Old MIT Lincoln Lab SEER Writeup SEER for Software, Hardware, ICs, Operations & Support
When MIT Lincoln Labs was doing their RSSP project they included SEER. Although it was the ’90s I thought those old write ups were worth saving. It is interesting to SEER how far SEER evolved over the years. So here they are:
5.2.5 SEER-SEM Software Estimation Model
The SEER-SEM software estimation model creates cost, schedule, risk, and maintenance estimations
for software development. In SEER-SEM, software volume is the primary driver. It can be entered as functions,
as lines of code, or as both.
The WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) divides the overall project into computer programs or Computer
Software Configuration Items (CSCIs)–the highest unit of a software application–which can be further
subdivided into Computer Software Components (CSCs), which can be further subdivided into
Computer Software Units (CSUs). SEER-SEM provides cost estimates for each of the following project
phases:
1. System concept
2. System requirements design
3. Software requirements analysis
4. Preliminary design
5. Detailed design
6. Code and CSU test
7. CSC integrate and test
8. CSCI test
9. System integrate through operational test and evaluation
10. Maintenance and operation support.
These phases correspond to the traditional waterfall model of development which may not apply to
the RASSP design methodology (which may use, e.g., a spiral development model [13], but is appropriate
for representing standard practice.
Built-in knowledge bases are chosen as a function of four characteristics–platform (avionics, business,
ground, manned space, missile, mobile, ship, unmanned space), application (CAD, command/control,
data base, diagnostics, flight, message switching, MIS, mission planning, MMI/graphics, office automation,
OS/executive, process control, radar, report generation, simulation, software development tools, test, training,
utilities, other), development method (Ada development, Ada development with incremental methods,
Ada full use, prototype, spiral, traditional incremental, traditional waterfall), and development standard
(commercial, 2167A, 2167, 2167A minimal set, 2167A full set, 1703, 483-490, 1679 with IV&V.)
The values of the aforementioned four characteristics define a specific type of WBS item which
SEER-SEM uses to generate the most likely values and ranges for an extensive list of input parameters.
These parameters can then be modified by the user to further customize and refine the model of the overall
project environment.
5.2.6 SEER-SSM Software Sizing Model
The SEER-SSM software sizing model estimates the expected size of a software project based on
qualitative/relative inputs without the use of databases.
As in SEER-SEM, the WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) partitions the overall project into modules-
-CSCIs which can be further divided into CSCs which can be further divided into CSUs–whose operational
and functional characteristics are defined. SEER-SSM customizes the requirements for user-provided input
after the partitioned modules to the model have been designated.
SEER-SSM requires project information (company/organization, project name, file name), module
data (name of software unit and at least two reference modules of known size with their size expressed as
in DSI, DEMI, or function point count), and four user-provided input data sets (DSXs)–pairwise data, PERT
sizing data, sorting data, and ranking data–for execution.
Note SEER-SSM was replaced with more modern functionality several years ago.
5.2.7 SEER-IC Integrated Circuit Model
SEER-IC uses a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to create cost estimates for integrated circuits
(chips), multi-chip modules (MCMs) and chips on MCMs. Built-in and customized knowledge bases may
be used to provide information for estimates. Built-in knowledge bases are selected as a function of project
type (MCM, complex gate array, custom chip, monolithic microwave integrated circuit, “none,” semi-custom
chip or simple gate array), platform standard (industrial, commercial, military airborne, military
ground, military ground mobile, military sea, “none,” manned space or unmanned space) and acquisition
category (buy and integrate, customer furnished equipment, make, “none,” or subcontracted item). User created
knowledge bases (class) can be created if desired. Adjustment factors can be applied for specification
generation, design, prototype hardware and average unit production in each of the class, platform standard
and acquisition category knowledge bases. Such adjustments are used to accommodate variations due to
fees or discounts. Once the applicable knowledge bases have been invoked and adjustments applied, information
is entered to perform estimates. Most input variables have an optional associated range such as
“least, likely, most,” or “low, nominal, high.” Application ranges for all required inputs (except production
quantity) are loaded by the knowledge bases. Users narrow the input ranges when actual values are known.
5.2.8 SEER-H Hardware Estimation Model
SEER-H uses a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to create cost estimates for hardware elements.
Built-in and customized knowledge bases may be used to provide information for estimates. Built-in knowledge
bases are selected as a function of element type (mechanical or electronic), application (hydraulics,
signal processor, communications, etc.), platform (ground, air, space, fixed or mobile, manned or unmanned),
development standard (commercial, military specification), and acquisition category (buy and integrate,
customer furnished equipment, make, subcontracted, or “none”). User created knowledge bases
(class) can be created if desired. Adjustment factors can be applied for specific generation, design, prototype
hardware, and average unit production in each of the class, platform standard, and acquisition category
knowledge bases. Such adjustments are used to accommodate variations due to fees or discounts. Once the
applicable knowledge bases have been invoked and adjustments applied, information is entered to perform
estimates. Most input variables have an optional associated range such as “least, likely, most,” or “low, nominal,
high.”
5.2.9 SEER-HLC Hardware Life Cycle Model
SEER-HLC is the operations and support option to SEER-H which can be used as an accessory to a
stand-alone life cycle cost estimation tool. Outputs from other SEER models can provide many SEER-HLC
inputs if desired, and other sources may also be used. SEER-HLC allows evaluation and trade offs between
various prime and support equipment design philosophies and support concepts. Life cycle tradeoffs of reliability
and reliability maturation, mean time to repair, repair turnaround times, and unique and shared support
resources may be evaluated using SEER-HLC. Variances in operational scenarios may also be
evaluated in terms of impact on cost and performance. SEER-HLC allows the evaluation of multiple support
capabilities including organizational, intermediate, and depot maintenance, as applicable for the system under
estimation.
Note: SEER-HLC was redeveloped and integrated with SEER for Hardware, Electronics and Systems some years ago.
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