Tool certification for functional safety projects

Software tools used to develop functional safety software need to adhere to predefined safety criteria to. Software tool certification services from TÜV SÜD can ensure this.

This certification is particularly vital in safety-critical environments such as automotive, automation, railway, medical, and nuclear sectors.

For many businesses, especially those operating in safety-critical industries, certification of functional safety software development tools offers vital assurance that their development tools are reliable and compliant with regulatory requirements.

Tools that do not meet certification criteria can introduce errors or fail to detect issues in safety-critical systems, which may compromise overall safety. This makes it crucial to thoroughly assess and certify the tools. Yet, clients often face difficulties in selecting and validating tools that will not adversely affect the safety outcomes.

Tool certification not only mitigates the risk of safety-related errors but also ensures adherence to industry standards and guidelines. The complexity of safety standards such as ISO 26262 and IEC 61508 can be time-consuming and costly. As standards are updated, tools must be re-evaluated and potentially re-certified to meet new requirements. Navigating this landscape requires a comprehensive approach.

For individuals involved in safety system development, tool certification provides confidence that the tools they use are vetted and trustworthy, enhancing overall safety and development efficiency. Additionally, regulatory bodies often mandate certification to verify that safety systems meet the required industry standards.

TÜV SÜD is a recognised authority on functional safety. Regulatory bodies worldwide recognise our accredited testing and inspection services.

We provide comprehensive support for all aspects of certification and approval. Our global network supports your international compliance across various markets.

Our regulatory expertise spans deep understanding of both current and emerging standards and regulations. We assist you by planning and executing efficient approval strategies.

We provide a comprehensive set of services for functional safety software development tool certification.

Navigating complex safety standards

We simplify the complexity of safety standards for our clients. Our experts provide clear guidance on the specific requirements of standards like ISO 26262 and IEC 61508, ensuring that your development tools are fully compliant. The certification process ensures that all the relevant standards are covered at once, including IEC 61508, ISO 26262, EN 50128, ISO 25119, IEC 62304, EN 50716 and IEC 60880. We assist in interpreting these standards and applying them effectively to avoid delays and reduce costs.

Mitigating tool impact on safety

Functional safety software development tools can impact the safety of the final system. We offer thorough tool assessments to identify and mitigate any potential impact on safety. Our tool certification services evaluate whether your tools meet the rigorous safety criteria, ensuring they do not compromise the safety of your final product. By conducting comprehensive validation and testing, we help you select tools that enhance rather than undermine safety.

Streamlining certification process and documentation

The certification process has stringent documentation and evidence requirements. Clients need to provide detailed documentation of tool functionalities, defect management, and testing procedures, which can be burdensome and complex. Missteps can result in failed certifications and project delays. Our streamlined certification process and documentation support minimise this burden. Our structured approach to tool certification includes clear guidelines for documentation and validation evidence. We assist in compiling and reviewing necessary documentation, making the certification process more efficient and less error-prone.

Guidance on choosing the right certification approach

Selecting the right certification approach for a tool can be challenging. Clients must choose between different certification options, such as the Functional Safety Mark or Tool Confidence Level (TCL) 1, based on their specific project needs. Each option has its own requirements and benefits, and determining the best fit for their tool can be a difficult decision. We help clients choose the most suitable certification approach for their tools. Whether the chosen option is the Functional Safety Mark or Tool Confidence Level (TCL) 1, we provide tailored advice based on your specific project needs, helping you meet your goals effectively.

Maintaining compliance with evolving standards

It is a continuous challenge to maintain compliance with evolving safety standards and regulations. We support clients to stay informed about changes in standards and ensure that their tools remain compliant, which requires ongoing vigilance and adaptation. Our ongoing assessments and re-certifications ensure that your tools remain up-to-date with the latest regulations. With our proactive approach, we help you navigate changes in standards, maintain compliance, and reduce the risk of non-conformance.