Best practice in software development - a case study illustrated by the softgauges project.

This report outlines a case study in the application of SSfM Best Practice Guide No. 1, “Validation of Software in Measurement Systems”. The guide provides recommended techniques for those developing software for measurement systems to ensure the software is fit-for-purpose, and to meet the requirements of ISO 9000. The case study shows the practical application of the guide to the “softgauges” project, a project to develop reference software for the determination of surface texture parameters. The report also shows how the same project adheres to the NPL software procedure, NPLQP/M13, which is part of the NPL quality system. The procedure assures that software development at NPL meets the requirements of ISO 9000. This report provides an illustrated use of the guide and the NPL procedures, to assist those who plan to use them as part of their software development.