Architecting complex embedded systems: An industrial case study

Abstract

This paper studies the current state of architecting practices in three different industrial segments which are characterized by being software-intensive. The context of the six different companies as well as the architecting practices are compared and analyzed. The methods used to solve the tasks within the architecting process are mapped to the context where it has been used in industry. An analysis of the case study indicates how different methods are more suitable in different environments. Many of the successful practices found in the study can be explained by external factors related to the context of the different companies. Others relate to the internal structure of the organization, including its maturity which is measured by assessment through an adaption of the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI).