How to use the result

These times are empirical values, not standards. Measure actual programming times for several parts and derive benchmark values for each complexity class.

If the program will be reused later, decide explicitly who bears the cost. Charging everything to the first order makes the initial quotation more expensive; spreading it creates a risk of never recovering it if follow-up orders do not materialise.

Formulas

Sources: REFA methods (production planning, standard times); VDI 3258 Part 1 (cost accounting using machine-hour rates)