Assessment of Complexity using Industry Standard Weightings

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Assessment of Complexity using Industry Standard Weightings

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ISSUE

Where a function point count is constrained by time limitations and a lack of relevant documentation, how should functional complexity be determined?

GENERAL DISCUSSION
On occasion, a function point count may be seriously impeded by time constraints and/or a lack of relevant documentation. Under these circumstances, it is considered impractical to perform a complete and accurate count, as the time and effort involved in counting would often outweigh the benefits derivable from the count. It is therefore pragmatic to adopt a short-cut approach to counting using industry standard weightings, which are as follows:
However, these weightings may be adjusted as appropriate based on the unique characteristics of the system being counted. For example, the EO functions of a Robot application typically would be assigned HIGH complexity.

Functional Type
Weighting

External Input
AVE

External Output
AVE

External Enquiry
AVE

Internal Logical File
LOW

External Interface File
LOW
It must be noted, however, that this approach is considered most appropriate for application baselines and when counting projects based upon packaged software. When counting enhancement projects, the smaller size of the counts, and access to recently produced specifications, usually enable the FP Analyst to accurately assess functional complexity.

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