Jeffery L. Ross the master of Xactimate Software explains how to use Xactimate to create a staircase - the stair case tool. This tool looks like an easy tool to use until you really get into things. Then you realize that the simple little tool is actually very complex due to all of its components!

So let’s look at how to use the tool. Once you have a room in place and you want to add a staircase there is one major thing to remember. A staircase cannot be placed inside of a room. Xactimate recognizes a staircase as a separate room so you must think of this when constructing the room that has a staircase in it. Once you get past this, the tool makes much more sense and things get easier.

From one stand point the last statement is true. You select the staircase you want from the drop down list and then just drop it on area where you want it. This holds true for about ninety percent of the estimates you write.

Once you select the staircase from the drop down menus and place it in your drawing, don’t think you are done just yet. You must consider the rest of the components involved with a staircase. Does the stair case go up between two solid walls, does it have a balustrade, does it have a partial wall, is the ceiling slope or boxed, what are the tread depths, how many risers are there? I think you get the point. Any of these factors can change the entire deal.

Remember, it’s not just a matter of selecting a staircase and dropping it in place. The first steps actually begin when you are out in the field doing your inspection. Don’t forget to get all the measurements. So if you have to actually replace a staircase using Xactimate don’t forget about all the other aspects, especially when you are doing your scope.

Agile Software Designing

History: To understand the testing process in Agile development methodology, it is important to understand the paradigm of Agile development. The Agile Development paradigm is not new. Although Agile Software Designing Manifesto was launched in February 2001, the concepts existed well before this and have been expressed in different ways. Development methodology spiral is an example.

What is Agile Software Development: The Agile Software Development focuses mainly on an iterative development and delivery. Developers and end users to communicate closely, and the software is built. A working software is delivered in a short period of time and based on the comments more features and capabilities are added. The emphasis is on customer satisfaction by providing software quickly with minimal features and improvisation based on the feedback. The client is closely involved in software design and development process. Delivery times are short and the new code is built on the previous one. Despite this, the quality of the product can not be called.

What is the test in a scenario of Agile development? The test strategy and the Agile development approach could be very different from the traditional bureaucracy. In fact, it can vary with the needs of the project and the project team. In many scenarios, in May it make sense to not have a team of test. The above statement should be understood carefully. Failure to have a testing team, we do not consider the tests to be less important. In fact, testing can be more effective in short, by people who know the system and its objectives very well.

For example, some teams of Business Analysts could make a few rounds of tests each time the software version is available. Business Analysts understand the requirements of the company and the test software to check if it meets the requirements.

Developers test the software in May. They tend to understand the system and can verify the test results in a better way. Testing for Agile Software Development requires innovative thinking and the right mix of people should be selected for the test.