This document discusses the importance of reliable estimates for forecasting productivity, controlling costs, meeting deadlines, and building trust. It recommends improving estimation practices by taking adequate time, presenting estimates effectively, and fully leveraging estimates. Some key advice includes that estimation is critical for development and business processes, the approach should fit the organization's culture, and rigor should be applied rather than relying on instinct alone. Accurate estimates are said to help make decisions, deliver needed software, and create sound project plans.

2.  Without reliable estimates, you will be
challenged to:
 Forecast productivity and quality
 Control costs, meet delivery dates
 Instill trust with management and peer-
groups

3.  Improve estimation and planning practices:
 Estimation is critical and requires adequate
time
 Present estimates to stakeholders effectively
 Learn how to fully leverage an estimate

4.  Some practical SPC advice you can put to use
right away:
 Estimation is integral to development &
business processes
 Your estimation approach should fit your
culture
 Apply rigor to create sound estimates - don’t
rely on instinct!

5.  Critical thinking and unique observations on
estimation best practices:
 Fuzzy estimates can only lead to fuzzy
project plans
 Decisions on spending resources & money
need good estimates
 Accurate estimates help deliver software
your business needs