Cost Estimates

It is important, particularly for a smaller company to know how much it costs to attain a level of maturity. Let me help you understand the factors affecting the cost.

Attaining a maturity level is a two-step process. First, processes are defined and implemented in a representative sample of organizational projects. Second, these projects are then appraised to verify compliance to the model. Variations in process improvements lead to two separate cost models.

Process Implementation 

• COTS-based Process Improvement:: COTS software that has all the components of the model can be used to make process improvements. An appraiser then verifies compliance. This approach particularly for small companies may cost significantly more when the cost of COTS is included.
  

• Customized Process Improvement:: Processes customized to the company are developed, defined and implemented using in-house tools and evolving practices. This is followed by an appraisal to verify compliance. With adequate guidance from experienced professionals, this is generally a less expensive option than the COTS approach and has lasting value. 

CMMI Appraisal

The Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI) is used to verify CMMI compliance using a team of internal and external appraisers. The result is good for both internal measurement and marketing.

Costs

A number of factors determine the cost:

• Implementation Goals: When the goal is to reduce development costs and improve quality rather than to attain a maturity level for marketing purposes, the "Continuous" representation of the model, verses the "Staged" representation may be more suitable. A representation implemented on fewer selected process areas could be less expensive. 

• Maturity Level: Attaining the Maturity Level 2 costs less than attaining Level 3. Sometimes, going directly to Level 3 costs even less.

• Number of Process Areas appraised: Process areas in continuous representation are selected for implementation and appraisal. Even in the staged representation, all processes within a maturity level may not be applicable. It costs less when fewer process areas are selected for appraiser.

• Early Preparation: Corporations with quality-oriented culture may have personnel trained in the model and performing tasks according to the model. More prepared is the corporation the lower is the cost.

• Business Sector: All sector of the corporation may not be suitable for implement of the model. Smaller and fewer the sector, lower is the cost.

• Project Size: Generally, smaller projects with fewer members in the development team will have lower cost. 

Each implementation is unique. There may be other factors impacting the cost.

Adnet recognizes that cost is a major consideration for smaller companies in implementing process improvement. Adnet uses several cost saving strategies to bring the model within your reach. Adnet offers a better cost solution uniquely tailored to your business needs. Please contact us for more information.