Value engineering

Value analysis (s value analysis, value engineering ) is a management method for solving complex problems for which no clear solutions yet known solutions with the help of numerical methods are possible.

Overview

The value analysis is the development and improvement of products, technical processes and other processes in all areas of business, science and administration. Through the application of the active system value analysis a significant improvement and increase in value of the processed objects is usually achieved that are simultaneously associated with a reduction of the expenditure and the costs compared to the original situation. The value analysis is generally carried out as a project and in small interdisciplinary teams.

For value analysis the interaction of the system elements methodology, behavior and management are incorporating the environment into a holistic solution finding. A feature of the methodology is the principle systematic approach in individual steps, thinking in effects and functions as well as the separation of the creative phase in the search for solutions of the evaluation of the various determined solution alternatives and the final decision for a solution.

The central measure of all decisions in the value analysis is the concept of value, which is generally defined by the ratio of benefit / expense, generally > 1 must be and should be increased through the use of value analysis further.

Application and objectives of value analysis

The value analysis is concerned with the effects of a product, a sequence that are formulated in functions. A check is made:

• What effects should develop the product or process under scrutiny at all,
• Whether all the effects that unfolds an object desired or necessary,
• Whether the desired effects can be achieved more cost effective and better with other solutions,
• What price a customer is willing to pay for the effect.

The value analysis is used not only in existing products to value improvement and cost reduction, but also for products that are in various stages of development ( design value ).

Originally, the value analysis in DIN 69910 has been described. By carried out with support from the European Union to further Value Management and now they are found distributed in the standards DIN 1325-1 and DIN 12973. To get the process as a single integrated it into its standards VDI 2800 to 2806 the VDI.

The consulting firm McKinsey propagated long a variant of the concept, the overhead value analysis (Overhead Value Analysis ) mainly for personnel cost reductions.

With the methodology of value analysis are achieved, such as:

• Development and improvement of products and processes,
• Time savings, through systematic and targeted editing of the problem,
• Increase motivation among employees by involving those affected in problem solving,
• Stimulation of creativity through the use of appropriate methods ( brainstorming, etc.)
• Building employee networks within the company,
• Smoother because more understanding cooperation in the wake of the projects,
• Know-how increases for all team members,
• Team-oriented work according to the rules of consensus and
• Quality improvements and cost savings of at least 10%, but usually significantly higher (30 to 50%).

Organization of Securities Analysis

The value analysis includes the following four system elements:

The interaction of these system elements and their simultaneous mutual influence determine the extent to which the goal of optimizing the results can be achieved.

Expiry of the value analysis

According to the previous descriptions in DIN 69910 and VDI 2800 the value analysis contained 6 steps. Under the new descriptions in DIN EN 12973 and VDI 2800-1 and -2 (both still at the design stage) is the process of value analysis of 10 steps:

0 preparation of the project; 1 project definition; 2 Planning; Collect 3 Comprehensive data on the study; 4 Functional analysis, cost analysis, detailed objectives; 5 Collecting and finding ideas for solutions; 6 Evaluation of solution ideas; 7 development of comprehensive proposals; 8 Presentation of proposals; 9 implementation.

• Functional Description

• Function types

• Function classes

• Functional costs

Assessment of the value analysis

By value analysis, cost reductions and performance improvements of up to 50 % can be achieved. The value analysis has been proven over decades (since 1947) in practice. The savings potential is generally high because redundant functions (or functional performance ) of a product, corrected new solutions found and thus " unnecessary costs " are eliminated.

Special features of the functional analysis of the value analysis

In the functional analysis, it is important to achieve the objectives of the investigation object and adapted abstraction. Too low degree possible missed opportunities for innovation. Too high a degree does not produce or difficult -to-implement ideas, and is very costly and time- intensive. An example of this is a petrol pump. The function could this be pump gas. Here, however, the level of abstraction is a bit too low, would promote better fluid. In this way, a wider search box is opened.

Training / Qualification value analyst VDI

The training to value analyst VDI takes place in three modules. The starting point is the base module 1, in which the basics of Value Management and the supporting methods and tools to be trained. In Module 2 and 3, the content is taught, which are needed in the planning and implementation of value management projects. Different seminar providers offer an internationally ESD certified training at the moment.