Software metrics for the Boeing 777: a case study

Abstract

This article describes rapid, midstream introduction of elementary software metrics into a large engineering-development programme. It is presented as a case study for use by organizations considering deployment of software metrics. The 777 airplane, under development by The Boeing Company, will contain over two million lines of newly-developed source code. The 777 marks the first time The Boeing Company has applied software metrics uniformly across a new commercial-airplane programme. This was done to ensure simple, consistent communication of information pertinent to software schedules among Boeing, its software suppliers, and its customers-at all engineering and management levels. In the short term, uniform application of software metrics has resulted in improved visibility and reduced risk for 777 on-board software. Looking to the longer term, the metric information collected provides a basis for analysis of internal and supplier processes, and it will serve as a baseline for future commercial airplane programmes of The Boeing Company.