Knowledge bases are used to provide fast and consistent inputs describing complexity, personnel capabilities and experience, development support environment, product development requirements, product reusability requirements, development environment complexity, target environment, schedule, staffing and probability. Users can modify all inputs to their specifications at any time. There are four sets of knowledge bases that automatically input environment factors. These knowledge bases cover a wide variety of scenarios and help users produce fast and reliable estimates. Knowledge bases are easily calibrated to user environments to give quick and accurate estimates for the entire life cycle.
Users can also change and modify each input at any time.
Platform knowledge bases include avionics, business, ground-based, manned space, unmanned space, shipboard, and more. Application describes the overall function of the software under estimation. Development Method describes the development methods to be used during the development. These knowledge bases include Ada, spiral, prototyping, object oriented design, evolving, traditional waterfall, and more. Development Standard describes the development documentation, quality, test standards and practices which will be followed during the development.