However, to utilize these advantages, you must have a clear understanding of what you should be paying for an outsourced project. Without knowing the “should cost”, there is a strong likelihood that you will either be paying too much or requiring more hands-on attention than you originally anticipated.

A should cost analysis provides a solution that can give you the knowledge, data, and framework to empower you with the information you need to determine fair market pricing when negotiating with outsourced vendors. With the SEER project management tools from Galorath, you can create an accurate should cost model that enables you to effectively negotiate with suppliers while maximizing profitability through the optimization of a variety of critical parameters.

SEER’s “should cost” models provide the credible and defendable estimates necessary to effectively negotiate and give the insight to compare outsourcing options with in-house capabilities.

For nearly three decades, Galorath Incorporated has been dedicated to the mathematical science of parametrics in the application of cost estimation technology, developing solutions that assist project estimation, planning and management. SEER by Galorath solutions combine an intuitive interface, extensive project-applicable knowledge bases, sophisticated should-cost and project-modeling technologies and rich reporting features to accurately forecast real-world outcomes by combining advanced modeling technology with a database of industry and user-defined metrics.

• SEER for Software


SEER for Software provides a systematic approach for estimating the resources and scheduling that software development and maintenance projects require. Along with an unparalleled capability for trade-off and risk analysis, SEER contributes to the generation of realistic project plans, thus increasing the probability of a project’s success.

• SEER for Hardware, Electronics & Systems


SEER for Hardware, Electronics and Systems provides total cost of ownership for the development of components, systems and integrated product assemblies from concept through design, test, production, operations and support.

• SEER for Information Technology


SEER for IT enables organizations to develop an early, accurate assessment of costs, schedules and risks for IT projects and their operations, helping to maximize productivity and output with fixed or declining budgets.

• SEER for Manufacturing


SEER for Manufacturing estimates part and assembly manufacturing costs. All state-of-practice and state-of-the art manufacturing processes are supported and are routinely updated.

• SEER for Electro-Optical Sensors


The SEER for Electro-Optical Sensors plug-in expands the capabilities of SEER for Hardware, Electronics & Systems, allowing you to perform a full lifecycle cost for space, manned aircraft, unmanned aircraft and missile based EO sensors.

• SEER for Integrated Circuits (ASICs, FPGAs, RFICs)


The SEER-IC Integrated Circuit Estimation Model provides the automated tools you need to estimate the costs, schedules, and risks associated with developing and producing Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFICs).

Know In Advance and Make Informed Decisions: The SEER estimation engines replicate real-world outcomes by combining sophisticated modeling technology with a database of industry and user-defined metrics.

The SEER Suite provides reliable estimates right from the start and throughout the life of the system. SEER models enable project managers, cost analysts and engineers to make timely, accurate and insightful decisions to identify, evaluate and manage the complex array of cost, labor, schedule, reliability and risk issues associated with an organization’s entire portfolio of projects.

SEER Solutions Include Industry Knowledge: SEER applications come complete with knowledge bases that are maintained and enhanced by Galorath hand in hand with the user community.

Galorath is positioned to provide both out-of-the box and customized solutions to customer requirements, thanks to:

• The breadth of our product line
• The SEER open architecture
• Certifications/partnerships with industry-leading application providers
• Highly qualified and experienced Professional Services and Development personnel

The SEER models are easy to use by both technical and non-technical people and technical support is included with each product license.

SEER Solutions Provide Better Decisions and Plans For Successful Projects: They help you make better decisions with more confidence, understand risk, reduce failure and recognize opportunities to improve processes.

Here are some additional reasons as to why SEER should be the model of choice for your organization. Check back as the list is immense and the web site is being updated over several months:

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.

On October 8th and 9th, 2009, Galorath conducted its user conference on project estimation, planning & control at its worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, CA. The content included presentations from a variety of world class company participants, all united in their efforts to improve project estimation practices. Presentations covered many topics in the area of project estimation, planning and control. Attendees were also able to receive one-on-one consulting and hands on experience on advanced topics of their choice, which proved to be valuable for all. We look forward to our next event in which to continue to provide educational opportunities for the estimating community.

GENERAL PRESENTATIONS

Getting the Most from SEER: See How Others are Doing it by Dr. Christopher Rush, Galorath Incorporated

This presentation highlights some of the many ways that SEER-MFG and SEER-H are utilized in industry throughout the world today. It provides an insight into a wide variety of SEER users and how they get the most out of SEER. SEER is used by some as a shop floor standard for estimation, for others it is used as interoperable innovative solutions with SAP and CAD systems using SEER Servermode. The experiences shared in this presentation aspire to inspire all SEER users with new innovative ideas so that they to can get even more benefits from their own uses of SEER.

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SOFTWARE PRESENTATIONS

1. Streamlining and Automating the Cost Estimation Process Using Excel and SEER Products by Gary Hellenga, Booz Allen Hamilton

This presentation demonstrates tools and processes Booz Allen Hamilton estimators developed to support estimation work for NASA’s new manned space exploration program, Constellation. The key tool is a Microsoft Excel workbook that acts as a front-end to the SEER for Software or SEER for Hardware applications, using Automation to leverage the SEER model’s Server Mode capabilities to create SEER cost models from data in the workbook, and saving SEER estimate report data in the workbook upon completion.

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2. A Calibration Approach by Darlene Williams, Project Cost Engineer, Northrop Grumman Corporation

This presentation provides an overview of an approach to perform a calibration using a methodology that offers structure and repeatable approach using SEER for Software.

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3. SEER Mainframe Migration Estimate by Terry Vogt, Senior Software Cost Estimator, Booz Allen Hamilton

This presentation will describe use of SEER for Software to produce a series of estimates for a project to migrate software to a new environment. The objective of the estimate was to provide information on the effort and schedule duration required to migrate this critical application. That information had to be developed in such a way that it could be used in a variety of planning and evaluation scenarios.

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4. Combining Process Enforcement and SEER to Ensure Project Success by Bob Lawhorn, Computer Aid / Computer Aid’s ITMPI and Dan Galorath, Galorath Incorporated

Mr. Lawhorn has found that automation of well engineered processes along with process enforcement provide project management with the necessary visibility and control to virtually guarantee the operational success of projects. CAI’s process control software that oversees and controls the software process achieves dramatic improvements in cost (reductions of 30 to 40%). SEER also plays a role in providing realistic, achievable plans. Additionally, Bob provides an introduction to Tracer, Computer Aid’s process enforcement tool.

Mr. Galorath discusses the reasons for software project failure along with project failure solutions. Galorath’s estimate maturity model is discussed along with an introduction to successful software processes and CAI’s Tracer process enforcement tool.

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5. Next Generation Cost Estimating Tools: SEER for Software Integration with the Joint Integrated Analysis Tool (JIAT) by Daniel L. Schwartz, Senior Operations Research Analyst, ODASA-CE and Darren Elliott, Dir, Product and Service Operations, Tecolote Research

A major challenge for U.S. Army cost analysts is to bring together current engineering design, capability, and performance data in their cost estimating processes and analyses. JIAT is a web-based architecture designed to provide seamless linkages between tools and provide near-real time cost estimating capability to the cost, acquisition, requirements, and modeling and simulation communities.

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6. Life Cycle Model-Based Improvement of SEER for Software Schedule Estimates by Dr. Peter Hantos, Sr. Engineering Specialist, and Nancy Kern, Sr. Project Leader, The Aerospace Corporation

The research carried out at Aerospace is introducing the concept of schedule-focused estimation. This approach reflects the realities of acquisition, i.e., most of the programs we are dealing with are schedule-driven. It is not the authors’ objective to discuss the pros and cons of focusing on schedule; the objective is simply to devise an approach that would make such schedule-centric planning easier and the associated estimates more accurate.

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7. Modeling a Manifesto by David DeWitt, Sr. Consultant, Galorath Incorporated

“SaaS,” “In the Cloud,” “Agile” - what are these things and how the heck does one model a manifesto? Today’s estimators are finding it increasingly more difficult to understand even the vocabulary of new methods, let alone how to size them. This paper demonstrates how to isolate the key parameters clouded by new terminology. Once the underlying representation is understood - the easier it is to accurately model the problem.

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HARDWARE PRESENTATIONS

1. CostIQ Beta by Lee Fischman, Sr. Director of Development, Galorath Incorporated

Contact Galorath for more information on this major new feature for SEER tools.

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2. Combining a schedule simulation model with SEER for Hardware, Electronics & Systems model to forecast funding impacts to various program milestones by Luke Sayer, Cost Estimating and Risk Analysis, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Aerospace Systems

This presentation is a result of an actual study and the innovative approach used to determine the impact of differing funding levels and funding profiles on program schedule milestones.

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3. A Calibration Approach by Darlene Williams, Project Cost Engineer, Northrop Grumman Corporation

This presentation provides an overview of an approach to perform a calibration using a methodology that offers structure and repeatable approach using SEER for Hardware, Electronics & Systems.

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4. New Links Between SEER for Hardware and Product Modeling Systems by Lee Fischman, Sr. Director of Development and Dr. Chris Rush, Product Lead, Galorath Incorporated.

A new plug-in for ModelCenter fully integrates SEER for Hardware. With this plug-in, the full parameter list of a SEER for Hardware project is now available for selection within ModelCenter, in addition to nearly all estimated values. A “smart” SEER interface also has been developed for creating SEER projects directly from data stored in product repositories.

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5. Hardware Oriented Applications of SEER-IT by Karen McRitchie, Vice President of Development, Galorath Incorporated

SEER-IT is a versatile application that enables you to estimate IT infrastructure deployment as well as operations. Many systems today use IT based technology to interconnect key components. For example, secure networks and enabling software systems are used to connect command and control centers with battle field equipment. This presentation will show how SEER-IT can be used to estimate the deployment and operations of the IT based technologies prevalent in network centric systems (NCS). It will also demonstrate the systems engineering estimating capabilities of SEER-IT. Examples of a SEER-IT estimates for NCS and hardware oriented systems are included.

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Daniel Galorath, President and CEO.  For over 30 years, Daniel D. Galorath has been solving management, costing, systems and software problems for both information technology and embedded systems. One of Dan’s strengths is reorganizing troubled software projects, assessing progress applying methodology and plans for completion and estimated cost to complete. Dan’s company, Galorath Incorporated, develops the SEER™ applications for software, hardware, electronics & systems, IT and manufacturing cost, schedule, risk analysis and management decision support. He is one of the principal developers of the SEER-SEM™ software evaluation model. Dan’s book, Software Sizing, Estimation, and Risk Management was published in 2006. Follow Dan’s blog at http://www.galorath.com/wp/.

Brian Glauser, VP, Business Development.  Mr. Glauser has over 25 years of experience in technical software sales and management.  Prior to joining Galorath, he was Director of Sales and Marketing for Cognition Corp., makers of high end engineering analysis and cost management software. During his sixteen-year tenure with Cognition, he helped grow and guide the company into several new markets, commercial as well as aerospace and defense.  Mr. Glauser also spent six years as the Manager, Corporate CAD/CAM Administration and Engineering Computing Services for Applied Materials, Inc. where he was responsible for the selecting, implementing and managing corporate CAD/CAM systems and engineering computing systems.  Mr. Glauser has degrees in Computer Science and Management from Temple University, DeAnza College, and St. Mary’s University, and he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1975-1978.

Robert Hunt, VP, Services.  Mr. Hunt is responsible for the management and technical direction of Galorath services staff and the quality of services products.  Mr. Hunt has provided software program assessments, SEI Checklist evaluations, software sizing analyses, and software cost estimating for commercial and federal clients including the Customs and Border Patrol, the Department of Defense, NASA, and various commercial clients. Prior to joining Galorath, Mr. Hunt was President of CALIBRE Services, Inc. Prior to joining CALIBRE, he was a Vice President of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) responsible for the Cost and Acquisition Management Operation.  Mr. Hunt has also been Deputy Director of Cost Analysis for Automation and Modeling, Cost Analysis Division, U.S. Army.  In this position, Mr. Hunt was the principal author of the initial Army Cost Analysis Manual.  Mr. Hunt has held leadership positions in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis (SCEA), and the National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP), and the IEEE.

Karen McRitchie, VP of Development. Ms. McRitchie is responsible for the design, development, implementation and validation of the parametric estimation relationships found in the SEER™ estimation product line. In addition to existing SEER™ products, Ms. McRitchie oversees the development and implementation of new products and serves as principle investigator for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) projects. Ms. McRitchie has participated in numerous estimation, data collection, and calibration efforts and has trained hundreds of cost analysts in the use, application, and calibration of SEER-SEM™ and SEER-H™. She has been active in the International Society of Parametric Analysts (ISPA) for over a decade. She was awarded best paper at the 1993 conference, and in 2002, ISPA honored her with the Parametrician of the Year award. Ms. McRitchie earned her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and System Science at UCLA. Her master’s work is in Mathematics at California State University, Northridge.

Product Brochures

SEER for Software
SEER for Hardware, Electronics & Systems
SEER for Manufacturing
SEER for IT

10 Step Paper

The 10-step process presented in this paper provides a complete method for developing estimates and plans.

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Applying Earned Value Management to Software Intensive Programs

Often, traditional earned value approaches do not deal sufficiently with the idiosyncrasies of software intensive programs. However, successful management of software intensive programs can be achieved by focusing on establishing the requirements, developing a reliable baseline estimate for cost and schedule, selecting effective software metrics, applying Performance-Based Earned Value® (PBEV), and using analytic processes to project cost and schedule based on actual performance.

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Software Total Ownership Costs: Development Is Only Job One

Planning software development projects is never an easy undertaking. Issues such as customer and competitive requirements, time-to-market, architectural and quality considerations, staffing levels and expertise, potential risks, and many other factors must be carefully weighed and considered. Software development costs only comprise a portion – often the smaller portion – of the total cost of software ownership. However, the development process itself has a significant impact on total cost of ownership as tradeoffs are evaluated and compromises made that impact sustainability and maintainability of software over time.

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Technical Notes

Implementing an Estimating Process

Determining the size of system functionality and measuring the performance of project teams is the basis of successful projects.

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Estimating Process

Most people involved in IT projects have had to face challenges on meeting budgets, schedule, functionality and quality. Research (e.g., CHAOS Standish Report) shows that projects have difficulties meeting expectations. The organization expects delivery of software that is working according to the defined requirements, is available at the agreed upon time, is within the stated budget and is of good quality. Meeting these expectations is not only important to the senior management, but also in particular for the business goals (time‐to‐market, achieving efficiency improvement) and satisfying the customers expectations (services and products are available at the agreed moment).

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Function Point Analysis

Function Point Analysis is measuring the size of the user functions (BFC’s) of the software of the application or a part of it. The user functions are the components requested and recognized by the user. These components are retrieved from the specifications that describe what the software should do to fulfill users needs (FUR’s). It’s about the functionality the software should provide, not how it will be implemented. The size of a user function is determined based on complexity.

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Cosmic Functional Size Measurement Method

Function Point Analysis (FPA) is one of the most widely used methods to determine the size of software projects. FPA originated at a time when only a mainframe environment was available. Sizing of specifications was typically based on functional decomposition and modeled data. Nowadays, development methods like Object Oriented, Component Based and RAD are applied more often. There is also more attention on architecture and the use of client server and multi tier environments. Another development is the growth in complexity caused by more integrated applications, real time applications and embedded systems and combinations. FPA was not designed to cope with these various newer development approaches.

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Implementing a Metrics Program: MOUSE will Help You

Just like an information system, a method, a technique, a tool or an approach is supporting the achievement of an objective. Following this line of thought, implementing a method, a technique and so on, should in many ways be comparable to the development of an information system.

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Case Studies

SEER for Software

A Case for Software Estimation
Receive Better Estimates and Achieve CMM Compliance
Improve Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) Integration Estimates
Save Six Man-Months per Proposal with Estimation Process
Moving Satellite Communications Program to Next Level
Improve Software Cost Estimating

SEER for Hardware, Electronics & Systems

Save 1000 Hours and Promote Cheaper Alternatives
Grab the Winning Edge with an Estimation Tool
Moving Satellite Communications Program to Next Level

SEER for Manufacturing

Philips Healthcare’s First Year of SEER Use Saves 1.5 Million Euros
Implementing a Process and Estimation Tool to Ensure Engineers Are Prepared
SEER Reduces Time to Calculate Cost by 75 Percent
Saving an Estimated $1.2 Billion with a Design-to-Cost Methodology
Grab the Winning Edge with an Estimation Tool
Manufacturer Saves 300 Person-Days Annually, Generates Answers it Can Trust

SEER for IT

Authors Galorath and Evans draw on their expertise in sizing, estimation, process engineering and risk management to illuminate issues that make many estimates crumble.

The book offers insights not readily available elsewhere, enabling readers to recognize and avoid software project failures caused by poor estimates.

About Software Sizing, Software Estimation, and Risk Management:

“Shows how to use your estimation and project tracking data to improve your estimation accuracy and identify best investments for improving your software productivity and cycle time. Investing in acquiring this book and following its advice is highly likely to provide you with a robust return on your investment.”

Dr. Barry Boehm
Director of the Center for Software Engineering
University of Southern California (USC)

Order from Amazon.com

Order from Auerbach Publications and receive a 15% discount. 
(Use promo code 682CC when you place your order.)

Unlike most project management tools which focus on automating features or workflow, parametric, predictive modeling tools help organizations model and optimize project feasibility and ensure that projects meet established delivery guidelines. Parametric modeling takes its name from the project parameters or variables that are modified during the project simulation process.

Parametric models are built from a set of mathematical equations. These may be standard equations found in reference books, proprietary equations developed by consultants or vendors, or some combination of the two. In order for parametric models to have any validity they must be based on or proven using actual project data. It is the sophistication of the data analysis methods and the extensiveness of the underlying project data which determines the effectiveness of a modeling solution.

Parametric methods are very useful for subjecting uncertain situations to the rigors of a pre-defined and proven mathematical model. They can usefully embody a great deal of prior experience and are less biased than human thought processes alone.

Commercial parametric modeling solutions typically offer extensive graphical feedback, thus making them easier to use. Commercial models also offer other benefits, including support for risk-based inputs, sizing "wizards" and numerous assessment mechanisms to improve the accuracy of estimates.

Want to know more about parametrics? Software Sizing, Estimation, and Risk Management, a 541-page hardcopy reference book by Daniel Galorath and Michael Evans is available at Amazon.com.