Function Point Simple Introduction
I keep meaning to post Galorath’s Ton Dekker concise introduction to Function Points. Ton is an expert in IFPUG Function points as well as COSMIC Function Points and a host of other functional sizing measures. I always appreciate Ton’s simple and clear approaches.
Metrics and Estimation ROI
I was speaking with Ton Dekker and others from Galorath this morning abut the ROI from viable estimation. Ton pointed to the empirical evidence of a 10 to 15% saving in overall IT spending based on the implementation of a metrics program and estimation going along with it. Ton also spoke of MOUSE…. the “list of activities and services that need to be carried out to get a metrics program up and running.” The activity and service groups within MOUSE include:
|
Market View |
Operation |
Utilisation |
Service |
Exploitation |
|
Communication |
Application |
Training |
Helpdesk |
Registration |
|
Evaluation |
Review |
Procedures |
Guidelines |
|
|
Improvement |
Analysis |
Organisation |
Information |
|
|
Investigation |
Advice |
|
Promotion |
|
Why is all this important…. Well a viable metrics is not just collecting data… it is not just about checking a box. It is about communication, evaluation, and improvement. Looking at the number of metrics programs that fail, (the average life of a metrics program is 3 years according to Howard Rubin in 2006) It is about achieving business value with metrics. Programs that generate 10 or 15% cost savings generally don’t get killed. Programs that make more work and don’t have a payback can and should be killed.
