Systems integration throughout the early life cycle

Abstract

This paper presents various methodologies and approaches for performing systems integration and testing throughout the early and middle stages of the development life cycle. It discusses techniques for estimation and management of the integration early life cycle. Prevention and early detection of errors significantly reduces the cost of failure in a system. The systematic use of quality gates throughout the life cycle reduces the propagation of problems. The appropriate use of documentation standards ensures information and knowledge is disseminated to all those who require it. These and other techniques for effective control of integration and test are discussed, together with techniques for measuring the effectiveness of systems integration, such as test coverage analysis, metrics, and post-delivery assessment.