Upgrading from Function Point WORKBENCH to SCOPE

If you are familiar with the features provided by the functional sizing software such as the Function Point WORKBENCH^™ which was originally released in 1993 then the information below will enable you understand how to use your experience in FPW to understand the new advanced features in SCOPE. In developing SCOPE the designers have identified and addressed the 'wish list' from counters using older tools to bring you SCOPE - the Function Point software for people serious about counting. It will solve your current counting, configuration and reporting problems.

You will find that SCOPE has advanced the concepts of functional modelling and Functional Size measurement and moved FPA forwards into the arena of quantitative project scope management and software asset configuration management.

If you are currently an FPW user then SCOPE will import all your counts, projects, and systems related data from FPW and translate them into the SCOPE structure so that you will lose nothing of your detailed count history.

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Advanced Features of SCOPE

Projects Impacting Multiple Applications

SCOPE models your applications architecture so that it allows a Business Initiative to be modelled as a project that impacts many applications. The Project size can then be aggregated across multiple applications. Each application can have multiple change requests counted for a single project, or multiple change requests on the same baseline that have been initiated from many different projects. You can aggregate size and report at any level, i.e. Count, Release, Project or Application.

Applications that have Multiple Counts within the Same Release

SCOPE's unique configuration capability enables it to manage concurrent Enhancement counts ensuring other counts are not overwritten when updating the master Application counts (Production Releases). This feature enables a project manager to 'scope' multiple change requests on the work in progress release and track the impact of each individual count on the overall release. The aggregated collection of counts is used to update the Production Baseline Release. If a change request is not approved then the count session is deleted or it can use the SCOPE feature to 'hold it over' to the next Release, and the integrity of the Release is retained.

SCOPE allows counters to take a copy of the current baseline (see 'snapshot' feature) and do their counts remotely and then when they are finished they can select to import their count back into the current Release. SCOPE has the intelligence to 'merge' the count back into the current Release even if the baseline has subsequently changed, other counts remain intact. This feature allows multiple counters to count on the same baseline at the same time without impacting each others work.

The merge capability also allows you to 'combine' all your past MS EXCEL counts into the same baseline count. SCOPE builds the baseline based on the imported elementary processes and data groups impacted. All count information is retained after import.

Tracks Rework for Enhancement and Development Projects

SCOPE enables multiple counts to be performed on the same functional model throughout the development lifecycle. As a new function is added, and subsequently changed several times at different stages of the lifecycle, SCOPE tracks the rework. It is able to report the net impact, the net result of the delivered software and the cumulative size of the rework.

Modern Interface - Ease of Use and Time Saving Data Entry

All features in SCOPE are performed and displayed on the single main screen avoiding the time consuming tasks of navigating through overlapping multiple windows. All features and short-cuts are typical of those set by Microsoft Windows® products.

Online Reporting of over 42 Different Reports

SCOPE has advanced cross-referencing and reporting functionality to enable you to easily do online 'what if' analysis and produce up to 42 different reports instantly. Previewed reports if accepted can be printed, sent to MS WORD, MS EXCEL, and HTML. It also allows you save the report as a Snapshot Viewer file, and sends directly via email or print as a PDF.

Other Users Viewing Count Reports

SCOPE allows you to 'snapshot' a count into its own SCOPE database. The count details can then be viewed in detail by non-SCOPE SCOPE Viewer.

Users can read all details of the count and print reports; they are just not able to make changes. This saves creating lots of reports and sending to your users. Instead send them the database and they can see what they want in the count.

Extended Length for Names and Descriptions

SCOPE allows you to enter up to 255 characters for all names of all your Processes, Data Groups, Notes and Attributes etc. Description field lengths are almost unlimited. You can enter and report a full description for all types of Tree Nodes. All characters in the names are fully viewable on the hierarchy. SCOPE alS Replace not only the names of Processes, Data, Notes and Attributes but also on their descriptions.

Hierarchical Modelling

SCOPE hierarchically models:

Your organisations projects and their relationships to Applications, their Releases and their Change Requests (enhancements).

Elementary Processes (transactions) into a full functional model that is not restricted by box sizes and displays in an MS Explorer format

Notes into customised folders for easy sorting and look up. Notes also have extensive descriptive capabilities.

Attributes (Labels) into customised categories. Data Groups (Files) can also be linked to attributes.

Data can be modelled so that the related Logical Data Groups (ILFs and EIFs) are grouped into File Folders, then hierarchically decomposed into Record Element Types for each Logical File as well as each individual Data Element within the RETs

Detailed Recording of Data Groups

SCOPE not only allows you to link Elementary Processes to the Data Groups but also allows you to identify exactly which RETs and Data Elements are used by the Process, identify their access type and link and report at this level. SCOPE wSCOmplexity of the elementary processes from the FTRs and DETs linked and the complexity and type of the file by the number of RETs and DETs and the types of accesses (update or read only).

SCOPE Database - single Microsoft Access compatible file

SCOPE databases are easily identified and saved as a single .FPA file that is Microsoft Access compatible.

Mapping FPW to SCOPE

Setting up your Application for Functional Size Measurement

Function SCOPE SCOPE features, comments

Create Project File > Software Applications List > Project List Explode Tree > Add SCOPE enables you to relate a project to more than one application. Link projects to individual Count Requests by linking in Count Session Details. Allows more than one Project to impact an Application at the same time.

Count for a Release File > Software Applications List > Select Release Type > Add Release > Add Count Session SCOPE allows multiple concurrent counts on the same Release of software. It tracks and reports the impact of each individual count session or the cumulative effect.

Overlay another Count on an existing count? Add a Count Session to the Release with update Rights SCOPE allows concurrent change requests within a Release to be tracked and recorded separately as Count Sessions, set up under the same Releases. New counts can be set up as a new session. Create a new Release in 'Other Releases' to keep a snapshot at any point in time

Creating a new Release based on the current Production Baseline Release Base on existing Release? Select the Production Release with Gold Padlock Icon SCOPE tracks the latest Production Baseline Release by highlighting with a Gold Padlock Icon

Creating a new count for the same project for the same release of software Select the Release with the Open Padlock Icon and Add - Count Session SCOPE tracks the latest Release that has update rights to the Baseline Release by highlighting it with an open Padlock Icon

Application Baseline / Project Function Point Count

Function SCOPE SCOPE features, comments

Production Application Baseline Count Applications List > Explode tree > Select Application, Production Release (Open, Release with Gold Padlock) SCOPE highlights the latest Production Release with a Gold Padlock ICON. If that release has no Count Sessions then it has an Opened padlock Icon.

Development Project Count Applications List > Explode tree > Select Application > Work in Progress Release (Open Green Padlock), Open the Count Session SCOPE highlights the latest release being counted for a project with an open green padlock. Counts done at different stages of the lifecycle are recorded as Count Sessions but are individually tracked on the same Release model to retain configuration control. Record Project Details in the Project List

Enhancement Project Count See above. Highlight a Count Session and select Open. Link the count session to the Enhancement Project in the Project List Screen If your make changes to the Release when a Count Session is open then all changes are tracked (add, change, delete) like using Tracking in Microsoft Word. Record Project Details in the Project List

Recording Rework during a Project Use a count session to record your new changes. Impacts across the life cycle can be tracked cumulatively Report the total functionality impacted using the "Release Rework Functional Size" Report Option

Updating the Baseline Application count Use a Count Session to record your new changes. Impacts across the life cycle can be tracked cumulatively The Baseline Application Count is protected from being mistakenly updated by an earlier count that overwrites later changes. The Production Release is only allowed to be updated with the Release with the latest version of changes, ie. Release that has the Update rights (denoted with an open padlock) You are given the option to 'hold over' a count if it is not to be applied to this baseline or to exclude a count in which case it is not used to update the baseline (useful for conversion counts).

Record Processes and Data Groups on Functional Model

Function SCOPE SCOPE features, comments

Modify Data Group Details Select Detail TAB opposite window to Data Tree SCOPE displays all Data details on the same screen, as you move around the data tree

Create a new Data Group function Select Data Tree TAB - ALT / INS for Data Group SCOPE allows you to create Data Groups on the same screen as you view your hierarchy. If you need add a new file press ALT/INS

Create a RET for a Data Group ALT / INS / Shift SCOPE allows you to record details of the RETs and link them to Processes that Read or Update them

Create a DET for a Data Group INS SCOPE allows you to record details of the DETs and link them to Processes that Read or Update them

Insert a higher level Function Nodexe "Node" Select Function Tree TAB - ALT/INS

Insert an Elementary Process INS

View Process Details Select Detail TAB on the opposite window to the Function Tree SCOPE displays all Process details on the same screen, as you move around the tree. You can view all its links, Data, Notes and Attributes, and the Change Request (Count Sessions) that impacted it.

Assess Process Complexity

Function SCOPE SCOPE features, comments

Using Ranges of DETs and FTRs Result Source Range SCOPE Default is Average Input

Input values of FTRs and RETs Result Source Enter Value, Range

Derive from number of DETs and FTRs Result Source Derive Complexity and type automatically derived from RETs and DETs and access type

Guess Low / Average / High Result Source Assessment SCOPE - select low, average or high

Assess Data Group Complexity

Function SCOPE SCOPE features, comments

Using Ranges of RETS and DETs Result Source Range SCOPE Default is "Low" - Type undefined

Input numbers of DETs and RETs Result Source Enter Value then Range

Derive from Numbers of Input DETs and RETs Result Source Enter Value

Guess Low / Average / High Result Source Assessment SCOPE allows you just to select low average or high, default is LOW

Derived from names of RETs and DETs entered Result Source derived SCOPE will tally the list of DETs and RETs listed under the Data Group

Enhancement Counts - Recording

Function SCOPE SCOPE features, comments

Identify which Processes or data groups are impacted by a change request to the software
Work in Progress Release >
Count Session >
Select Impact Type (above status bar).

The Icon next to the Data Groups and Processes / "Functions", immediately change colour

Green = add

Orange = change

Grey = Delete

Black = No Impact
SCOPE records work in a Count Session by awarding an impact type to the new, changed or deleted Processes or data groups. In the Details screen, view cumulative session impacts recorded in multiple sessions across the Release Project Cycle.

Enhancement Counts - Reporting

Function SCOPE SCOPE features, comments

Reporting a selected Function Point Counting Session Count Session Impactedxe "Impacted" Functional Size SCOPEallows you to report the impact recorded just for this selected count session for the Release

Reporting All Function Point Counting Sessions for a Release Release Impactedxe "Impacted" Functional Size Reports the impacted functions for all count sessions for this release

Reporting the Net Result of the Enhancement Counts Release Baseline Functional Size Reports the net effect of the Adds and Changes, removes the Deleted functions

Profiling the Functionality for Analysis and Reporting using Labels

Function SCOPE SCOPE features, comments

Create Labels (Create Categories of "Attributes") Select Attribute Tree TAB - ALT/INS to create CATEGORY. Highlight "Category" INS and Attribute SCOPE has Categories instead of Labels and "Attributes" instead of Label Options. SCOPE aows you to Label Data as well as processes

Linking Labels Use Link Mode and view Attribute tree. Link to Data or Processes or Notes. SCOPE allows you to create new Categories and "Attributes" whilst still viewing the Process, Data or Notes Tree. You can link related Attributes to the same Process or Data Node. They are not mutually exclusive.

View Combinations of Labelled Processes Select "Filter Mode" Icon, Highlight the attribute and click the Boolean Icons (And/Or/Not) on Main Menu SCOPE allows you to view the flagged result of your filter selection immediately on the screen

Save a selection Filter Filter Set Icon, Save SCOPE allows you to use a selection filter for any of the Trees and save this filter. It is not restricted to just the Attributes Tree

Load a selection filter Filter Set Icon, Apply If you want to see the cumulative result of selecting, using a Data Group plus selected Notes, plus selected Attributes, then save each Flag Set result and then apply them cumulatively

Save the results of your selection Filter Highlight the root node for the Flagged Tree, Flag Set Icon, Save SCOPE allows you to save the results of a selection, and then re-apply them cumulatively.

Cumulatively Load the results of many selections Flag Set Icon, Apply Flags Cumulatively, Apply

Function	SCOPE	SCOPE features, comments
Create Project	File > Software Applications List > Project List Explode Tree > Add	SCOPE enables you to relate a project to more than one application. Link projects to individual Count Requests by linking in Count Session Details. Allows more than one Project to impact an Application at the same time.
Count for a Release	File > Software Applications List > Select Release Type > Add Release > Add Count Session	SCOPE allows multiple concurrent counts on the same Release of software. It tracks and reports the impact of each individual count session or the cumulative effect.
Overlay another Count on an existing count?	Add a Count Session to the Release with update Rights	SCOPE allows concurrent change requests within a Release to be tracked and recorded separately as Count Sessions, set up under the same Releases. New counts can be set up as a new session. Create a new Release in 'Other Releases' to keep a snapshot at any point in time
Creating a new Release based on the current Production Baseline Release	Base on existing Release? Select the Production Release with Gold Padlock Icon	SCOPE tracks the latest Production Baseline Release by highlighting with a Gold Padlock Icon
Creating a new count for the same project for the same release of software	Select the Release with the Open Padlock Icon and Add - Count Session	SCOPE tracks the latest Release that has update rights to the Baseline Release by highlighting it with an open Padlock Icon

Function	SCOPE	SCOPE features, comments
Production Application Baseline Count	Applications List > Explode tree > Select Application, Production Release (Open, Release with Gold Padlock)	SCOPE highlights the latest Production Release with a Gold Padlock ICON. If that release has no Count Sessions then it has an Opened padlock Icon.
Development Project Count	Applications List > Explode tree > Select Application > Work in Progress Release (Open Green Padlock), Open the Count Session	SCOPE highlights the latest release being counted for a project with an open green padlock. Counts done at different stages of the lifecycle are recorded as Count Sessions but are individually tracked on the same Release model to retain configuration control. Record Project Details in the Project List
Enhancement Project Count	See above. Highlight a Count Session and select Open. Link the count session to the Enhancement Project in the Project List Screen	If your make changes to the Release when a Count Session is open then all changes are tracked (add, change, delete) like using Tracking in Microsoft Word. Record Project Details in the Project List
Recording Rework during a Project	Use a count session to record your new changes. Impacts across the life cycle can be tracked cumulatively	Report the total functionality impacted using the "Release Rework Functional Size" Report Option
Updating the Baseline Application count	Use a Count Session to record your new changes. Impacts across the life cycle can be tracked cumulatively	The Baseline Application Count is protected from being mistakenly updated by an earlier count that overwrites later changes. The Production Release is only allowed to be updated with the Release with the latest version of changes, ie. Release that has the Update rights (denoted with an open padlock) You are given the option to 'hold over' a count if it is not to be applied to this baseline or to exclude a count in which case it is not used to update the baseline (useful for conversion counts).

Function	SCOPE	SCOPE features, comments
Modify Data Group Details	Select Detail TAB opposite window to Data Tree	SCOPE displays all Data details on the same screen, as you move around the data tree
Create a new Data Group function	Select Data Tree TAB - ALT / INS for Data Group	SCOPE allows you to create Data Groups on the same screen as you view your hierarchy. If you need add a new file press ALT/INS
Create a RET for a Data Group	ALT / INS / Shift	SCOPE allows you to record details of the RETs and link them to Processes that Read or Update them
Create a DET for a Data Group	INS	SCOPE allows you to record details of the DETs and link them to Processes that Read or Update them
Insert a higher level Function Nodexe "Node"	Select Function Tree TAB - ALT/INS
Insert an Elementary Process	INS
View Process Details	Select Detail TAB on the opposite window to the Function Tree	SCOPE displays all Process details on the same screen, as you move around the tree. You can view all its links, Data, Notes and Attributes, and the Change Request (Count Sessions) that impacted it.

Function	SCOPE	SCOPE features, comments
Using Ranges of DETs and FTRs	Result Source Range	SCOPE Default is Average Input
Input values of FTRs and RETs	Result Source Enter Value, Range
Derive from number of DETs and FTRs	Result Source Derive	Complexity and type automatically derived from RETs and DETs and access type
Guess Low / Average / High	Result Source Assessment	SCOPE - select low, average or high

Function	SCOPE	SCOPE features, comments
Using Ranges of RETS and DETs	Result Source Range	SCOPE Default is "Low" - Type undefined
Input numbers of DETs and RETs	Result Source Enter Value then Range
Derive from Numbers of Input DETs and RETs	Result Source Enter Value
Guess Low / Average / High	Result Source Assessment	SCOPE allows you just to select low average or high, default is LOW
Derived from names of RETs and DETs entered	Result Source derived	SCOPE will tally the list of DETs and RETs listed under the Data Group

Function	SCOPE	SCOPE features, comments
Reporting a selected Function Point Counting Session	Count Session Impactedxe "Impacted" Functional Size	SCOPEallows you to report the impact recorded just for this selected count session for the Release
Reporting All Function Point Counting Sessions for a Release	Release Impactedxe "Impacted" Functional Size	Reports the impacted functions for all count sessions for this release
Reporting the Net Result of the Enhancement Counts	Release Baseline Functional Size	Reports the net effect of the Adds and Changes, removes the Deleted functions

Function	SCOPE	SCOPE features, comments
Create Labels	(Create Categories of "Attributes") Select Attribute Tree TAB - ALT/INS to create CATEGORY. Highlight "Category" INS and Attribute	SCOPE has Categories instead of Labels and "Attributes" instead of Label Options. SCOPE aows you to Label Data as well as processes
Linking Labels	Use Link Mode and view Attribute tree. Link to Data or Processes or Notes.	SCOPE allows you to create new Categories and "Attributes" whilst still viewing the Process, Data or Notes Tree. You can link related Attributes to the same Process or Data Node. They are not mutually exclusive.
View Combinations of Labelled Processes	Select "Filter Mode" Icon, Highlight the attribute and click the Boolean Icons (And/Or/Not) on Main Menu	SCOPE allows you to view the flagged result of your filter selection immediately on the screen
Save a selection Filter	Filter Set Icon, Save	SCOPE allows you to use a selection filter for any of the Trees and save this filter. It is not restricted to just the Attributes Tree
Load a selection filter	Filter Set Icon, Apply	If you want to see the cumulative result of selecting, using a Data Group plus selected Notes, plus selected Attributes, then save each Flag Set result and then apply them cumulatively
Save the results of your selection Filter	Highlight the root node for the Flagged Tree, Flag Set Icon, Save	SCOPE allows you to save the results of a selection, and then re-apply them cumulatively.
Cumulatively Load the results of many selections	Flag Set Icon, Apply Flags Cumulatively, Apply