SPI-LAB IV & V
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What is Verification?
The steps taken to provide confirmation through the provision of objective evidence that specified requirements have been fulfilled.
What is Validation?
The set of activities that provide confirmation that a product or service is able to accomplish its intended use, goals and objectives.
What is Independent Verification and Validation?
Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) indicates that an independent entity (i.e. third party) evaluates the work products generated by a produce/ service development team that is executing a given project.
The IV&V provider will monitor and evaluate agreed aspects of the project from inception to completion.
The highly demanding scope of this work implies that the IV&V provider has the experience and expertise to critically review all aspects of the project. Having expertise with IT Assessments, Due Diligence Reporting, IT Process capability assessments and Audits, Project Management, and Systems/Softwaare Analysis and Design are all critical to successfully performing a comprehensive verification and validation exercise.
Why Independent?
The major advantage of an independent evaluation is that the IV&V provider performing the evaluation will be unbiased. There are no emotional ties to the project. There is no hidden agenda or ulterior motive. In fact, just the opposite is true. The IV&V provider places its reputation on the line every time an IV&V report is issued.
Under what circumstances is an IV&V exercise justified?
An IV&V engagement is justified wherever there is perceived medium to high risk in the development of the product/service. Typically such risks are related to constraints in the product development schedule, product features, product quality, or product cost.
How much does an IV&V exercise cost?
Much depends on the process capability of the product development processes of the product developer. Where there are highly mature processes in evidence, the IV&V effort may cost as little as 5% of the overall product budget. More conventionally, however, a figure of 10 - 15% of the project budget should be earmarked for the IV&V effort.