Automated Function Points: Critical Evaluation and Discussion

Function Point Analysis is the most widely adopted method for measuring the functional size of software. Function Point Analysis is performed manually and is relatively time consuming and expensive. Recently, the Automated Function Points method has been proposed to automate the counting of Function Points in a way that -according to the proposers- is generally consistent with current Function Point analysis practices. In this paper, this new method is analyzed, to identify its features, and evaluate to what extent it can be safely considered a replacement of Function Point analysis. Possible uses of the new method are also proposed. Finally, research activities concerning the method are proposed, to improve the knowledge of the method and its relationship with traditional Function point analysis.