Krishnan Puthucode

Indian software firms like Infosys, Wipro and Polaris are using Integrated Component Maturity Model (CMMI) in their software processes but their usage has been limited to a single component of the model, namely software (CMMI-SW).

Embedded Systems & Software (EmSyS), a business unit of Electrical & Electronics Division (EBG) of L&T has become the first systems company in the world to implement and be assessed for using all components of the CMMI Level 5 model at its Mysore facility. The company is using version 1.1 of CMMI for systems engineering, software, engineering, integrated product, process development and supplier sourcing.

L&T EmSyS is one of the very few companies having expertise in hardware, firmware, design and manufacturing.
There has been a direct impact on L&T’s processes after the CMMI assessment. Before using the CMMI model, L&T EmSyS’ defects per 1,000 lines of code stood at six per 1,000. Post assessment the defect rate has come down to less than 0.7 per 1,000. The design cycle time to develop new products has been cut by half. Said Krishnan Puthucode, director, Software Quality Centre, “L&T is now able to catch 70 percent of defects during the product inspection and another 30 percent during testing.” With the CMMI Level 5 model, companies do not have to invest in multiple processes for assessment and that is a direct saving to the company. The price for CMMI assessment for all components is on par with CMM.

Added Puthucode, “We started this project as a pilot in early 2001 and today we have won customer appreciation in providing training and guidance for using CMMI in L&T.” One consultant and a lead assessor helped L&T for CMMI Level 5 appraisal.

Having successfully completed the L&T assessment, SQC India is gearing up for its second CMMI assessment. SQC is also talking to WeP, BPL Software Energy Systems and GE Medical Systems regarding CMMI assessments.