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DO-178C Software Tool Qualification Audit Checklist

A detailed checklist for auditing software tool qualification processes in compliance with DO-178C guidelines for aerospace and defense software development.

DO-178C Software Tool Qualification Audit Checklist

by: audit-now
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About This Checklist

The DO-178C Software Tool Qualification Audit Checklist is a critical resource for ensuring the proper qualification and use of software development tools in the aerospace and defense industry. This comprehensive checklist addresses the essential aspects of tool qualification as specified in the DO-178C guidelines, helping organizations to verify that the tools used in the development of safety-critical avionics software meet the required standards of reliability and integrity. By systematically evaluating the tool qualification process, from initial assessment to ongoing maintenance, this checklist enables auditors and quality assurance professionals to mitigate risks associated with tool-induced errors, enhance the overall quality of software development processes, and streamline regulatory compliance efforts in avionics software projects.

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Industry

Aerospace and Defense

Standard

DO-178C - Software Considerations in Airborne Systems

Workspaces

Software Development Offices

Occupations

Software Quality Assurance Specialist
Tool Qualification Engineer
Avionics Software Developer
Certification Specialist
Software Process Improvement Specialist

1
Is the software tool compliant with DO-178C standards?

Select the compliance status of the tool.

To ensure that the software tool adheres to industry standards for safety-critical software.
2
What percentage of qualification tests were successfully completed?

Enter the percentage of tests completed.

To assess the thoroughness of the qualification testing process.
Min: 0
Target: 100
Max: 100
3
Please provide a summary of the tool assessment report.

Summarize the tool assessment report here.

To document the findings and evaluations regarding the software tool.
4
What is the risk assessment level for using this tool?

Select the risk assessment level.

To categorize the risk associated with the use of the software tool.

5
Is the software development process compliant with DO-178C guidelines?

Select the compliance level of the development process.

To ensure that the development process meets the required safety standards.
6
What is the defect density (defects per KLOC) in the software developed?

Enter the number of defects per KLOC.

To measure the quality of the code produced during the development process.
Min: 0
Target: 5
Max: 100
7
When was the last compliance review conducted?

Select the date of the last compliance review.

To track the frequency of compliance reviews and ensure they are conducted regularly.
8
What is the current status of process improvement initiatives?

Select the current status of process improvement.

To evaluate how actively the organization is improving its development processes.

9
Is there an active risk mitigation plan for the software tool?

Select the status of the risk mitigation plan.

To confirm that risks associated with the software tool are being managed appropriately.
10
How many risks have been identified for the software tool?

Enter the number of identified risks.

To quantify the number of risks that require attention.
Min: 0
Target: 0
Max: 100
11
Please provide a summary of the latest risk assessment conducted.

Summarize the risk assessment findings here.

To document the findings and conclusions of the risk assessment.
12
When was the last risk review conducted for the software tool?

Select the date of the last risk review.

To ensure that risks are reviewed regularly and updates are made as required.

FAQs

The main purpose is to ensure that software development tools used in aerospace and defense applications are properly qualified according to DO-178C guidelines, thereby maintaining the integrity and reliability of the software development process.

Tool qualification helps ensure that the tools used in developing safety-critical avionics software perform reliably and as intended, reducing the risk of introducing errors or vulnerabilities into the final software product, thus enhancing overall aviation safety.

The checklist covers areas such as tool assessment, qualification planning, tool operational requirements, tool verification, documentation, configuration management of qualified tools, and ongoing tool maintenance and support.

The audit should involve software quality assurance specialists, tool qualification engineers, avionics software developers, and certification specialists to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the tool qualification process.

Tool qualification audits should be performed when new tools are introduced, when existing tools are significantly updated, and periodically (typically annually) for ongoing projects to ensure continued compliance and effectiveness of the qualified tools.

Benefits

Ensures compliance with DO-178C tool qualification requirements

Reduces risks associated with tool-induced errors in avionics software

Enhances the credibility and reliability of software development processes

Facilitates smoother certification processes for avionics systems

Supports continuous improvement in software development tool selection and use