The TruePlanning software, by Unison Cost Engineering, produces activity-based estimates of cost, schedule and uncertainty. The integrated framework, TruePlanning is enhanced with validated, predictive models for a standard, repeatable model-based cost engineering process based on the organization and technical solution being produced.
We are focusing on a few critical TruePlanning inputs of the hundreds provided in the technology. Reviewing the definitions, intent, and effects of these inputs through a generic use case is vital to better understanding the capabilities. You may be well aware that there is interdependence among cost objects in TruePlanning. To keep things simple, we are focusing on effects at the hardware component level. First up, let’s talk about all things related to quantities.
In the hardware component, there are six primary activities spread across two phases as shown below:
At the project level, we normally provide quantities for prototypes and production units. In addition to number of units, we can also phase quantities over time. Prototypes are those components, assemblies or end items that are manufactured to support the development phase; Including development of engineering models, test units, and other common items that are qualified through acceptance tests during the development phase of the project.Prototype quantities greater than zero will generate effort for all three development activities. With zero prototypes, effort will still be generated for Development Engineering. However, there will be no effort for Development Manufacturing or Development Tooling and Test. This technique (zero prototypes) is useful when estimating “paper studies” or other design efforts where test articles are not required.Production units are those components, assemblies or end items that are manufactured to support the production phase and meet the total demand for deployable assets. When production quantities are zero, no production effort (or cost) generates in TruePlanning. This technique (zero production units) is useful when estimating a “development only” project. When production quantities are greater than zero, cost will be generated for all three of the production activities.Now, at the hardware component level, we have several additional inputs related to quantities. First, there is Quantity Per Next Higher Level. Use this input when you need to produce “X” number of hardware components for “Y” number of overall systems. In aerospace terminology, this is often referred to as a shipset; it takes into account redundancies within a system. As an example, consider wheels for a car. If you need to produce 50 cars, and each car needs to have four wheels, a quantity per next higher level of four would ensure you generate cost for 200 wheels (50 x 4). Quantity Per Next Higher Level also affects prototypes.
There are two other quantity-related inputs at the hardware component level: Number of Additional Production Units and Number of Additional Prototypes. Whereas the Quantity Per Next Higher Level input was multiplicative, these two inputs mentioned here are additive as shown by the formulas below
- Development Demand = Number of Prototypes * Quantity Per Next Higher Level + Number of Additional Prototypes
- Production Demand = Number of Production Units * Quantity Per Next Higher Level + Number of Additional Production Units
We should change the name of this blog from to “What do those buttons do?” because we cover five separate inputs here! However, the quantity-related inputs essentially have the same effect within a given hardware component, depending on if it is a prototype- or production-related article. We start with these relatively straightforward inputs with good reason.
Produce activity-based estimates of cost, schedule and uncertainty using TruePlanning integrated framework with validated, predictive models for a standard, repeatable model–based cost engineering process.
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