Operational Ease

Definition

Operational Ease describes the degree to which the application attends to operational aspects, such as start-up, back-up, and recovery processes.

Operational ease is a characteristic of the application. The application minimizes the need for manual activities, such as tape mounts, paper handling, and direct on-location manual intervention.

Score

Score As Descriptions To Determine Degree of Influence
0 No special operational considerations other than the normal back-up procedures were stated by the user.
1 - 4 One, some, or all of the following items apply to the application. Select all that apply. Each item has a point value of one, except as noted otherwise.
  • Start-up, back-up, and recovery processes were provided, but human intervention is required.
  • Start-up, back-up, and recovery processes were provided, but no human intervention is required (count as two items)
  • The application minimizes the need for tape mounts and/or remote data access requiring human intervention
  • The application minimizes the need for paper handling.
5 The application is designed for unattended operation. Unattended operation means no human intervention is required to operate the system other than to start up or shut down the application. Automatic error recovery is a feature of the application.

Hints

  • Application has the ability to perform start-up, back-up, and recovery; however, human response is required to initiate the function.
  • Application has the ability to perform start-up, back-up, and recovery; and no human response is required to initiate the function.
  • If the application has conversion and installation requirements and installation guides were provided, and providing these functions and guides were on the critical path of the project, score a 3.
  • The application minimizes the need to access data that is not immediately available.
  • This may include importing data from a distributed processor to the local processor prior to execution to eliminate access delays.
  • The application has been designed to provide the user with data in a condensed format or via a media other than paper.
  • This could include elimination of detailed printed information or access to on-line reports, inquiries, microfiche, CD, or other such media.
  • A score of 5 is assigned to an application that runs and recovers automatically from errors, on its own – an unattended operation.
  • Unattended operation may include unmanned satellite, nuclear reactor, or air traffic control.

Typically

Scoring is not platform dependent.