Ongoing training keeps the measurement program in focus and on track, ensuring that changes are quickly disseminated to program participants. That is not always true. Such statements could damage the credibility of the entire program. Software measurement is a complex subject that is pondered, discussed, and debated by some of the best software engineering minds in the world. In function-point counting, the counters need to know that even the experts sometimes have questions and that questions are preferable to producing invalid data.
Measurement is a discipline that requires both effort and financial investment.
There are no simple shortcuts to accurate measurement, but the journey can be rewarding to all involved. Although the budget cycle and budget constraints of many organizations can make this difficult, a successful, planned measurement initiative does require at least one full-time, dedicated resource. This resource also needs management's full support. To properly introduce a cultural change, such as measurement, requires a change agent with knowledge of the subject and strong communication skills. Measurement programs rely heavily on marketing and require strong skills in human resources, data gathering, analysis, presentation, effective communication, and metrics.