New major release:

Microsoft 365 integration, enhanced assurance methodology support and more

Adelard, part of NCC Group, is pleased to announce the release of ASCE 5.2, the latest version of its specialist assurance case software. ASCE helps organisations develop, manage and communicate assurance, safety and security cases for complex, high-integrity, and safety-critical systems.

This release introduces native Microsoft 365 integration and enhanced support for the evolving Assurance 2.0 methodology. It also delivers a range of usability, plugin and platform improvements designed to enhance the user experience.

As with previous releases, customers can expect a smooth upgrade experience. ASCE 5.2 is now the recommended version of ASCE and is available for download from the dedicated ASCE Support website.

What's new in ASCE 5.2?

Microsoft 365 integration

ASCE 5.2 introduces native integration with Microsoft SharePoint and OneDrive, helping organisations connect assurance cases with the documents and evidence already managed within Microsoft 365. This supports improved traceability, more efficient evidence management and better collaboration across teams.

Enhanced support for Assurance 2.0

Drawing on Adelard's ongoing work in assurance methodologies, ASCE 5.2 enhances the ASCAD schema to align more closely with the evolving Assurance 2.0 methodology. Extending traditional Claims-Arguments-Evidence (CAE) approaches, Assurance 2.0 is designed to support organisations facing increasingly complex systems, evolving technologies and growing assurance challenges. These enhancements help users develop clearer, more transparent and more rigorous assurance arguments, supporting greater confidence in assurance outcomes.

Improved user experience

ASCE 5.2 introduces a range of interface and workflow improvements to help users navigate and work within ASCE more efficiently, including an updated project creation experience, modernised plugin interfaces, new Microsoft 365 integration dialogs, and more.

Plugin enhancements

All core plugins in ASCE 5.2 have been updated for a consistent and intuitive experience across the platform. The release also includes enhancements to the Modular GSN plugin, helping organisations better align to the latest Goal Structuring Notation (GSN) version 3 standard when developing assurance cases. Additional improvements help users incorporate assurance reports and exports into broader corporate workflows, while enhanced notifications and error messaging provide clearer feedback and a more seamless user experience.

ASCE Extensibility API

For users developing custom extensions or integrations, the ASCE Extensibility API has also been updated for ASCE 5.2. The latest API documentation is available to download from the ASCE Support website.