How to estimate a task?

Required tools

• Azure DevOps — The estimate is entered in the “Effort” field on the task, along with work completed and work remaining.

Assess the factors that affect the task

1. 1.Define the task

   Clearly describe what the task is intended to accomplish so that the estimate can be based on a specific scope.

2. 2.Assess the design and formulation of requirements

   Include the time it takes to design and define the requirements for the task, not just the development itself.

3. 3.Assess development

   Estimate how long it will take to complete the task.

4. 4.Consider testing, documentation, and training materials

   Allow time to test the task, document the work, and update training materials if necessary.

5. 5.Assess management, deployment, and meetings

   Include time to lead the work, deploy it to production, and attend the necessary meetings.

6. 6.Assess risk

   At a minimum, assess the estimated work and the risks involved in the task, and discuss the key figures openly with the customer, as they affect the price.

Enter the estimate and follow up on it

1. 7.Check whether the task is within the scope of the work package

   If the task does not have approved parameters in the work package, a change notification must be submitted before work begins.

2. 8.Record the estimate in DevOps

   Add the estimate to the task along with the category and owner, so that it is visible to the entire project team.

3. 9.Notify in case of deviations

   Update the remaining work continuously, and notify the project manager as soon as a deviation of more than 10% from the estimate becomes apparent.

4. 10.Hand over to the test group

   Once the task has been completed, it is handed over to the test team, which tests the work and either approves or rejects it.