Authors Jim Rains and Steve Kirk
Jim Rains and Steve Kirk, both PebbleCreekers, teamed up to co-author a new book on function analysis. This is a topic of universal importance to those involved in the value improvement of construction projects, products and even processes. The book explains how anyone can perform function analysis to determine ways of adding value to the subject being studied.
When we go to the store, do we buy things or do we buy what those things will do for us? Of course, we buy what something does for us and how well it does what we want it to do. That includes performance, quality and selling features like attractiveness, taste, feel or smell. Finally, we also look at the price or cost to purchase that item. We normally buy the product that does the most and costs the least. That is how value practitioners define value: to perform the necessary functions reliably (performance) for the lowest overall cost (life cycle cost). Knowing a product’s functions and the cost to produce the functions is imperative to meeting the needs and demands of the customer.
Many feel that the main purpose or objective of function analysis is to identify the greatest opportunity for value improvement. Function analysis is actually the catalyst that helps teams see the functions that underlie item. The aim is to help users understand proper verb/noun language in order to create a shift in understanding. Proper execution of function analysis by a multi-disciplined team produces a more creative, comprehensive understanding of an object’s functions, enhancing results to achieve or exceed the study objectives.
Lawrence D. Miles, the “Father of Value Analysis,” stated, “The customer wants a function.” People want functions, not things. Function analysis is considered the heart of the Value Methodology (VM); however, many people have difficulty applying its concepts and techniques. This new book provides guidance on the process and application of function analysis.
This book presents instructions and examples of these techniques as part of the SAVE International® Value Methodology Body of Knowledge (VMBOK) for the improvement of projects, products and processes. In addition, this guide supports the SAVE VM Standard and the ASTM Standard No. 1699-13.
It is the authors’ intent that the Function Analysis Guide will result in a greater understanding of function analysis to the extent that it becomes second nature to those using the Value Methodology. Application of the techniques covered herein will result in better studies and, most importantly, better results. The book is available on Amazon.com.