The user must be able to customize the software estimating tool to their own software development environment. This requires collecting historical data from past completed projects to calibrate the software tool. The use of two or more software estimating tools using different methodologies is recommended. The user should select a primary tool for software estimating and an alternate tool for comparison and validation. These tools should be used throughout the software development process.
Outputs are repeatable and formulas can be analyzed.
They can be customized to fit the user's environment. They require minimal time and effort to use. They are particularly useful in earlier phases of software development. Assistance can be obtained in several ways. Their expertise can help the analyst in reviewing the estimate and often may be able to provide data from similar historical programs.