Guidelines for Planning and Development of Software for Buildings and Building Systems

Published

June 1, 2008

Author(s)

Priya D. Lavappa

Abstract

From inception to completion, software development projects need structure and organization so that good quality, user-friendly software is produced on time and within budget.  The structured approach presented in this paper will help you achieve those goals. The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a conceptual model for software development that divides up the process into different phases.  Each phase has a distinct role to play in the development life cycle, and is a building block for the next phase.  There are many SDLC models, each emphasizing different aspects of the life-cycle.  Implementing a structured approach requires selecting a model and sticking with it through out the development life cycle.       This paper selects a Waterfall model for planning and executing a software project; describes the steps each research team member takes, by project phase, in the development of the software product; provides a one-page summary of those steps for making a checklist of team progress; provides a blank and case illustration template that each team member fills out in providing requirements or specifications of the software and provides a blank project schedule template for documenting the tasks required to implement the software project design.   Following a structured process will enable a software development project to be organized and have a clear path to completion.  Implementing a structured process is crucial for developing good quality software in an efficient manner.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 7499

Report Number

7499

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

System Development Life Cycle, Waterfall model, software project management, software development, software requirements template

Citation

Lavappa, P. (2008), Guidelines for Planning and Development of Software for Buildings and Building Systems, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=861518 (Accessed May 10, 2026)

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