Method and an apparatus for evaluating a tool

A method is disclosed for evaluating a tool used in a system including steps of providing top-level-challenges to be met by the tool in at least one life cycle phase of the system to enhance a productivity of the given system. In at least one embodiment, each top-level-challenge can be provided, each having a number of concepts or best practices with different numeric classification values. At least one tool profile of the tool is calculated for selected top-level-challenges by way of a function as a statistical function on the basis of numeric classification values assigned to sub-challenges of the top-level-challenges. The method and apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention can be used for evaluating a software tool such as a service information system employed in an industrial system such as a power plant for one or several life cycle phases of the system including its engineering, commissioning, operation, service and modernization phase. The method and apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention can maximize the productivity of a given system and offers a tool supplier a possibility to optimize its tools.