Online assessments: Automotive SPICE® assessments are also conducted remotely in the course of the corona crisis - A first conclusion
June 19, 2020
Remote assessments were long considered an unsuitable alternative and were not even accepted by many of our customers . However, the current situation now makes it necessary to be flexible here as well. The Guideline for Remote Process Assessments, which was recently published by intacs, should be taken into account when planning and carrying out the assessments.
Find out as follows which experiences we have gained from the remote assessments we have carried out so far:
Notes especially for assessors:
A remote assessment has advantages but also disadvantages. On the one hand, travel times and costs can be reduced, and assessment interviews can be planned more flexibly. On the other hand, however, this is balanced out by the increased time required. In addition, the non-verbal communication that is important in assessments is neglected. This can be counteracted at most with good video conferencing technology.
Find out as follows which experiences we have gained from the remote assessments we have carried out so far:
- Even more important than in an onsite assessment is the provision of documents in advance, because a detailed view of the documents during the interview is made difficult, as a frequent change of documents costs time.
- Instead of a possible workplace visit, pictures may be exchanged if necessary.
- Suitable online tools (virtual whiteboards) replace joint drawings on flipcharts for better understanding (e.g. explanation of the system context).
- It is not possible to carry out an assessment with a single assessor, because the effort for the assessor increases significantly as more attention is required.
- Close-ups should also be available during the video conference. A pure picture of the other meeting room is hardly helpful, since it is usually not even possible to localize who is currently speaking.
- Rules of communication are established, for example use of functions such as "hand signals" and "mute".
- The participants may be in different time zones. This should be taken into account when planning the agenda.
Notes especially for assessors:
- Searching in systems is harder to track because assessors only get the results transferred.
- Assistance from third parties (e.g. the QA) usually goes unnoticed, as there may be side conversations in the room.
- If possible, three monitors should be used: Video transmission (in large screen), file transmission, own notes. If necessary, this can be realized with a second laptop.
- Please note that breaks are used for consolidation, but also for personal needs and catering. In addition, computer-free times are strongly recommended, as the need for attention is significantly higher when working alone with several screens than when working together in one room. In the home office, "disturbances" from the family environment can also occur.
A remote assessment has advantages but also disadvantages. On the one hand, travel times and costs can be reduced, and assessment interviews can be planned more flexibly. On the other hand, however, this is balanced out by the increased time required. In addition, the non-verbal communication that is important in assessments is neglected. This can be counteracted at most with good video conferencing technology.
