What is ISO-IEC 88253:2021

ISO-IEC 88253:2021 is a technical standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This standard provides guidelines and requirements for the specification of safety-related software systems in industries such as aviation, automotive, medical devices, and nuclear power.

Importance of ISO-IEC 88253:2021

ISO-IEC 88253:2021 is essential in ensuring the safety and reliability of software systems used in critical industries. It establishes a systematic approach to identify potential hazards, evaluate risks, and define safety requirements throughout the software development lifecycle. By adhering to this standard, organizations can minimize the occurrence of software failures that could lead to accidents, injuries, or loss of life.

Key Features of ISO-IEC 88253:2021

The standard covers various aspects related to the safety of software systems. These include:

Risk analysis and management: ISO-IEC 88253:2021 provides guidelines on identifying and assessing safety-related risks associated with software systems. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive risk management process that considers both hardware and software components.

Safety requirements specification: The standard outlines the requirements for defining safety-related functional and non-functional requirements. It emphasizes the importance of capturing these requirements in a clear, unambiguous, and verifiable manner.

Verification and validation: ISO-IEC 88253:2021 emphasizes the need for rigorous testing and verification activities throughout the software development lifecycle. It provides guidance on choosing appropriate verification and validation techniques to ensure that safety requirements are met.

Documentation and traceability: The standard emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation throughout the software development process. It promotes traceability between safety requirements, design decisions, implementation details, and test cases.

Conclusion

ISO-IEC 88253:2021 plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of software systems used in critical industries. By providing guidelines and requirements for the specification of safety-related software systems, this standard helps organizations effectively manage risks and prevent accidents caused by software failures. Adhering to ISO-IEC 88253:2021 enhances the overall quality of software development processes and instills confidence in end-users that the software they use is safe and reliable.