Automated Effort Estimation for Software Managed Services
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current estimation techniques for managed services production support engagements in the IT industry are inefficient, characterized by high turnaround times, high people dependency, and lack of standard rules, making it challenging to estimate effort and Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) for multi-application support engagements, especially during proposal submissions where requirements are vague.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a processor, memory, receiving module, categorization module, size estimation module, effort estimation module, and FTE estimation module that categorizes tickets into application bundles based on predefined parameters, estimates size and effort using complexity distribution and weightage allocation, and calculates FTEs considering service level agreements and steady/state factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If existing estimation templates are used for managed services production support engagements, then estimation can be performed, but turnaround time is significantly high
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the estimation process into distinct automated modules: ticket data collection, application bundling based on parameters, size estimation, effort estimation, and FTE calculation. Each module processes specific aspects independently, enabling parallel execution and significantly reducing overall turnaround time compared to sequential manual estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical estimation processes with an automated computer-based system. The system automatically collects ticket data, applies bundling rules, calculates sizes and efforts using predefined algorithms, and generates FTE estimates without human intervention in the core calculation steps, thereby eliminating the time-consuming nature of manual estimation.
2Reliability
If existing estimation templates are used, then estimation can be performed, but there is high people dependency and absence of standard rules
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms estimation from a subjective human judgment process to an objective parameter-based calculation system. It defines specific parameters for application bundling (technology stack, support complexity, transaction volumes) and uses these parameters consistently across all estimations, eliminating variability introduced by different estimators and ensuring standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal estimation system that handles multiple applications and engagement types through a single standardized framework. The same bundling rules, size estimation algorithms, and effort calculation methods are applied across diverse scenarios, providing consistent and reliable estimates regardless of which estimator is performing the analysis.
3Measurement precision
If skilled resources from different domains are gathered to arrive at one estimate, then comprehensive estimation is achieved, but it becomes a challenge to gather and consolidate all on same ground
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an automated estimation engine as an intermediary that consolidates input from multiple domains. Instead of requiring skilled resources to physically gather and coordinate, the system accepts ticket data and application information, automatically applies multi-domain expertise through predefined algorithms and bundling rules, and produces a consolidated estimate, eliminating coordination challenges while maintaining comprehensive analysis.
4Loss of time
If estimation is performed during proposal submission, then timely estimates are provided, but requirements are available only at very high level
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables preliminary estimation by using high-level requirement information available during proposal stages. It applies standardized bundling rules and default assumptions to generate initial size and effort estimates without waiting for detailed requirements. This preliminary action allows timely proposal submission, with the understanding that estimates can be refined later as more information becomes available.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method and system that estimates size, effort and FTE of software Managed Services Production Support (MS-PS) engagements. It provides a method and system to categorize all applications in various bundles based on multiple parameters. Further the invention provides a method and system to estimates size of each bundle at an application level based on a set of variables. Further, the invention provides a method and system for utilizing the estimated MS-PS engagement size and organizational baseline productivity information for estimating the MS-PS engagement base effort which can then be adjusted based on multiple factors to arrive at the final effort. It estimates full time equivalent (FTE) of the MS-PS engagement using the final estimated effort of the applications and additional FTE impacting parameters. The invention furthermore provides a method and system to optimize the estimated FTE for a bundle and view the overall unutilized effort.