Lessons Learned



There are several key lessons learned from this PIE project :

  1. Although Defect Prevention is considered an SEI/CMM Level-5 KPA, we found that a strong level-3 organization, with a Defect Prevention infrastructure, can build an effective Defect Prevention Process, and obtain excellent results.


  2. The primary cause of defects is classified by the development team as oversight, or human error (almost 75% ). Our experience shows that the term "oversight" is too broad and should be broken down somewhat, probably based on those Beizer clasifications which were categorized as "oversight".


  3. The Timing of the Phase Kickoff meetings is critical. A Phase Kickoff should be planned early and performed as close as it is possible to the beginning of the phase.


  4. In order for the Defect Prevention process to be effective, the software teams need in depth training and initial support in using the taxonomy and performing the root cause analysis.


  5. There is a need for a tool to input the classification of defects, according to the Beizer Taxonomy. An automatic tool is needed to analyze the defects and to get statistical results. The current vehicle we have for input of cause analysis and defect classification is deficient. A better interface is needed, as well as a mechanism for adding new categories to the Beizer Taxonomy. Standardized statistical analysis reports are needed for use by all projects for ongoing Defect Prevention and process improvement.


Lessons learned
Measured results