Systems Analysis and Development
CASE Tools
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What are CASE tools?
Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools are software tools used to assist in the software development/project management process. Two important CASE tools are:
Gantt Charts
PERT Charts
Gantt Charts
"Pile-up Gantt Chart" by hawkexpress is marked with CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
A type of bar chart that illustrates the project schedule. Gantt charts emphasise the “what activities happen when” but can also show dependencies between activities (one activity cannot start until the other is completed).
PERT Charts
Image: Activity on node sourced under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license
A Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) chart also illustrates information about the progress of projects. It emphasises what activities happen in relation to other activities and time taken to do each activity. It aims to aid with scheduling, organisation and coordination of tasks within a project.
Advantages and Disadvantages of using CASE Tools
Advantages
Increased speed - reduced time to complete diagramming tasks as it is software assisted
Increased accuracy - CASE tools provide ongoing error checking which may become difficult if done manually as the project size increases and progresses
Better documentation - CASE tools produce documentation in a standardised and efficient manner. This helps with clarity and timing of activities.
Disadvantages
Tool mix - CASE tools need to be selected to meet the needs of the project while also considering costs
Cost - CASE tools and associated training and costs are generally expensive to provide to all system developers.
Learning curve - implementation of CASE tools in the project workflow may cause some delays as users learn to use them