This paper examines the use of process maturity models for the evaluation and improvement of the development process of mechatronic products. It summarizes the characteristics of this process, before maturity models for process evaluation are selected and shortly described. The popular process assessment models CMMI and SPICE are compared to specific maturity models, which were especially developed for the realization of mechatronic products. The models are evaluated according to 24 criteria. With the infor-mation gained, potentials and weaknesses of the models are described. The main problems of managing development processes are their complexity and variety. It remains questionable if such kind of process can be managed by a universal maturity model. Finally, the paper gives recommendations how the models could be improved, to increase their benefit for the development process of mechatronic products.      «

This paper examines the use of process maturity models for the evaluation and improvement of the development process of mechatronic products. It summarizes the characteristics of this process, before maturity models for process evaluation are selected and shortly described. The popular process assessment models CMMI and SPICE are compared to specific maturity models, which were especially developed for the realization of mechatronic products. The models are evaluat...     »