Parametric Estimating Handbook Appendices - Galorath

251 Pages·2007·2.45 MB·English

Parametric Estimating Handbook

Appendices

APPENDIX A
Model Builders – Commercial Software
Descriptions
This appendix provides a brief discussion of available cost modeling products as
provided by the companies that have consistently supported ISPA functions and
conferences. Included are:
• SEER suite of products:
o SEER-ProjectMiner™
o SEER-Accuscope
o SEER Spyglass Model
o SEER DFM Model
o SEER-DFM™ CAI Plug-in Model
o SEER H Model
o SEER IC Model
o SEER-SEM
• Crystal Ball
• QSM Software Lifecycle Management (SLIM)
• r2 Estimator
• PRICE Systems:
o True S
o PRICE H and True H
The write-ups, below, are shown as provided by the model developers. No
attempt was made to edit, recompile, or embellish in any manner. For more
information about these products, go to the model developers’ websites.
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APPENDIX A MODEL BUILDERS – COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE DESCRIPTIONS
SEER-ProjectMiner™
SEER-ProjectMiner is an optional plug-in to SEER-SEM which produces regression-based
estimates directly from historical data and provides an independent crosscheck to SEER-SEM parametric
estimates. ProjectMiner uses statistical techniques to produce an estimate which combines user input
with carefully matched data from a library of project models. ProjectMiner ships with a standard model
library that is based upon a proprietary dataset assembled by Galorath Incorporated. You can also create
a customized model library, using your own company's body of project knowledge.
Input
SEER-ProjectMiner operates within a SEER-SEM project; you can choose to activate or
deactivate it using SEER-SEM's Estimate menu. When you activate SEER-ProjectMiner, it takes two
types of SEER-SEM input: size parameters, and application and platform knowledge base selections.
Process
SEER-ProjectMiner uses a processed dataset, based on proprietary data assembled by Galorath
Incorporated, which contains approximately 3000 projects of assorted types, from both the
aerospace/defense and business domains. It uses your knowledge base inputs to select the appropriate
model from this database, then creates an estimate using that model, plus your size inputs.
Output
SEER-ProjectMiner's output consists of a processing report, plus (optionally) changes to the
SEER-SEM estimate itself.
You can select SEER-ProjectMiner's mode of operation:
Mode Description
Crosscheck Mode Displays the ProjectMiner estimate in the ProjectMiner report only, without making
any changes to your SEER-SEM estimate.
Calibrated Mode Actually changes your SEER-SEM estimate so that it is calibrated to the SEER-
ProjectMiner estimate, allowing you to evaluate the impact of changing SEER-SEM
parameters against SEER-ProjectMiner's estimate.
Replacement Mode Replaces your SEER-SEM estimate with the SEER-ProjectMiner estimate. In all
parts of SEER-SEM, the SEER-ProjectMiner estimate will be shown.

Summary
SEER-ProjectMiner allows you to check your software development project against a set of
models based on a large library of historical project data, giving you an independent method of
crosschecking, calibrating, and adjusting your estimate.
Appendix A-2 International Society of Parametric Analysts
PARAMETRIC ESTIMATING HANDBOOK
SEER-AccuScopeTM
SEER-AccuScopeTM helps you size software components and other items at an early stage, when
relatively little is known about them, by carrying out one-on-one comparisons between items of known
size and those to be estimated. The comparisons can be subjective, intuitive "best guesses," or more
precise judgments based on your knowledge of the project, and on your organization's track record in
developing similar projects. You can export AccuScope's output to SEER-SEM, either as work elements
or as size parameters. You can also view, save, and export reports in a variety of formats, including Word
and Excel. SEER-AccuScopeTM's size comparisons can be applied anywhere in the software development
lifecycle; even prior to a detailed understanding of the project.
Inputs
To use SEER-AccuScopeTM, you enter or select two basic types of input: items to be estimated,
and those to be used for comparison. When you enter items to be estimated (or estimated items), you do
not enter their size, since that's what SEER-AccuScopeTM will be estimating. You do enter each item's
origin (new code, existing code to be modified, integrated, etc.) and its programming language. Each
comparison (or reference) item, on the other hand, does have a size. You can enter comparison items
directly, in the same manner as estimated items, by entering each item's origin, language, and size (either
directly, using a variety of metrics, or by analogy).

SEER-AccuScopeTM Main Input Tabs
Multiple Comparisons
After you have entered all of the estimated and comparison items, you use SEER-AccuScopeTM's
Multiple Comparisons dialog box to make one-on-one comparisons between estimated and reference
item. You make each comparison on a sliding scale, using either relative measurements (Bigger, Smaller,
Slightly Smaller) or percentages. You can use a single slider to produce a single size comparison, or
triple sliders for a size range. You can adjust the way that Multiple Comparisons displays its size bar
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APPENDIX A MODEL BUILDERS – COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE DESCRIPTIONS
graph, and set it to display a grid showing which items have been compared, as well as which
comparisons are inconsistent.

Multiple Comparison Dialog Box
SEER-AccuScopeTM's sophisticated comparison algorithm accounts for uncertainty in your
comparisons, helping it to produce useful size estimates from incomplete or uncertain knowledge of a
project. It integrates all comparisons, resulting in an improved estimate over direct comparisons alone.
You can review the results of your comparisons and make new comparisons for greater accuracy.
Outputs
You can paste SEER-AccuScopeTM's estimates directly into a SEER-SEM project, either as work
elements (at the Program or Component level) or as size estimates for work elements. You can also save
estimates as reports in Microsoft Word or Excel format. You can also export SEER-AccuScopeTM's built-
in reports in a variety of formats, including PDF, HTML, RTF, and plain or tab-separated text, as well as
Word and Excel. Along with reports, SEER-AccuScopeTM can display estimated and comparison item
sizes in chart format.
Summary
SEER-AccuScopeTM can serve as an extremely useful tool for estimating software size by
comparison, with output that can be exported directly into a SEER-SEM project, or saved in a variety of
standard formats. It uses a sophisticated algorithm which takes into account all of the comparisons in a
group, as well as the inherent uncertainty of the user's input. Although its primary use is for software size
estimation, it can also be used to estimate other quantities not related to software or size (e.g., length of
time required for a task, projected attendance at a public event), by using the appropriate set of reference
items. It should be considered for use in any situation which requires either a software-specific or general
size-estimation tool.

Appendix A-4 International Society of Parametric Analysts
PARAMETRIC ESTIMATING HANDBOOK
SEER Spyglass™ Model
SEER-Spyglass™ is a "plug-in" to SEER-H™. It is used to estimate development
and production costs of space-based electro-optical sensor (EOS) devices.
Parametric modeling of electro-optical (EO) sensors has historically been
challenging, due to a lack of data and it being a complex technical domain. The
SEER-Spyglass™ plug-in expands the capabilities of SEER-H™, allowing you to
perform a full lifecycle cost for space based electro-optical sensors.
The SEER-Spyglass™ specific elements and parameters are fully integrated to the
SEER-H™ environment allowing users take full advantage of the SEER-H™
framework. Because of the fully integrated nature of SEER-Spyglass™, users can
include system-level costs and operating and support costs. SEER-Spyglass™
specific estimation elements can be mixed and matched with standard SEER-H™
estimation elements yielding a robust estimation tool that is applicable to not just
electro-optical sensors, but also to all cooperating and supporting systems. The
element types specific to SEER-Spyglass™ and their definitions are listed below:

Work Element Type Definition
Optical An instrument used for enlarging
Telescope and viewing the images of distant
Assembly objects by means of refraction of
incident radiant energy through
lenses or reflection from concave
mirrors.
Focal A device placed perpendicular to
Plane the optical axis of a telescope that
Array transforms light energy into
electrical signals.
Cooler A refrigerating device designed to
lower the temperature of a focal
plane array and at times other parts
of an EOS to make it more sensitive
to low levels of radiant energy.
Mechanism Specialized mechanical devices
intended to support the operation of
an EOS system.
Calibrator Specialized devices included in an
EOS system for the purpose of
correcting errors that occur
gradually due to aging or other
causes.
Integration The set of activities required to
& Test assure that EOS subsystems have
been assembled in accordance with
design intent and that they are
functioning within specified limits.
SEER-Spyglass™ specific Work Element types
Your selection from among the SEER-Spyglass work element types controls
available technology choices from the Technology knowledge base. The costs of
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each SEER-Spyglass technology are largely based on your specification of the
values for three to five Key Technical and Performance Parameters (KTPPs).
These parameters are cost drivers that relate directly to technical features and
performance capability. The KTPPs typically (but not always) differ from one
technology to the next. Because costs are mostly determined in terms of KTPPs,
SEER-Spyglass is well suited to trade studies based on technical features and
performance.

Appendix A-6 International Society of Parametric Analysts
PARAMETRIC ESTIMATING HANDBOOK
SEER-DFM™ Model
1) SEER-DFM™ Model Overview
SEER-DFM™ provides detailed, process-based design for manufacturability
parametric estimation models. Often used with SEER-H™ during the conceptual
stages of design, SEER-DFM™ allows Integrated Product Teams (IPT’s) to
estimate manufacturing costs before committing to a design.
SEER-DFM™ applies the SEER® parametric methodology at a process level. It
identifies specific cost-driving parameters for a variety of industrial processes,
including machining, fabrication, casting, and PCB fabrication, and can be used
for manufacturability (DFM), design for assembly (DFA), and cost avoidance
programs. SEER-RateMaker™ extends this analysis to direct and indirect
manufacturing cost rates at both a process specific and cross country comparison
level. This section describes the modeling philosophy and methodology of SEER-
DFM™ and SEER-RateMaker™.
2) SEER-DFM™ – Process based parametric model
SEER-DFM™ is a process-based manufacturing estimation model, with detailed,
process-based analysis and costing for value engineering studies, and comparing
manufacturing options.
As much as 80% of a product’s life cycle cost may be committed during the early
stages of product development. SEER-DFM™ is designed to enable engineers to
make decisions that optimize the manufacturing and assembly process during the
design phase, and to help them understand risk, reduce failure, and recognize
opportunities to improve processes. It also helps managers understand the trade-
offs and alternatives involved in aligning innovative product design with optimum
manufacturing.
SEER-DFM™ can easily be assimilated into the design process to reduce
downstream design changes. With SEER-DFM™ costs are not committed until
later in product life cycle, resulting in savings during manufacturing and a
reduction in total cost.
3) SEER-DFM™ General Concepts
The SEER-DFM™ approach to design for manufacturability analyzes cost, time-
to-produce, and other baseline factors associated with product manufacture, as
well as other life-cycle concerns. By modeling the many materials and processes
used in production, SEER-DFM™ allows you to fine-tune manufacturing options
for nearly any product, resulting in lower costs and increased efficiency, more
engineering flexibility and cut “time to market”.

Work Element Type Process and Parameter Inputs

Rollup Covers all activities included in subordinate work elements
Machining Radial Mill Rough/Finish End Mill Slot Reaming
End Mill Rough/Finish Angled Faces Tapping
Chemical Mill T-Sections Hacksaw
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APPENDIX A MODEL BUILDERS – COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE DESCRIPTIONS
Shaping Rough/Finish Stringer Run Out Band Saw
Turning Rough/Finish High Speed Machining Radial Saw
Boring Rough/Finish Rough/Finish Broaching
Cylindrical Grinding Screw Machine Automated Production Equipment
Centerless Grinding EDM (Electric Discharge Additional Items
Surface Grinding Rough/Finish Machine) Gear Hobbing
Surface Skimming Rough/Finish Drilling: Hand, Spade, Twist, Deburr
Profile Rough/Finish Subland, Countersink, Carbide, Core
Pocket Rough/Finish Diamond, Center, Flat Bottom
Fabrication Conventional Machines: Nibble, CNC Plasma Arc Cutting Progressive Dies
Notch, Shear, Punch, Brake Form CNC Gas Flame Cutting Spin Forming
CNC Turret Press Plate Rolling Routing: Profile, Hand, Radial
CNC Laser Beam Cutting: CO2, Tube Bending
Nd, Nd-Yag Dedicated Tools & Dies
Electrical Assembly Cable Fabrication Detailed Harness Fabrication
Basic Harness Fabrication Part Preparation Direct
Assembly Welding: Gas Torch, Arc, Gas Brazing
Metal Arc, MIG, TIG, Electron Rivet/Stake: standard, w/gasket, lubricated
Beam, Spot Bonding: Single part, multi-part, thermal
Mold/Cast/ Forge/ Injection Molding Sand Casting Forging
Powdered Metals Rotational Molding Die Casting Powdered Metals
Thermoforming Investment Casting Additional Items
PC Board Blank Board Fabrication PCB Test
PCB Assembly Additional Items
Finish and Heat Treat Vacuum Metalizing Thermal Spraying Electroplating
Chromate/Phosphate Dip Coating Buff/Polish
Air Gun Spraying Brush Painting Additional Items
Electrostatic Coating – Fluid E-Coat Heat Treatment
Electrostatic Coating – Solid
Composites Lay-Up Pultrusion
Filament Winding Composite Spray
Detailed Composites Detailed Part Modeling Resin Film Infusion (RFI) Consumables
Cores Liquid Resin Infusion (LRI) Cure
Buildups Cutting Part Finish
Hand Lay Up (HLU) Lightning Strike Mesh Tool Clean
Automated Tape Lay (ATL) Bagging / Tool Closing Tool Fabrication
Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) Hot Ply Forming Non Destructive Testing
Tube, Fab, Weld & Saw Cutting Pressure Test Processing
Processing Bending Weld Tubes Masking
End Preparation Weld Sheet Painting
Additional Items User Specified Operation
Purchased Part Description Installation Difficulty
Quantity Unit Cost
Generic Processes Tool Clean & Prep Inspection Delays Mark Part
Tool Package & Store Non Destructive Testing Package Part
Tool Design & Fabrication
Work Element Types
SEER-DFM™ outputs not only encompass total process time, which includes
setup, direct time, inspection and rework, but also material, vendor, tooling and
other costs where appropriate. Material and labor costs may be burdened to
include both direct and indirect costs.
4) Basics of Operation: Inside SEER-DFM™
Several internal mathematical algorithms drive SEER-DFM™, and describe the
processes and types of assembly. Using these algorithms, SEER-DFM™ outputs
direct and indirect times that may be burdened to include labor overhead, along
with materials and other expenses.
When analyzing a manufacturing project, you divide its operations into work
elements. The manufacturing of various basic parts might be modeled using the
PC board, machining, fabrication, or mold/cast/forge process types. The
Appendix A-8 International Society of Parametric Analysts