IEEE Std 1045-1992 PDF

Full title and description

ANSI/IEEE Std 1045-1992 — IEEE Standard for Software Productivity Metrics. A standard that defines a consistent set of metrics, data‑collection primitives and calculation methods to measure software productivity for source code and documentation production. It provides terminology and measurement procedures intended to support objective understanding of software work products and processes (not to establish productivity norms or to evaluate individual developers).

Abstract

IEEE Std 1045-1992 specifies the data collection process, primitive counts (for source statements, delivered source, function‑point primitives and documentation), and formulas used to compute software productivity measures. The standard is organized into clauses covering definitions, measurement primitives, counting rules, productivity calculations and reporting. Annexes include sample data collection forms, summary lists and a bibliography. The standard emphasizes repeatable, well‑documented measurement rather than prescriptive productivity targets or quality assessment.

General information

• Status: Inactive — Administratively withdrawn (withdrawn January 14, 2008).
• Publication date: Board approval September 17, 1992; published November 30, 1992; ANSI approval March 22, 1993; reaffirmed December 11, 2002.
• Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) / IEEE Computer Society (IEEE Standards Association).
• ICS / categories: Information technology — Software (ICS 35.080).
• Edition / version: ANSI/IEEE Std 1045-1992 (first edition, 1992).
• Number of pages: 32 pages (typical published edition).

Scope

This standard defines how to collect, count and report the data needed to compute software productivity metrics for development and maintenance work. It covers measurement primitives for source statements (original, added, modified, removed), delivered vs nondelivered source, function‑point primitives and documentation items; defines calculation methods for productivity rates; and provides templates/annexes for consistent data collection. The standard explicitly excludes prescribing acceptable productivity norms and does not claim to measure software quality or to be a tool for developer performance appraisal.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology for software productivity measurement (source statements, delivered units, work effort).
• Primitive counting rules for source statements and documentation items.
• Function‑point primitives and guidance on integrating functional size with productivity measures.
• Procedures for data collection, recording characteristics and context that affect productivity.
• Formulas and examples for computing productivity rates (e.g., delivered source statements per person‑month, function points per person‑month).
• Annexes with sample data collection forms, summary lists and counting relationship guidance.
• Guidance on reporting, interpretation caveats and limitations (do not use metrics in isolation to judge quality or individual performance).

Typical use and users

Used by software engineering managers, metrics analysts, process‑improvement teams, project planners, researchers and consultants who need a repeatable method to collect and compute productivity data for projects or organizational benchmarking. Typical applications include historical productivity analysis, process improvement studies, estimation calibration and academic research into software productivity drivers.

Related standards

Standards and guidance commonly used alongside or following IEEE Std 1045-1992 include IEEE Std 1061 (Software Quality Metrics Methodology), IEEE Std 1058 (Software Project Management Plans), IEEE Std 1074 (Software Life Cycle Processes), the ISO/IEC 14143 family and ISO/IEC 19761 (COSMIC) and ISO/IEC/IEEE 15939 (Measurement process). Function‑point counting guidance such as IFPUG Counting Practices and later ISO/IEC FSM standards are also relevant.

Keywords

software productivity, metrics, measurement, source statement counts, function points, data collection, productivity calculation, software metrics, measurement primitives, IEEE 1045

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEEE Std 1045-1992 is the IEEE standard titled "IEEE Standard for Software Productivity Metrics" that defines how to collect and calculate metrics to measure software productivity for source code and documentation.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers measurement primitives (source statements, delivered vs nondelivered work, function‑point primitives, documentation), data collection procedures, calculation formulas for productivity rates and annexes with sample forms and guidance. It does not set productivity benchmarks or measure software quality.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Software managers, metrics and measurement analysts, process‑improvement teams, estimators, auditors, consultants and researchers who need a repeatable methodology for collecting productivity data and computing productivity rates.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEEE Std 1045-1992 was administratively withdrawn on January 14, 2008 and is listed as inactive/withdrawn. It has no single direct replacement in the IEEE portfolio, but users seeking modern measurement guidance should consult newer measurement and quality standards such as ISO/IEC/IEEE 15939 (measurement process), the ISO/IEC functional size measurement family (ISO/IEC 14143 and related FSMMs), and updated IEEE metrics guidance (for example IEEE 1061 revisions).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEEE software engineering family of standards and is related in purpose to other IEEE standards on software metrics, quality and lifecycle processes (for example IEEE 1061, IEEE 1058 and IEEE 1074) and to international software measurement standards (ISO/IEC series).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Software productivity, software metrics, measurement primitives, source statement count, function points, productivity calculation, data collection, IEEE 1045.