Value Analysis / Function Analysis Workshop

This one-day workshop covers the concepts and methods of value analysis or function analysis including the Function Analysis System Technique (FAST). The workshop includes hands-on exercises to learn by doing and begins the transition back to the workplace by applying FAST to a real world product from your company. It is intended for product development professionals or members of a cost reduction team.

1. INTRODUCTION AND SETTING THE STAGE

  • Introduction to Value Analysis/Function Analysis
  • The Value Equation
  • Why is It Needed
  • History and Definitions
  • Using a Team-Based Approach as the Basis for Value Analysis/Function Analysis

2. CUSTOMER NEEDS DRIVE FUNCTION ANALYSIS

  • Assessing Customer Needs & Affordability
    • Customer Needs and Priorities
    • Obtaining Customer Feedback on Value
  • Quality Function Deployment
    • Capturing Customer Needs and Priorities
    • Product Planning
    • The QFD Methodology
    • QFD Exercise – Product Planning Matrix
  • Using Quality Function Deployment as a Basis for Function Analysis

3. TRADITIONAL VALUE ANALYSIS/FUNCTION ANALYSIS

  • Objectives and Approach
  • Defining the Problem Scope
  • The Verb/Noun Technique
  • Guidelines for Value Analysis/Function Analysis
  • The Value Analysis/Function Analysis Process
    • Random Function Determination
    • Primary and Secondary Functions
    • The Cost-Function Matrix
    • The Value Analysis Matrix
  • Value Analysis Exercises

4. FUNCTION ANALYSIS SYSTEM TECHNIQUE

  • Overview and Rationale
  • System Approach and Logic Path
  • FAST Diagram Syntax
    • The “How” and “Why” Dimension
    • Problem Scope
    • Objective and Basic Function
    • The “When” Dimension
    • “And” and “Or” Logic
  • FAST Diagram Examples
  • Dimensioning the Problem
  • The FAST Process and Guidelines for Application
  • FAST Diagram Exercise
  • Levels of Abstraction in FAST Diagrams
  • Focusing in on Areas for Further Analysis
  • Using FAST and the Value Analysis Matrix to Maximize Function vs. Cost

5. THE IMPROVEMENT PROCESS

  • An Eight Step Improvement Process
  • Brainstorming Improvement Opportunities
  • The Benefit of Teams in the Creative Process
  • Exploring Multiple Concept Alternatives
  • Determining Decision Criteria Based on Customer Requirements
  • Using the Concept Selection Matrix as a Basis for Selecting an Improved Concept
  • Implementing the Improvement
  • How Value Analysis/Function Analysis Fits into the Product Development Process
  • Considerations for Success
  • Participant Questions and Issues

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