What is the Function Point Method (FP Method)? Easy-to-understand Explanation of the Basic Concept of Software Development Man-Hour Estimation
Software development projects often require estimating the effort and resources needed to complete them. One widely-used method for estimating software development effort is the Function Point Method (FP Method). In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive and easy-to-understand explanation of what the FP Method is and how it can be used for estimating man-hours in software development.
Understanding the Concept
The FP Method is a technique used to estimate the size of a software project based on the functionalities it delivers. It focuses on identifying and quantifying the function points of a system, which represent the functionalities that users will interact with. By quantifying these function points, we can estimate the software development effort and allocate resources accordingly.
How It Works
To apply the FP Method, we first need to determine the function points of a software system. This involves identifying five major types of functionalities:
1. External Input: User interactions that take data from an external source.
2. External Output: User interactions that provide information to an external destination.
3. External Inquiry: User interactions that require a response based on data in the system.
4. Internal Logical File: Persistent data maintained within the system.
5. External Interface File: Data shared with external systems.
For each identified functionality, we assign a complexity level based on factors such as data elements, file types, and processing requirements. This complexity rating translates into a specific number of function points. By summing up the function points for all functionalities, we obtain the estimated size of the software system.
Once the size is determined, we can then use historical data and established productivity rates to estimate the man-hours required for development. This estimation provides a basis for planning resources, scheduling, cost estimation, and project management.
Benefits and Challenges
The FP Method offers several benefits in software development estimation. It provides a standardized and objective approach that helps in comparing different projects and tracking development progress. It also enables better resource management and helps in identifying potential risks and bottlenecks.
However, it is important to note that implementing the FP Method requires expertise and experience. Accuracy relies on the analyst’s ability to identify and quantify the functionalities correctly. An inexperienced analyst may face challenges in accurately assessing the complexity of each functionality and may require additional training and guidance.
Conclusion
The Function Point Method is a valuable technique for estimating the size and effort needed to develop software systems. By quantifying the function points and using historical data, it provides a reliable estimation of man-hours required for development. While it has its challenges, when implemented correctly, the FP Method can greatly enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of software development estimations.
In the end, it is important to remember that the FP Method is just one of many estimation techniques available, and project teams should carefully consider their specific needs and circumstances when choosing the most suitable method for their projects.
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