What CMMI is
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a process-improvement framework, now owned and published by ISACA (the current model is CMMI V3.0, released in 2023) and originally developed at Carnegie Mellon University. It gives organisations a structured way to assess and improve how they deliver, across development, services and acquisition, against five maturity levels that run from ad-hoc and unpredictable (Level 1) through managed and defined to quantitatively managed and optimising (Level 5).
Why it matters, and who needs it
For software, IT services and engineering organisations, a CMMI maturity rating is a recognised, third-party signal that delivery is disciplined and repeatable rather than dependent on individual heroics. It is frequently a prerequisite in government, defence and large-enterprise procurement, where buyers want evidence that processes are defined and measured before they award work. The standard is most relevant to organisations bidding into those programmes, or scaling delivery and wanting a credible benchmark for process maturity.
Reaching a maturity level typically involves a gap assessment against your target level, the work to close those gaps and build the evidence base, and a formal appraisal. Level 2 establishes managed processes at the project level; Level 3 raises that to standardised, organisation-wide processes that are tailored per project.
How ABS approaches CMMI
ABS provides CMMI consulting and appraisal support, working with highly experienced certified lead appraisers recognised by the CMMI Institute and consultants who have spent years implementing the model. Formal appraisals are conducted through ISACA-recognised appraisal arrangements. Each engagement starts with a fixed-price scope and a realistic target level, so you know what the path looks like before you commit.
Common questions
Which CMMI domain applies to us?
CMMI for Development suits organisations that build products or software; CMMI for Services suits those that deliver and run services; and CMMI for Supplier Management, formerly CMMI for Acquisition, suits organisations that obtain products and services from suppliers rather than build them in-house. Some organisations are appraised against more than one.
Which maturity level should we target?
Most organisations aim for Maturity Level 2 or Level 3, which is what enterprise and government tenders usually ask for. Level 2 establishes managed processes at project level; Level 3 raises that to standardised, organisation-wide processes that are tailored for each project. ABS supports Level 2 and Level 3 readiness.
Who carries out the appraisal?
A certified Lead Appraiser, through ISACA-recognised appraisal arrangements — not ABS on its own. ABS prepares you for it: a gap assessment against your target level, the work to close those gaps, the evidence base behind each practice, and support through the appraisal itself.
How long does reaching a maturity level take?
There is no fixed timeline. It depends on the level you target, the size of the organisation, how many projects are in scope and how much of the process evidence already exists. You receive a firm timeline with your fixed-price quote.