Real-Life Challenges in Automotive Release Planning

Context: The use of agile software development is increasing, even in regulated domains like the automotive domain. At the same time, traditional sequential processes are still in use. Collaboration between agile and hybrid projects within these complex traditional product development processes is difficult. Especially the creation and synchronization of a qualification phase plan is challenging. Objective: The aim of this study is to provide insights into the state of the practice to understand challenges related to the combined use of agile and traditional paradigms in release planning in the automotive domain. Method: Based on semi-structured interviews, an online survey with 39 respondents was conducted at Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG. Results: We present the challenges identified in release planning, such as lack of transparency regarding the status quo of related projects. Furthermore, we motivate how agile development methods could improve collaboration between projects in release planning. Conclusions: There are many challenges in the context of co-existing agile and traditional projects. We discuss how agile practices like daily standup or continuous integration could address the identified challenges.