Embedded Software Architecture Consulting
Our embedded software architecture consulting is for teams building, migrating or rescuing an embedded product. We assess and design embedded software architecture vendor-agnostically – from the board through the operating system to the HMI. As a sparring partner at eye level, we bring many years of experience in hardware-related software and give you defensible decisions instead of vague advice: which platform, which technology and which path will carry your product across its entire lifetime.
What does our embedded software architecture consulting cover?
We assess, design and harden embedded architectures – from greenfield to an existing product.
- Architecture from the ground up: a durable embedded software architecture for new builds, from layering to interface planning
- Architecture & code reviews: an independent code audit of existing systems with prioritised, concrete actions
- Technology & platform selection: RTOS vs. Embedded Linux, SoC and board choice, Qt versus the alternatives
- Feasibility studies & risk analysis: before budget flows in an uncertain direction
- Update, OTA and boot strategy: maintainable systems that can be updated safely
Whether it’s modern C++, the operating system or the update concept – we look at the whole stack, not just a single layer. That way we assess decisions in context rather than in isolation, and surface the interactions between hardware, system software and application early.
When should you bring in architecture consulting?
Consulting is most effective before expensive decisions are set in stone – but a stalled project can be realigned too.
- Before main development starts, while the platform and architecture are still open
- Before a redesign or major refactoring, to find the right seams
- To rescue a stalled project that keeps slipping deadlines or staying unstable
- During a migration – Qt5 → Qt6, a change of vendor BSP or a new SoC generation
- As an independent second opinion on a decision you’re already weighing
The earlier a well-founded decision is made, the cheaper it is – often avoiding a costly redesign altogether. And even when a project is already underway, a structured outside perspective often brings the clarity that has been lost in day-to-day operations.
Which topics and technologies do we cover?
Our expertise runs from the board to the user interface and covers the terms you are actually searching for.
- Architecture fundamentals: layered architecture, design patterns, concurrency & multi-process, state machines
- Embedded Linux: board bring-up, device tree, kernel and driver questions, BSP, reproducible CI builds
- Yocto Project: custom layers & recipes, distribution maintenance, a maintainable update path
- Real-time & platform: RTOS selection, PREEMPT_RT, boot-time optimisation, Secure Boot, hardware/software partitioning
- UI/HMI: Qt & QML, EGLFS, Wayland, OpenGL/Vulkan, Qt5 → Qt6
- Operations: OTA update strategy with RAUC, SWUpdate or Mender, A/B updates
We treat these as areas of expertise in which we advise you – not as a checklist of certifications.
How does a consulting engagement work?
A typical engagement starts with a compact assessment and ends with an actionable deliverable.
- Kickoff & assessment – we capture requirements, hardware and the current architecture
- Workshop or review – together we weigh options, risks and the most durable path
- Deliverable – an architecture document, recommendation report or prioritised review report with concrete, actionable steps
On request we accompany the implementation that follows, or support your team through team augmentation. We work remotely and on-site when needed.
Why bitshift dynamics for architecture consulting?
Because we oversee the entire embedded stack from one place – from the board to the HMI.
We bring many years of experience in hardware-related software, give vendor-agnostic recommendations and work as a sparring partner at eye level rather than a mere implementer. Our base in Lörrach in the tri-border region (DE/CH/FR) keeps us regionally close, and collaboration is available in German and English. You’ll find concrete reference projects in our portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does an architecture review take?
- It depends on scope: a focused review of a single component can be done in a few days, while a full system and code architecture takes proportionally longer. After a short assessment we give you a concrete timeframe.
- Do you also implement the architecture afterwards?
- Yes – on request we accompany the implementation or take it on with our C++, Qt and Embedded Linux teams. Whether it's advice only or delivery from one hand is your call.
- Do you work with our existing team and code?
- Yes. We review existing code, realign stalled projects and work closely with your engineers – including knowledge transfer, so the result stays with your team.
- Are your recommendations vendor-agnostic?
- Yes. We recommend platforms, SoCs and frameworks based on your requirements, not on partner commissions – vendor-agnostic and built for the lifetime of your product.
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Learn more →Let's talk about your project
Whether it's a new product, modernizing an existing application, or a bottleneck in your team – we look forward to hearing from you.
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