Help on Function Point

How do I fill in Number of User Inputs?

Number of User Inputs refers to how many input fields of data that the user will have to fill in. From the software you plan to develop, make a quick estimate of how many inputs your program will need from a user. In addition, try and rate those inputs as SIMPLE, AVERAGE, or COMPLEX.

For example, after examining your software you may decide that it will have 7 user inputs. Out of those 7 inputs you decide that 2 will be complex, 2 will be average, and 3 will be simple.

How do I fill in Number of User Outputs?

Number of User Outputs refers to how many outputs will be generated for the user to see. This generally means the number of reports generate, not the number of fields of data on each report. From the software you plan to develop, decide how many reports (or screens of data) that your software will have to output. In addition, try and rate those outputs as SIMPLE, AVERAGE, or COMPLEX.

For example, after examining your software you may decide that it will need to produce 4 reports for the user. Out of those 4, you decide that 3 will be simple, 1 will be average, and none will be complex.

How do I fill in Number of User Inquiries?

Number of User Inquiries refers to how many times the user has to interact with the program without entering any data in. This generally includes things such as buttons, menus, or anything the user has to interact with without inputting data. From the software you plan to develop, decide how many objects (buttons, menus, etc.) the user will have to interact with. In addition, try and rate those inquiries as SIMPLE, AVERAGE, or COMPLEX.

For example, after examining your software you may decide that there will need to be 5 user inquiries. Out of those 5 user inquiries, you decide that 1 will be simple, 0 will be average, and 4 will be complex.

How do I fill Number of Files?

Number of Files refers to how many files that the software you plan to develop will have to access. This only includes any data files that your software will have to interact with. This does not include header files, library files, or any files that your compiler will need to compile your software. From the software you plan to develop, decide how many data files that your software will need to have access to. In addition, try and rate those files as SIMPLE, AVERAGE, or COMPLEX.

For example, after examining your software you may decide that it will need to access with 10 data files. Out of those 10, you decide that 3 will be simple, 3 will be average, and 4 will be complex.

How do I fill in Number of External Interfaces?

Number of External Interfaces refers to how many other systems or software that your software will have to interface with. This includes for example a piece of database software, a web-based server, or any other object that your software will have to interface with. From the software you plan to develop, decide how many external objects your software will have to interface with. In addition, try and rate each interface as SIMPLE, AVERAGE, or COMPLEX.

For example, after examining your software you may decide that it will need to have 3 external interface. Out of those 3, you decide that 3 will be simple, none will be average, and none will be complex.