The customization of Oracle Applications can be done using tolls like Oracle Forms (user interface) and Oracle Reports. Customizing reports are very common because normally they dont change anything in applications structure, on the other hand, developing customizations that changes Oracle e-Business suite functionalities or database objects is not recommended. In another article, I wrote about the value of process development adoption when developing these customizations (have a look at this link). One key factor to obtain effectiveness is the application of a standard metric during planning phase and followed by the entire project life cycle.

When developing a customization, the schedule is negotiated depending on functionalities sizes and human resources productivity rates. These productivity rates are related with team experience and tools used in the project. A customization measure may be done using estimation metrics like FPA (Function Point Analysis), which is maintained by IFPUG (International Function Point Users Group). Another way of estimating strategy is proposed by Oracle at the AIM Advantage product (have a look at http://www.oracle.com/consulting/collateral/AIMadvantage.pdf). AIM Advantage is a proven, comprehensive method and toolkit to successfully guide implementation of an Oracle Applications solution, used by Oracle consultants, partners and customers.

The development team production rate is established based on historical production rate values. If you are using function points (FP), this rate is presented as hour per function points (h/FP), that is, how many working hours are needed to completely develop each function point. For example, if you have a 100 FP customization to develop and a team with 5 h/FP productivity rate, it will be necessary about 500 working hours to develop this customization. If you dont have production rates history, you can get base values at Internet sites, which have some common market rates, varying from technologies, development tolls and team expertise.

One of the best benefits of using standard metrics is a more precise forecast for schedule and costs; also it is possible to have a better management and production rate control during execution phases. This approach results on a better relationship between customer and supplier and a development of a clear way of working. As the old dictum goes, You cant manage what you cant measure.