates uniform expectations and trust, especially when working with international supply chains. Europe and other regions should seize the opportunity to position themselves on an equal footing with China.
Anyone who wants to keep up with or catch up with China must respond to ASQMS early, in a structured and strategic manner. Only a proactive approach can secure competitive advantages and maintain market access in the long term.
Companies that take ASQMS seriously now are positioning themselves as preferred partners for Chinese OEMs and the Chinese market. Those who invest today will be among the leading quality and development partners on the global market tomorrow.
We support you on your path to ASQMS readiness: from gap analysis and mapping with existing standards to audit preparation. With over 40 years of experience in automotive, avionics, and railway, we support you in strategic implementation. Our in-depth expertise in quality management systems is your advantage. We offer customized training and internal audits. We also support you in integrating ASQMS into your existing process landscape. Let’s talk about your ASQMS strategy.
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