#function point estimation

Project estimation is a quantitative assessment of the total amount of different variables including resources, duration and costs. The types of estimating techniques can be classified as –

Analogous or high level technique

Parametric or calculative technique

Bottom-up or detailed technique that includes all the ground level functions.

There are multiple project estimation techniques that are used by different organizations to analyse various projects. Some of the common techniques are:

Pure expert judgement

Historical data

Wideband Delphi

Source line of code

Use case point

Monte Carlo

Function point

Test case points

Function test points

Out of the above-listed techniques, function point analysis (FPA) is one of the most used in various project estimations.

What is the concept of function point?

The function count measures the functionality from user’s side and depends totally upon incoming and outgoing sources from user’s end. The basis of comparison is accounted by its available quantitative measure and organizational data. FPA has its principle decomposed into functional units. It essentially measures functionality that a user requests or receives and the 5 functional units incorporated into it are-

EI – It’s information entering the system

EO – It’s data which passes the boundary

EI – These are requests for having prompt access to info

ILF – It’s information residing within the system’s boundary

ELF – It’s the data stored in another system which is used only for reference purposes.

Function Point Analysis or FPA covers one very critical and difficult area of project planning that is size estimation. Users often face difficulty in establishing measuring units according to size of the system. Two of the most common methods by which one can do the evaluation are -

Function count

Lines of code

These 5 components can once again be sub-divided into two broadly divisible categories -

1.      Transactional function types

External Inquiry (EQ)

External Output (EO)

External Input (EI)

2.      Data functional types

EIF or External Interface Files

ILF or Internal Logical Files

A sneak peek into the history of function point:

Function Point was developed by Alan Albrecht in 1970s specifically for size estimation while working for IBM. It gained huge recognition as an ideal solution to the problem of size measurement. Function point is also regarded as the best system for measuring size of computer software.

Few of its special features are as follows:

Function point is free of any language tool or methodology used for implementation.

It can be estimated from requirements specification or design specification; hence, the estimation of the development effort in the initial stages.

Function point can directly connect with the necessary statements that can again easily be followed by re-estimate.

It is dependent on the external view of the system by the consumer. Even a non-technical user of the system software can have a better understanding of the function point estimation for measuring.

Function Point Counting Unleashes Business Innovation (Infographic)

In this post, we wanted to take a step back and break down exactly what a function point is and how an IT organization can use them to measure application development productivity, improve IT project planning and estimating, and better manage application service providers. (more…)

Acquiring the all inclusive expenditures of ownership of any given system is a key element before generating the ultimate choice to buy. The total cost of ownership of a system is the mixed expenditures of it, as well as the expenditures of materials, etc. This knowledge should be your first goal, as frequently less highly-priced devices can have a more highly- total cost of ownership than some highly-priced devices, due to repair and materials.

Another element that this information should help you decide upon is the issue of rental vs. ownership. Figuring out whether or not you wish to buy a machine or utilize a rental option can save a little money, based on the needs of your workplace. Booked products can be manufactured with supply plans, and can make a very low price per website when compared with getting products.

The total cost of ownership can dramatically change your perspective on which system you are looking to buy for your workplace. With expenditures per website, repair and other factors all invoice discounting into your overall expenditures associated with getting a multi-purpose producing system, there is much to consider when generating this choice.

Technology has enabled business owners to streamline their businesses, improve their bottom line, and reduce operating costs, among others. In the past, before the invention of computers and software, companies had to spend a large amount of money on equipment and labor. Today, with the availability of state-of-the-art software, we are able to improve performance and productivity of staff at the office or in the factory. However, with the variety of software and business solution out there, it is imperative to find which software and tools to use or what activities can be improved by using software. This is where project evaluation and planning is required. Anyway, before you decide to execute a development project, it is best to estimate the project beforehand using total cost of ownership software.

Managing a software development project is not an easy task. Often times, you will have to deal with missed deadlines, failed test attempts, under-estimated costs, and many more. In addition to this, you will have to estimate the value of a project by its function points. Without the right estimation, your organization is likely to spend more than it needs once the project is run. This is where function point estimation software comes into play.

Function-based sizing helps perform a function point estimation that will be used for analyzing the cost, schedule, reliability, and risk of a project. Without a reliable function based sizing, a software project will be difficult to assess. If you want to have a successful development project that is also cost-effective and efficient, before you start the project you should consider using estimation software that is able to present you with total cost of ownership. Total cost of ownership, or often known as life cycle cost analysis is beneficial in determining the overall costs that will be incurred throughout the development, implementation, maintenance, and replacement of software.