Modern agricultural and forestry machines are complex, software-driven systems. Electronic control units, networked functions, and autonomous work processes increase efficiency and productivity, while also posing high demands on functional safety. ISO 25119 is the central international standard for functional safety in agricultural and forestry machines.
Embedded systems drive nearly every safety-critical function today. Where steering, braking, propulsion, or assistance systems are implemented software-based, reliable control software is crucial. High-quality software starts with excellent models. This is where MES comes in. With our in-depth expertise in ISO 25119-compliant software development, we support companies in implementing functional safety efficiently, in a structured and audit-compliant manner.
Embedded Software and Certified Tools for ISO 25119 Compliance
Modern agricultural and forestry machines rely on software to perform safety-critical tasks, including:
Electronic steering and braking systems
Powertrain and hydraulic control systems
Controls for attachments and implements
Driver assistance systems
Semi- and fully autonomous functions
ISO 25119 sets clear rules for software development, including defined processes, traceability of requirements, and robust architectures. This ensures that the software not only works, but also is safe and reliable through quality assurance, systematic fault detection, and diagnostic mechanisms. High-quality software models form the basis for safe control units. Errors identified early in the modeling phase significantly reduce project risks and increase development quality in the long term. MES supports companies with comprehensive expertise in ISO 25119-compliant software development.
MXAM ensures comprehensive static analysis, while MoRe automates layouting and streamlines model refactoring for enhanced modeling efficiency and accuracy.
Capture all the decision-making data that you need throughout the software development life cycle in one place: MQC.
Certified for ISO 25119, IEC 61508, and ISO 26262
The Model Examiner is certified by TÜV SÜD as a T2 Offline Support Tool for use in safety-relevant embedded software development in compliance with ISO 26262, IEC 61508, and ISO 25119. Designed for function developers, testers, and quality managers in model-based development on the MATLAB®/Simulink®, Embedded Coder®, and TargetLink® platforms.
ISO 25119 in the Context of Other Safety Standards
ISO 25119 is part of a set of standards relating to functional safety and machine safety. Different standards are used depending on the industry and application:
ISO 26262
Specifically for road vehicles, it introduces the Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) and focuses on vehicles operating in public road traffic.
IEC 61508
The Basic Safety Publication for functional safety, defining cross-industry requirements for electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic systems.
ISO 13849
From classic machine safety, it is often used in general mechanical engineering and introduces performance levels (PL) a to e.
What are the key features of ISO 25119?
This standard is characterized by:
The introduction of the Agricultural Performance Level (AgPL) from a to e
Clear focus on complex electrical, electronic, and programmable systems (E/E/PES)
Detailed requirements for software development processes
Specific consideration of typical agricultural operating conditions
ISO 25119 directly addresses the increasing software and system complexity of modern agricultural and forestry machinery and provides a comprehensive basis for the development of safe and reliable systems.
The Future of Functional Safety According to ISO 25119
The future of functional safety according to ISO 25119 lies in continuous development and adaptation to new technologies. With increasing automation, autonomous driving functions, and networked machines, system complexity is rising significantly. Today, safety requirements must address not only functional risks but also aspects such as cybersecurity, system integration, and over-the-air (OTA) updates.
ISO 25119 provides the structural framework for systematically integrating safety measures into development processes. Developers who establish robust safety architectures at an early stage lay the foundation for future-proof product platforms. Companies that consistently integrate ISO 25119 into their software development processes and rely on qualified tools not only ensure compliance, but also long-term product quality and innovation capability.
MES is your experienced partner for ISO 25119-compliant embedded software development.
At MES, we are proud of our long-standing partnerships with numerous OEMs worldwide who use our solutions in their software development processes. Our experience in the automotive industry and other sectors has taught us how crucial safety is in software development.
How do we integrate safety into software development?
In our video, we explain why safety is a critical factor and how our solutions help develop reliable, high-quality, and safe software. We support customers such as OTIS, Stihl, BSH, Vaillant, CLAAS, and Linde in developing software that meets the highest safety standards. Our mission is clear: we want to contribute to a world of reliable and secure embedded systems.
