TÜV NORD and Deloitte develop platform for digital homologation

The transformation to the software-defined vehicle (SDV) is in full swing. This has serious consequences for current fleets: While trucks and cars used to be considered 'finished' as soon as they were delivered, software updates are changing vehicles significantly throughout their entire life cycle for the first time in history - including effects on their safety. Such updates are subject to homologation, i.e. official approval.

TÜV NORD and Deloitte are jointly developing a solution to digitize homologation for the first time. This module is an integral part of the 'Deloitte SDV Operate' platform, which enables the management of the entire life cycle of connected vehicles. In the course of homologation, it provides OEMs with a comprehensive solution for managing new vehicle software, from launch to over-the-air (OTA) updates. The platform will be presented by TÜV NORD and Deloitte at IAA Transportation in Hall 12/Stand B02 and is scheduled to go live at the end of this year.

Dr. Elmar Pritsch, Partner and Global Head of SDV at Deloitte, explains: “SDVs are still in their infancy, but we expect software updates to become more frequent and shorter in the future. Fast, efficient and digital homologation is essential to ensure that the transformation towards SDV does not come to a standstill.”

Updates for autonomous driving, brake and engine control and cybersecurity in particular can have far-reaching effects on vehicle safety. In extreme cases, faulty software can endanger human lives. “It is essential to thoroughly test and approve such functions. Our SDV Operate platform digitizes and accelerates the process, creates legal certainty for OEMs and more safety on our roads. This is unique in this form,” says Pritsch.

Improved communication between OEM and certifier

The SDV Operate platform integrates various modules and functions to ensure efficient and transparent homologation. These include:

• Marketplace: Enables the integration, management and monetization of third-party applications.
• Compliance AI Hub: Regional analysis engine and homologation dictionary that support compliance with international regulations.
• OEM Portal: Management of software updates, vehicle types and automation of report analysis.
• Simulation and virtualization: Management of simulation test results and vehicle inventory data to support virtual testing and model changes.
• Subscription and on-demand vehicle functions: Management of fleet and campaign status and provision of new vehicle features on demand.

The platform offers a transparent history and version control for software modules as well as a reduction in costs thanks to simplified work processes. A central portal enables continuous homologation, while detailed reports and analyses show the status of tickets and activities for both OEMs and technical service providers.

“With the SDV Operate platform, TÜV NORD and Deloitte are demonstrating an innovative approach to managing the digital homologation of software-defined vehicles. The platform can be individually tailored to the customer's needs and offers flexible and scalable solutions. It covers the entire process, from the introduction of new vehicles to OTA updates,” emphasizes Leif-Erik Schulte, Head of the Institute for Vehicle Technology and Mobility (IFM) at TÜV NORD.

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