How Hard Is A Hardware Model

August 21, 2008 · Filed Under Estimating, General, Hardware Electronics Systems Estimating  - 0 Comment(s)

Estimating the effort, schedule, labor & materials, operations & support for hardware type systems is fundamentally different than estimating software. Software, while difficult and a major risk item, is much more homogeneous than hardware, electronics, and systems.
While there are some similarities in development, estimating production is an entirely different problem. Some of the most important drivers in hardware and electronics systems include certification, tolerances, technology, circuitry types, integration levels and a host of other specifics. Of course material costs, prototypes, operating issues, support costs, spares, etc. are all critical for inclusion as well.
Galorath’s SEER for Hardware (SEER-H) has hundreds of person years invested in estimation of hardware, electronics and systems, including knowledge bases; everything from mechanical, structural, hydraulics, electronics to custom IC’s to EO Sensors.

We caution organizations with trying to accomplish this challenging endeavor with spreadsheets or simple CER type models as those approaches can be wrought with risk. And a poor estimate is worse than none at all.


Thank you for reading “Dan on Estimating”, if you would like more information about Galorath’s estimation models, please visit our contact page or call us at +1 310 414-3222.

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