Architecture Inspection Checklist

Baselibs Architecture Inspection Checklist		status: draft safety: ASIL_B
realizes: wp__sw_arch_verification
doc__baselibs_arc_inspection		Generic Document

Purpose

The purpose of the software architecture checklist is to ensure that the design meets the criteria and quality as defined per S-CORE processes and guidelines for feature and component architectural design elements. It helps to check the compliance with requirements, identify errors or inconsistencies, and ensure adherence to best practices. The checklist guides evaluation of the architecture design, identifies potential problems, and aids in communication and documentation of architectural decisions to stakeholders.

Checklist

Table 2 Architecture Design Review Checklist

Review Id	Acceptance criteria	Type	Guidance	passed	Remarks	Issue link
ARC_01_01	Is the traceability from software architectural elements to requirements, and other level architectural elements (e.g. component to interface) established according to the “Relations between the architectural elements” as described in doc_concept__arch_process?	automated	Trace should be checked by Sphinx. Will be removed from checklist once requirement is implemented.
ARC_01_02	If the architectural element is related to any supplier manuals (incl. safety and security) are the relevant parts covered?	manual	If the architecture makes use of supplied elements, their manuals (like safety) have to be considered (i.e. its provided functionality matches the expectation and assumptions are fulfilled). Note that in case of safety component this means that assumed Technical Safety Requirements and AoUs of the safety manual are covered.
ARC_01_03	Is the architectural element traceable to the lower level artifacts as defined by the workproduct traceability?	automated	Will be removed from checklist once requirement is implemented by automated tool check. Details of possible linking can be depicted from traceability concept
ARC_02_01	Is the software architecture design compliant with the (overall) feature architecture?	manual	On component level check against the feature architecture, on feature level check other features with common components used.
ARC_02_02	Is appropriate and comprehensible operation/interface naming present in the architectural design?	manual	Check gd_guidl__arch_design
ARC_02_03	Are correctness of data flow and control flow within the architectural elements considered?	manual	E.g. examine definitions, transformations, integrity, and interaction of data; check error handling, data exchange between elements, correct response to inputs and documented decision making. Note: consistency is ensured by the process/tooling, by defining each interface only once.
ARC_02_04	Are the interfaces between the software architectural element and other architectural elements well-defined?	manual	Check if the interface reacts on non-defined behavior or errors; can established protocols be used; are the interfaces for inputs, outputs, error codes documented; is loose coupling considered and only limited exposure; can unit or integration test be written against the interface; data amount transferred; no sensitive data exposure;
ARC_02_05	Does the software architectural element consider the timing constraints (from the parent requirement)?	manual	If there are hard requirements on the timing a programming time estimation should be performed and also deadline supervision considered.
ARC_02_06	Is the documentation of the software architectural element, including textual and graphical descriptions (e.g., UML diagrams), comprehensible and complete?	manual	Use of semi-formal notation is expected for architectural elements with an allocated ASIL level. Is the architecture template correctly filled?
ARC_03_01	Is the architectural element modular and encapsulated?	manual	Check e.g. that only minimal interfaces are used. Design should be object oriented. Interfaces and interactions are clearly defined. Usage of access types (private, protected) properly set. Limited global variables.
ARC_03_02	Is the suitability of the software architecture for future modifications and maintainability considered?	manual	Check for e.g. loose coupling, separation of concerns, high cohesion, versioning strategy for interfaces, decision records, use of established design patterns.
ARC_03_03	Are simplicity and avoidance of unnecessary complexity present in the software architecture?	manual	Indicators for complexity are: number of use cases (corresponding to dynamic diagrams) allocated to single design element, number of interfaces and operations in an interface, function parameters, global variables, complex types, limited comprehensibility. Note: If the “number” above exceeds “3” a design rationale is mandatory (for all types)
ARC_03_04	Is the software architecture design following best practices and design principles?	manual	Refer to architectural guidelines and recommendations within the project documentation.