FPA Audit

FP Audit Process

SMS uses a standard FP Audit Process that evaluates:

• the process followed
• the results produced
• and the conformance to agreed standards (taking account of any previously agreed Local Counting Practices and Case Law as necessary).

For any specific FP Analysis, the FP Audit Team will prefer to consult with the developers & FP Analysts as early as possible to reach agreement of the Purpose, Type of Count, Scope, Context, Functional Users and Boundary of the requirements that are the subject of the analysis. We find this helps avoid rework.

Subsequently, the SMS FP Audit Team will expect to receive the results of each completed FP Analysis that is to be audited, along with all the supporting documentation & references. If a sampling approach has been agreed with the client, the SMS FP Audit Team will expect to work with the FP Analysts and developers to plan the sampling regime to ensure that the sample provides adequate coverage of the work analysed.

The FP Audit will include SMS team members ‘sitting in’ as silent observers in at least a sample of the interviews conducted by FP Analysts with the developers. The purpose of this is to evaluate the process of analysis, to determine the likelihood of errors of omission as well as commission.

Reporting

FP Audit results will be collated and compiled into reports for the client periodically as agreed. It will be the client’s decision whether to share audit results with others.

SMS Audit Credentials

SMS have been independent specialists in functional size measurement since 1994. SMS credentials with respect to all methods of Function Point Analysis are second to none. SMS consultants have contributed significantly to the development of industry standards at both national and international levels, including participation on the Counting Practices Committees of the design authorities for each of the IFPUG FPA, Mark II FPA and COSMIC FP Methods. This includes work with the British Standards Institute (BSI) and the International Standards Organisation (ISO). The sometime national representatives to ISO SC7 WorkGroup12 for both the United Kingdom and the Republic Of Ireland operate as SMS consultants, and several have contributed to the work of ISO SC7 WorkGroup6 during 2010.

The team includes CFPS, CFPA and COSMIC certificated counters.

Delivery

FP Audits are typically delivered by an SMS Managing Consultant supported by a small team of appropriately qualified and experienced Principal Consultants. A fixed price for a complete or partial audit can be negotiated depending on size and scope. Contact SMS for a service to suit your situation and budget.

e. s.rule@measuresw.com

t. +44 (0) 8432 89 51 74
t. +44 (0) 1732 86 37 60