The Automotive SPICE Process Assessment Model (PAM) comprises a set of assessment indicators of process performance and process capability. The indicators are used as a basis for collecting the objective evidence that enables an assessor to assign ratings.

The Automotive SPICE Process Reference Model with the associated process attributes defined in ISO/IEC 15504-2 provides a common basis for performing assessments process capability, allowing for the reporting of results using a common rating scale.

The Process Assessment Model defines a two-dimensional model of process capability. In one dimension, the process dimension, the processes are defined and classified into process categories. Within a process category, processes are grouped into process groups at a second level according to the type of activity they address.

In the other dimension, the capability dimension, a set of process attributes grouped into capability levels is defined. The process attributes provide the measurable characteristics of process capability.

Figure 1 shows the relationship between the general structure of the Process Assessment Model, ISO/IEC 15504-2 and the Automotive SPICE Process Reference Model.

The Automotive SPICE Process Assessment Model is conformant with the ISO/IEC 15504-2 requirements for a Process Assessment Model, and can be used as the basis for conducting an assessment of process capability.