TISAX
Automotive standard for trusted information security assessments
CMMI
Global framework for process maturity and improvement
Quick Verdict
TISAX ensures automotive supply chain security via standardized assessments, while CMMI drives process maturity for predictable delivery. Automotive firms adopt TISAX for OEM contracts; software/defense organizations use CMMI for quality and competitiveness.
TISAX
Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange
Key Features
- Standardized exchange of assessments via ENX portal
- Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
- Risk-based levels: AL1 self, AL2 remote, AL3 on-site
- Maturity model scoring controls 0-5 scale
- Three-year label validity without surveillance audits
CMMI
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
Key Features
- Maturity Levels 0-5 for organizational progression
- 25 Practice Areas across 4 Category Areas
- SCAMPI A/B/C appraisals for benchmarking
- Staged and continuous representations
- Generic practices for process institutionalization
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
TISAX Details
What It Is
TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is an industry framework developed by the ENX Association and VDA for standardizing information security assessments in the automotive supply chain. Its primary purpose is to verify protection of sensitive data like prototypes and IP through risk-based evaluations. It uses the VDA ISA catalog (version 5.0.4/6.0), building on ISO 27001 with automotive-specific controls.
Key Components
- Seven control groups: Policy, Organization, Personnel, Physical Security, Access, Operations, Supplier Relationships.
- 70+ controls assessed at maturity levels 0-5.
- Three assessment levels: AL1 (self), AL2 (remote), AL3 (on-site).
- Modular objectives: information security, prototype protection, data protection; labels valid 3 years via ENX portal.
Why Organizations Use It
OEMs mandate it contractually for suppliers, preventing revenue loss and access denial. It reduces duplicate audits (70-90% efficiency), enhances market access, mitigates breaches (€4.5M average cost), and builds trust in €2.5T supply chain.
Implementation Overview
Phased: preparation/gap analysis (1-3 months), remediation/tabletops (3-9 months), audit/certification (2-4 months), ongoing sustainment. Applies to OEMs, Tier 1/2 suppliers, services; scalable for SMEs to globals; requires ENX-accredited auditors.
CMMI Details
What It Is
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a performance improvement framework developed by the Software Engineering Institute and now governed by ISACA. It provides a structured approach to process institutionalization across development, services, and acquisition domains, using maturity and capability levels to benchmark and enhance organizational performance.
Key Components
- 4 Category Areas (Doing, Managing, Enabling, Improving) with 12 Capability Areas and 25 Practice Areas in v2.0.
- Maturity Levels 0-5 and Capability Levels 0-3.
- Specific and generic practices for goal achievement and institutionalization.
- SCAMPI appraisals (Classes A/B/C) for formal benchmarking.
Why Organizations Use It
- Improves predictability, reduces rework, boosts productivity (up to 61%).
- Meets contractual requirements in defense and regulated sectors.
- Enhances risk management and stakeholder confidence.
- Provides competitive edge through certified maturity ratings.
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: assessment, piloting, rollout, appraisal, sustainment.
- Applies to mid-to-large organizations in IT, software, aerospace.
- Involves training, tooling, change management; requires authorized appraisals for ratings.
Key Differences
| Aspect | TISAX | CMMI |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Information security in automotive supply chain | Process improvement across development/services |
| Industry | Automotive suppliers/OEMs, Europe-focused | Software, defense, multi-industry global |
| Nature | Industry-specific security assessment | Voluntary process maturity framework |
| Testing | AL1-3 audits by ENX providers, 3-year validity | SCAMPI A/B/C appraisals by certified appraisers |
| Penalties | Contract loss, no legal fines | No penalties, lost business opportunities |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about TISAX and CMMI
TISAX FAQ
CMMI FAQ
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