About the value analysis

Value analysis is a systematic method of improving the value of goods and services by examining their functions. The value, as defined, is the ratio between the functions and their cost. The value can be increased either by improving functions and / or reducing costs. The value analysis makes it a duty to preserve the basic functions instead of reducing them, while increasing the value. In the United States, the value analysis is sanctioned by Law 104-106 which states that "any government agency must establish and maintain efficient and cost-effective value analysis procedures and processes. "

Value analysis is sometimes taught in project management or engineering courses as a technique where outputs of a system are optimized by balancing performance (functions) and costs. In most cases, the exercise helps identify and eliminate unnecessary expenses, thereby increasing value for the manufacturer and its customers.

AV follows a structured process based exclusively on the "function" that is, what the product should do and not what it is. For example, a screwdriver used to stir a paint container has the function of mixing the paint and not its original function of positioning a screw in its hole. In value analysis, functions are always described using 2 words: an active verb and a measurable noun (the verb describes what is done and the name, on what it is done) and this in the least restrictive way that possible. In the example above, the basic function would be "mixing the liquid" which would be less restrictive than "stir the paint", which limits the action and application (only paint). This is the basis of "functional analysis".

value engineering
value engineering

Value analysis also uses rational logic (a unique question-how-why questioning) with the analysis of all functions to identify relationships that would increase value. It is a quantitative method similar to a scientific method that emphasizes the hypothesis and conclusion to test relationships and operational research that uses model construction to predict relationships.

Value analysis (VA) is also called value engineering. AV is primarily a feature-based problem-solving process that makes it possible to understand a product so clearly that it can be described with 2-word functions, an active verb, and a noun. measurable. For example, the function of a pencil is to "make marks". This then allows to consider what else can make marks. A can of paint, a lipstick, a diamond that engraves the glass, up to a stick in the sand, it is possible to identify and choose which alternative solution does the best thing.

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