Detailed Recording of Data Groups

Counting Logical Files

SCOPE allows you to create a detailed hierarchical model of your data as well as your functional processes. You can:

• group your related Data Groups (ILFs and EIFs) into Data Group Folders for cataloguing purposes
• record the of Record Element Types ( RET) for each Data Group
• record each individual Data Element Types ( DET) for each RET

This hierarchical model aids in:

• more easily understood documentation of your count
• faster counting when you need to quickly find a particular Data Group
• enabling you to document any Tables in your application that have been excluded from being counted because they are physical tables not Logical Data Groups e.g. create a Folder called "Physical Tables" and list the Code tables and Technical tables that are part of the application but not counted under IFPUG Rules. Then set the multiplier to '0' for these tables. Attach a Note to the tables listing the reasons why they have been excluded from the count.
• enabling you to list DETs that are used by processes and cross the boundarybut are not stored on Logical Data Groups. These DETs can be linked to the processes that use them and used to automatically derive the size of the Process. e.g. create a Data Group Folder called "Transient DETs", then record the DETs that cross the boundary but are not stored on an ILF or EIF e.g. Message DETs, Control DETs, Totals, Derived fields etc. Link all DETs to each Process that uses them and select Result Source= Derived to have SCOPE automatically count DETs , FTRs and derive the complexity of the process.

SCOPE also allows you to derive the complexity of a process automatically using the number of FTRs (Logical Data Groups) and DETs linked to the process, so the more completely you are able to document your count then the more accurately it can be sized.