Function Based Sizing in SEER for Software (SEER-SEM)

Save Time and Money on Your Next Software Project with SEER-SEM’s Function Based Sizing

On average, three out of every four software projects are not finished on time or within budget. Why? Viable estimates and resulting plans are often the weakest link in software project management. Without effective estimation, deadlines can be missed, the quality of products can costs can be miscalculated, and the quality of deliverables can be directly impacted.

One of the difficulties in generating a viable estimate is determining the scope (size) of the problem. SEER provides a complete system of estimating both the size of a system and its cost, schedule, and risk. Sizing can be performed via any number of functional sizing methods or SEER’s own function based sizing. Function based sizing performs a function point estimation using clear, simple inputs, then performs a cost, schedule, risk, reliability analysis based on function points estimated.

Using SEER-SEM’s Function Based Sizing, software projects can now be effectively sized (as via function point estimation) without delving into source code or requiring detailed specifications. Unlike traditional function point estimation or counting, no specialized training is required. If you have general specifications SEER-SEM’s Function Based Sizing can enable you to produce a highly useful size estimate and the resulting function point estimation.

What is Function Based Sizing?

Function Based Sizing is a system for sizing software projects based on what the software does. It identifies the software’s operation as specific actions which are categorized by type. In addition to provide size estimation, SEER Function Based Sizing performs a function point estimation and a resulting function point estimating result including cost, schedule, effort,, and reliability. Function points is a method of software sizing (also referred to as function point estimating). It is a widely used industry standard and is recognized as an ISO/EIC standard software metric.

Software Sizing Simplified

SEER-SEM’s Function Based Sizing is designed to make software sizing easy. By breaking down the main function categories formalized by the International Function Point User Group (IFPUG) into easy-to-identify functions such as input screens printed reports, and menus, it tells you what to enter in plain straightforward language. Then, it organizes your inputs in a coherent and logical format and accurately estimates software size base upon the number of function points entered.

In addition to all of the IFPUG function categories for function point estimation, SEER-SEM’s Function Based Sizing also includes an additional category ‘Internal Functions’. This category is particularly useful for estimating applications in embedded systems, as well as for those involving processes such as data reduction, data analysis, monitoring, data compression and encryption.

SEER-SEM’s Function Based estimating is the ideal solution for estimating the time and effort needed to develop or maintain software, compare different software systems, or quantify your existing software portfolio assets.

Learn more about how SEER SEM Function Based Sizing can help your organization take the guess work out of function point estimating and sizing software projects.