Function Point SPM
Function Point SPM
Function point metrics provide a standardized method for measuring the various
functions of a software application. It measures the functionality from the user’s point
of view, that is, on the basis of what the user requests and receives in return. Function
point analysis is a standard method for measuring software development from the
user's point of view.
The Function Point measure originally conceived by Albrecht received increased
popularity with the inception of the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG)
in 1986. In 2002, IFPUG Function Points became an international ISO standard –
ISO/IEC 20926.
Determine the number of components (EI, EO, EQ, ILF, and ELF)
EI − The number of external inputs. These are elementary processes in
which derived data passes across the boundary from outside to inside. In
an example library database system, enter an existing patron's library
card number.
EO − The number of external output. These are elementary processes in
which derived data passes across the boundary from inside to outside. In
an example library database system, display a list of books checked out to
a patron.
EQ − The number of external queries. These are elementary processes
with both input and output components that result in data retrieval from
one or more internal logical files and external interface files. In an
example library database system, determine what books are currently
checked out to a patron.
ILF − The number of internal log files. These are user identifiable groups
of logically related data that resides entirely within the applications
boundary that are maintained through external inputs. In an example
library database system, the file of books in the library.
ELF − The number of external log files. These are user identifiable groups
of logically related data that are used for reference purposes only, and
which reside entirely outside the system. In an example library database
system, the file that contains transactions in the library's billing system.
Compute the Unadjusted Function Point Count (UFC)
Rate each component as low, average, or high.
For transactions (EI, EO, and EQ), the rating is based on FTR and DET.
o FTR − The number of files updated or referenced.
o DET − The number of user-recognizable fields.
o Based on the following table, an EI that references 2 files
and 10 data elements would be ranked as average.
FTRs DETs
EO EQ EI ILF ELF
Low 4 3 3 7 5
Average 5 4 4 10 7
High 6 5 6 15 10
GSC 2 Distributed data How are distributed data and processing functions
processing handled?
GSC 4 Heavily used How heavily used is the current hardware platform
configuration where the application will be executed?
GSC 6 On-Line data entry What percentage of the information is entered online?
GSC 7 End-user efficiency Was the application designed for end-user efficiency?
GSC 8 On-Line update How many ILFs are updated by online transaction?