The purpose of this document is to set guidelines for AF Civil Engineer software evaluation. These guidelines will help ensure the compatibility of software between CE squadrons and between all squadrons within the wing. The selection of a software application to improve the software modernization process could incorporate hundreds of selection criteria. The term technology includes process, tools, tool sets, methodology, techniques, applications and operating environments. It is common for engineers to do a detailed evaluation of software by listing criteria, setting up an evaluation matrix, developing a scoring scheme, determining weighting factors, etc.
Detailed evaluations are essential once the field has been narrowed down to a reasonable field.
Also the value of a subjective 'essay' approach also has great merit. The less quantitative approach of collecting critiques from experienced users is invaluable. The following proposal incorporates all three methods for the best possible selection approach. Any time they are reviewing a software package, they need to use this section for initial screening. If the package cannot pass all of the items listed it cannot and will not be used on a AF CE wide basis.