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Project Complexity
In addition to the project size, project complexity must be properly evaluated. To some extent, complexity levels are evaluated by the function point 14 general system characteristics:
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Data communications
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Distributed data processing
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Performance
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Heavily used configuration
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Transaction rate
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Online data entry
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End-user efficiency
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Online update
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Complex processing
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Reusability
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Installation ease
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Operational ease
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Multiple sites
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Facilitate change
The assessment of a project's complexity must also take into consideration complex interfaces, database structures, and contained algorithms. The assessment of complexity can be based upon five varying levels of complexity:
- Level 1: Simple addition/subtraction
Simple logical algorithms
Simple data relationships
- Level 2: Many calculations, including multiplication/division in series
More complex nested algorithms
Multidimensional data relationships
- Level 3: Significant number of calculations typically contained in payroll/actuarial/rating/scheduling applications
Complex nested algorithms
Multidimensional and relational data relationships with a significant number of attributive and associative relationships
- Level 4: Differential equations typical
Fuzzy logic
Extremely complex logical and mathematical algorithms typically seen in military/telecommunications/real-time/automated process control/navigation systems
Extremely complex data
- Level 5: Online, continuously available, critically timed
Event-driven outputs that occur simultaneously with inputs
Buffer area or queue to determine processing priorities
Memory, timing, and communication constraints
The most advanced applications developed