Lean-Agile Systems Engineering at Bosch Automotive Steering

Starting Point: From Component Platforms to a Unified Systems Engineering Method

Bosch AS began transforming its development methods before adopting lean-agile methods. From 2002 to 2015, it focused on separate platforms for hardware, software, and mechanical components for steering systems. However, it lacked a unified platform for steering systems as a whole. This gap caused extra work and delays in customer projects.

In 2016, Bosch AS recognized the need for a structured approach towards system-level platform development. They developed their own systems engineering (SysEng) method to bring order to steering system development. The Bosch SysEng method fully implemented the Automotive SPICE V-model traceability requirements. Over the next years, they deployed the SysEng method in the Systems Engineering department.

The Bosch SysEng method brought structure to steering system development, but it lacked the agility needed to meet growing market demands and shorter required lead times. By 2018, its limitations became clear, signaling the need for a shift towards agility.

From Traditional toward Agile Development in the Engineering Domains

Bosch AS began its agility journey in the software development department. In 2019, it launched the first two Agile Release Trains (ARTs) together with coach Simon Porro from wibas.

Bosch staff took courses like "Leading SAFe," "SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager," and "SAFe for Teams." These trainings equipped them to align teams and leaders with agile principles, ensuring consistency across the organization.

From 2021 to 2022, Bosch launched an additional software (SW) ART, two electrical/electronic (HW) development ARTs, and five mechanical engineering (ME) ARTs. This success marked a key step in adopting lean-agile practices across various engineering fields.

From Traditional to Lean-Agile Systems Engineering

While providing structure, the Bosch systems engineering method fell short in addressing long lead times, high complexity, and fostering cross-domain collaboration.

In 2021, Bosch AS decided to launch a new Platform System (PSYS) ART with the goal to get better and faster at managing steering system complexity. The PSYS ART would have to unite all 10 (HW, SW and ME) ARTs. Simon Porro was asked to coach the initiative..

First, Bosch leaders Uwe Gommel, Matthias Stroessner, and Michael Friedel, supported by Simon Porro, adapted the Bosch AS SysEng approach to become more agile, shifting from ‘grand design’ to iterative and incremental systems engineering for small increments of system functionality.

Next, we launched the PSYS ART and synchronized it with the 10 other component-level ARTs on a 9-weeks PI cadence. Ways of cross-team and cross-ART collaboration were defined, intensively discussed and negotiated with all stakeholders, and therafter implemented.

One key event, the ‘Roadmap Alignment’ workshop, was implemented halfway each PI. This event brings together all stakeholders, all ART leadership teams and all roadmaps to jointly align and negotiate priorities and dependencies for the upcoming two PI’s.

Results and Benefits

The transformation brought considerable benefits:

• Improved Transparency and More Realistic Expectations: Implem​enting Agile Release Trains has significantly increased transparency and predictability. Management is much more aware of what is (im)possible. This allows them to better manage their expectations.
• Increased Platform Stability and Adaptability: The shift to lean-agile systems engineering has reduced the feedback and learning cycles to 9 weeks. This made the platform more stable and more adaptable. This in turn allowed for periodic (on PI cadence) review and adaptation of product and feature roadmaps to changing market demands.
• Improved Alignment on Priorities: ’Roadmap alignment’ workshops helped Bosch AS to align priorities, dependencies and efforts across all ARTs and all stakeholders. This improved focus, reduced lead times, and increased delivery predictability.
• Cross-Domain Collaboration: The PSYS ART boosted teamwork across all engineering domains. Teams now spot and tackle risks earlier in development cycles. This approach cuts complexity and enhances quality.
• Efficiency Gains: Based on significantly improved platform maturity, customer projects now require less engineering effort before Start of Production (SOP).

Key Learnings

• Transformation leadership is key: The proactive involvement of leaders like Uwe Gommel, Matthias Stroessner, and Michael Friedel was critical to the success of the transformation. Their vision and commitment guided the launch of the PSYS ART and the broader adoption of lean-agile systems engineering practices.
• Tailoring is Key: Agile principles must be married with local practices. The shift from waterfall to lean-agile systems engineering required rethinking the Bosch Systems Engineering method to embrace iterative and incremental work cycles.
• ​Alignment on Roadmaps is Key: Roadmap alignment workshops proved indispensable in creating a shared vision and fostering collaboration and prioritization across all stakeholders. This shared vision across all Engineering domains empowers and inspires the ARTs and the teams.