Independent Assessment Reinforces Process Model and Company Commitment to Develop Highest Quality Products
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (August 16, 2004) - R. L. Polk & Co.'s innovative approach to product development and quality was validated today by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), whose assessment team awarded the company a Level II Capability Maturity Model Integrated (CMMI) rating. The SEI is a joint venture between the U.S. Government and Carnegie-Mellon University. The CMMI rating is their global standard reserved for those companies that exhibit world-class product development capabilities.
Polk's Information Services and Support (IS&S) organization embarked on the CMMI journey less than a year ago and has already experienced tangible results in the form of higher quality products that are developed faster and at a lower cost than ever before.
"We are pleased to be part of a select group of high-performing organizations. The CMMI Level II accreditation will bring real value to our customers," said Kevin Vasconi, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer.
The SEI Assessment team reviewed and analyzed over 1,300 different attributes of projects and processes and concluded that R. L. Polk & Co. was performing at CMMI Level II and was well on its way to CMMI Level III.
"By achieving CMMI Level II, R. L. Polk & Co has demonstrated its ability to produce high-quality products with repeatable, predictable results," said Jeff Dalton, Director of IT Reengineering. "Even as we celebrate this victory, we are working to bring more benefit to our customers while we prepare for CMMI Level III."
About R. L. Polk & Co.
R. L. Polk & Co. is the premier provider of automotive information and marketing solutions. Polk collects and interprets global data, and provides extensive automotive business expertise to help customers understand their market position, identify trends, build brand loyalty, conquest new business and gain a competitive advantage. Polk helps automotive manufacturers and dealers, automotive aftermarket companies, finance and insurance companies, advertising agencies, consulting organizations, government agencies and market research firms make good business decisions. A privately held global firm, Polk is based in Southfield, Mich. with operations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.