Advanced applications software for speculative housing companies

The diversity and complexity of individual building companies has meant that many prospective users have been unable to find applications systems packages which precisely meet their needs. The high cost, and long lead times associated with traditionally produced bespoke software has previously made such systems impractical for many builders. Some builders who have commissioned bespoke software have had unsatisfactory results, where systems have been unreliable, or do not fully meet the purpose for which they were intended. This paper describes a prototype advanced software development system which was constructed and then applied to produce an integrated estimating and cost control system for speculative housing companies. Spec-Builder was developed over a relatively short time period, thus at lower cost. As much of the software was generated from proven DB4GL procedures, the resulting system was also reliable. The development techniques allow early appraisal of the system which can then be amended easily to fulfil the user's precise requirements. The system could be used for producing other applications packages.