More efficient software for more efficient microchips

What happens when fast-paced agile software development collides with hardware engineering lifecycles that span decades?

#1about 3 minutes

Introduction to software's role at a hardware company

Zeiss provides hardware for various industries, from medical devices to semiconductor manufacturing, where software plays a critical role.

#2about 5 minutes

Understanding the shift from Industry 3.0 to 4.0

The transition from automated assembly lines to interconnected systems like IoT and digital twins creates new challenges for accessing data from legacy hardware.

#3about 2 minutes

The cultural clash between hardware engineers and software developers

Hardware engineering's established standards and physical constraints often conflict with the agile, remote-friendly culture of modern software development.

#4about 4 minutes

Contrasting software and hardware development lifecycles

Software's rapid release cycles conflict with hardware's long lifecycles, where products like factories can operate for decades with infrequent updates.

#5about 2 minutes

Finding the source of truth in hardware projects

Unlike software's focus on customer value, hardware-centric projects must treat the hardware itself as the primary source of truth and value.

#6about 3 minutes

Navigating agile methods in a regulated hardware environment

Agile practices must be adapted to meet the strict compliance, documentation, and waterfall-style processes required for regulated industries like medical devices.

#7about 5 minutes

Adapting quality assurance for hardware-dependent software

Testing software for hardware requires moving beyond standard tools to use physical testbeds, certified procedures, and custom-built simulations.

#8about 3 minutes

Solutions for bridging the hardware and software divide

Effective collaboration requires mutual respect, shared quality ownership, adopting modern tools like Git, and proactive communication between engineering and development teams.

#9about 3 minutes