Application of a structured methodology to real-time industrial software development

This paper describes four years of experience with the Yourdon diagram-based structured methodology in a medium-sized company producing real-time industrial systems. The methodology is outlined and some of the problems encountered are described along with the substantial benefits gained. There is some discussion of future prospects with Yourdon, including a brief assessment of recent real-time extensions, and of the methodology´s ability to take on board automation and more formal methods.