The Quality of Your Code is the Quality of Your Brand - and it's Time to Pay Attention to Software Testing

Competition in the automotive industry is intense, and successful companies must constantly innovate by introducing new technology to differentiate and improve their brands. As a result, today's vehicles have evolved from a mechanical device into an integrated machine with embedded software powering performance in all major systems including: engine control, power train, suspension, braking, and entertainment. Consider a few of these incredible statistics: today's vehicles have more computer processing power than NASA's early spacecraft. An "average modern high end car" has more lines of code than an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. And finally, many automobiles actually have an addressable IP address. These technological improvements are driving brand success stories, as modern consumers' experiences are shaped more by the software than the hardware. A strong brand can create significant value in the automotive industry as a focus on integrated technology helps to drive brand loyalty and value. According to Interbrand's 15th annual Best Global Brands Report, the collective value of the automotive brands appearing on the Global Brands ranking increased 14.6 percent. Three out of the five " Top Risers" listed were from the automotive sector, making the 15th annual report a record-breaking one for the auto industry. However, statistics also show that more than 50 percent of auto recalls are now due to software bugs, not mechanical issues. With an industry average of 5-10 bugs per thousand lines of code, the errors can pile up fast. As automobiles evolve from mechanical to software devices, automakers must rethink fundamental product development principles, including moving from a sequential, compartmentalized design process to a more agile approach, with higher degrees of collaboration between self-directed, cross-functional teams. This paper will outline why software quality needs to be at the top of the list for automotive OEMs looking to preserve - and elevate - their brand status. For quality to improve, continuous integration and continuous software testing are a necessity. While software testing has traditionally been viewed as a development expense, we will explain that when developed properly, software tests are an asset similar to source code that should provide value over the entire product life cycle. Well-designed tests allow regressions to be caught prior to product release, and lead to a reduction in branch damage and costs associated with product recalls.