In an earlier post, we looked at Function Point Analysis method of estimation. Lets now look at a some of the critiques of this method.
FP analysis tends to be complex and expensive for large projects. The CPM published by IFPUG is voluminous and mastering it could take significant time and effort. While it may be possible to learn the basics of FP analysis in short classroom sessions, being able to effectively implement it in an enterprise class project requires lot more understanding and extensive real world experience.
Although FP analysis tends to standardize measurement, it is a measure that many professionals are unaware of. An FP number may not communicate the scope or complexity of work involved to the audience unless they have themselves been exposed to FP analysis. If your organization intends to adopt FP analysis, it might be a good idea to rope in external FP consultants to run the process in the initial stages until the required level of expertise is developed in-house. Trying to learn or experiment on a real project could lead to scenarios such as cost overruns, schedule slippages, etc.
FP analysis may not be the most suitable method for estimation in the early stages of the product when the requirements and design are not firmed up. For FP counts to be accurate, there needs to exist clear set of requirements and design document that explains implementation of the requirements.
FP analysis tends to be complex and expensive for large projects. The CPM published by IFPUG is voluminous and mastering it could take significant time and effort. While it may be possible to learn the basics of FP analysis in short classroom sessions, being able to effectively implement it in an enterprise class project requires lot more understanding and extensive real world experience.
Although FP analysis tends to standardize measurement, it is a measure that many professionals are unaware of. An FP number may not communicate the scope or complexity of work involved to the audience unless they have themselves been exposed to FP analysis. If your organization intends to adopt FP analysis, it might be a good idea to rope in external FP consultants to run the process in the initial stages until the required level of expertise is developed in-house. Trying to learn or experiment on a real project could lead to scenarios such as cost overruns, schedule slippages, etc.
FP analysis may not be the most suitable method for estimation in the early stages of the product when the requirements and design are not firmed up. For FP counts to be accurate, there needs to exist clear set of requirements and design document that explains implementation of the requirements.
