Performance specification

Performance specification
See also
Evaluation criteria Value analysis Risk analysis in project Training objective Customer requirements Quality Function Deployment Designed quality ISO 9004 Reliability

Performance specification defines the requirements for the design, equipment, product or program which the ordering party has. Performance specification is a tool that allows to translate the efficiency requirements of the owner into such a language that the contracting industry can obtain information and convert it into a project properly plan. Contracting industry have to understand the needs and create a plan of a project so that all the requirements of the owner are met. Performance specifications can be applied to individual projects to meet their initial quality needs and long term needs for the durability of the products being constructed. However, a general framework is needed so that the agencies can apply it systematically (S.Scott, 2014 p. IX).

If a performance specification is created to implement a component, it should be expressed in conceptual terms that will be understood by each user (M.Sitaraman, G.Kulczycki, J.Krone, W.F.Odgen, A.L.N. Reddy, 2001, p.4).

Sometimes performance specifications are expressed as functional performance specifications (FPS) .It is a process during which the client's requirements are defined by means of functions and evaluation criteria such as functional performance. This process is a structured process of requirements analysis (X.Luo, G.Q.Shen, S.Fan, 2010, p.725)

Advantages and disadvantages of performance specification

Thanks to the usage of performance specification agency as well as the contracting industry can have many benefits but also threats (S.Scott, 2014 p. 4).

• Performance specification effect positively contractor development and this is considered as one of the main advantages as well as giving the contractor possibility to chose materials or techniques to improve the quality of the finished product.
• Another pro of this type of specification is that based on the value of ordered project or product more specific mechanism of payment regulation can be applied.
• One of the greatest disadvantages is that competitive advantage is given to the bigger and international construction firms rather than or local ones.
• Also defining parameters crucial to complete project plan and effective implementation of it can be tough. Other threat is that if the responsibilities and duties of the industry and agency are not precisely specified in the specifications or contract documents they can be done incorrectly or not be done at all.

Use of performance specification

Performance specification often refers to software components. Component performance specification is created by component authors and must be provided by them for each service that the component provides. It helps software creators to evaluate the system they are developing.

In this case, the performance models are components such as queue networks or stochastic process algebras. Since performance depends not only on the implementation of the component itself but also on the context in which it is implemented, it is not easy to define performance specifications for reusable software. Examples of factors that affect performance are resource contention, deployment platform or usage profile. If it is not about forecasting and measuring, but describe the performance properties of components in the right way, we are dealing with a formal performances specification (H. Koziolek 2010, p.634-658).

Examples of Performance specification

• A performance specification for a computer system may include a requirement for a certain processor speed, memory size, storage capacity, and other components.
• A performance specification for a car might include requirements for acceleration, top speed, fuel efficiency, emissions levels, and other performance characteristics.
• A performance specification for a piece of manufacturing equipment may include requirements for throughput, accuracy, reliability, safety, and other performance criteria.
• A performance specification for an aircraft may include requirements for speed, range, payload capacity, maneuverability, and other performance factors.
• A performance specification for a piece of software may include requirements for user interface, compatibility, performance, and other features.

Other approaches related to Performance specification

Production management is a complex process that involves specification of performance standards and ensuring that these standards are met. Other approaches related to performance specification include:

• Total quality management - This involves a continuous effort by employees to ensure that the company is providing services and products that meet the highest possible quality standards.
• Six Sigma - This is a process that uses various tools and techniques to create a process that is as efficient and effective as possible.
• Lean manufacturing - This involves streamlining production processes to reduce waste and maximize efficiency.
• Just-in-time (JIT) - This is an inventory management approach that involves producing the right quantity of the right product at the right time to meet customer demand.
• Kanban - This is a process that uses visual cues and signals to manage the flow of materials and products through a production process.

These approaches to performance specification are all aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of production management. By using these approaches, companies can ensure that they are producing quality products in a timely and cost-effective manner.

References

• Ferragut T. R., Loulakis M. C., Konrath L. K., Scott S., (2014), Strategies for Implementing Performance Specifications: Guide for Executives and Project, Transportation Research Board, Washington
• Koziolek H., (2010), Performance Evaluation of Component-based Software Systems: A Survey, "Performance evaluation", vol. 67, p. 634-658
• Luo X., Shen G.Q., Fan S., (2010), A case-based reasoning system for using functional performance specification in the briefing of building projects, "Automation in Construction" , vol. 19, p.725-733
• Scott S., (2014), Framework for Developing Performance Specifications: Guide for Specification Writers, Transportation Research Board, Washington
• Sitaraman M., Kulczycki G., Krone J., Odgen W.F., Reddy A.L.N., (2001),Performance Specification of Software Components , "ACM SIGSOFT Software Engineering Notes", vol. 26, p. 3-10

Author: Gabriela Jopek

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