It has be market by the Traal Software GmbH in Frankfurt. The Models base are mathematical functions/algorithms which are constructed to serve the following:
4cost-aces can be used to evaluate the plausibility of Projects. This can be done by initiating different economic conditions, manufacturing processes and-/or development strategies. Management will have “hard facts” to make investment decisions. Even the cost of small projects or items can be estimated. The model also supports “make or buy” decisions.
The aces parametric Hardware-, Software- and built-in Lifecycle-Model is a computerised method for deriving cost estimates of electronic and mechanical hardware assemblies and systems as well as software programs and the complete lifecycle analysis. The aces model combines both, hardware and software estimating in one model!
4cost-aces are applicable to all aspects of hardware and software acquisition from preliminary design to development and production and LCC-analysis.
4cost-aces estimates the costs associated with design engineering, drafting, project management, documentation, system engineering, special tooling and test equipment, and of course material, labour and overheads.
4cost-aces will also address the feasibility of a project by costing a preliminary design phase. Costs to integrate subsystems and assemblies into a system and to test the system for required operation are also estimated by the model.
4cost-aces, is a parametric model, it is not driven by a DATABASE, but uses many different COST ESTIMATION RELATIONSHIPS (CER's) based on data analysed over many years and industries. Although the model's base is a representation of the traditional process, traditional cost input like material lists and man-hours of labour are not used and are not required. However, the computed result provides the cost information to develop and produce hardware items and its LCC behaviour. 4cost-aces also compute manpower requirements for the engineering phase of the development effort also for software and the material and labour split of production manufacturing.
4cost-aces will compute and display the cost for development and/or production as well as the software cost categories, separately for the mechanical and electronic part of the hardware, and can be used to cost electronic or mechanic items individually.
An appropriate mode will be selected and only the applicable input values will require attention from the user.
The model was developed by engineers with experience in software (model development and programming), hardware (electronics and mechanics), and cost estimating. The aces model offers the benefits of both, a generalised all purpose model and a company specific tool through calibration to recorded experience.
The quality of the data, technical and economic, allows the user to achieve an unknown precision of cost estimates by a variation of +/- 5 to 10% in early phases of Projects!
