By Anil Kumar Mukhopadhyaya, CVS-Life, ACMA
The Birth of FUNCTION
In order to understand Function, it is best to know the history of its creation. What happened that day is discussed below:
The discussions between William Sredenscheck, of General Electric, USA and Lawrence (Larry) D. Miles were as follows:
Sredenscheck recalled an early conversation with Miles:
“Sreddy, this cost–reduction program has got to be broader than just getting a lower price for purchased material,” said Miles.
Sredenscheck reacted, “What are you thinking about? After all, we’re purchasing people. It’s our job to get the material for lower cost.”
Miles said, “But the cost of the material is not the heart of the problem. The real meat of the coconut is to get the lowest cost for providing the function that the customer wants in our product.” And he hit the word ‘function’.
Again Sredenscheck reacted, “we’ve got a purchasing job to do. What in the name of sense is this function thing you’re talking about?”
“He said, “Well, it’ll take a few minutes. Is now a good time?”
The word function was born. (1)
Impression of Ted Fowler
“Larry spent several days with us, giving various lectures and then leading us in a team effort to do what value analysis does, and that’s typically to define functions,” Fowler said, recalling that participants were divided into three-man teams tasked with improving the value of various elements of the radar equipment built at the Utica plant.
“The word ‘Function’ means something very different to a value analyst or a value specialist. It is specifically limited to two words, one a verb and one a noun, which make up a two word sentence. And the sentence answers the question,’ What does the product or process do?’ If you can define the function in two words, according to Larry, you probably understand it – and if it takes more than two words, you probably don’t understand it. That was one of the favorite sayings: he published that in both of his books, and in every lecture he made that point. The definition of the function was the heart of the process, because when you define the function in this very elemental form, it allows you to be very creative in developing solutions or alternative configurations of a product.”
Impression of Charles W. Bytheway
“The Value Engineering Job Plan developed by Lawrence D. Miles was taught to us. On about the third day we were taught about functions. It was the first time I had ever heard about expressing things as functions using a verb and a noun. The function concept fascinated me. It was a new way of thinking for me. When I returned from California, I immediately organized a workshop to teach what I had learned.” (3)
What is a Function?
If one evaluates the human race, one will find that there is a constant need. When one is fulfilled then a new one is created.
Lawrence D. Miles said, “The basic purpose of each expenditure — is to accomplish a function” (4)
Arthur (Art) E. Mudge said, “The term function is that which makes a product work or sell.”(5)
The creation of any object- be it hardware or a process or a system is for certain purposes. These purposes may be termed as functions. If the functions are achieved as desired by the customer, the item is useful, otherwise it is of no use.
The purpose of a bottle is to Contain Liquid. If it does not do that properly, it is useless to the customer, though the customer may have paid adequately and it is appealing to his desires of color and shape.
How to Define a Function
Identification of functions for a product, service or system is the vital aspect in Value Engineering. Correct identification will assist greatly in solving the problem. There are many occasions when the functions that appear to be the function of the item are in fact incorrect.
In order to identify the function, the functions should be properly defined .If one is asked to define a product, service or system, one can take recourse to a sentence or even a paragraph. But in the Value Methodology there is a specific method of defining the functions.
Lawrence D Miles defined a function in a unique way. He devised a method of defining them with two words. The first word is a verb and the second word is a noun. This unique definition has a certain purpose. Value Analysis / Value Engineering is a cross functional team approach. While defining the Functions all the team members should come to a common understanding. This way of defining a function will give congruence to the team’s thought which is important for the rest of the process. This is because an appropriate definition of a function progresses the team towards breakthrough solutions.
While the verb indicates what the item does, the noun describes what is to be accomplished without disclosing the method of accomplishment. The verb defines the item’s required action, i.e. it may generate, control, pump etc., and the noun must be measureable or at least understood in measurable terms, i.e. weight, load, decibels etc.
This two- word definition will eliminate the ambiguity that may exist in sentences or a paragraph.
A passive verb and a non-measurable noun define the sell function of the product, service or system.
As an example, the use function of a cup is “Contain Liquid”. The verb “contain” indicates that some action is being done. The noun “liquid” may raise the question how much volume. This will force to think about the requirement of the customer. If it is felt that the requirement is less, then the volume of the cup can be reduced to that extent.
The function “Improve Appearance” is an important function of a cup. This can be imparted to the cup as per the need of the customer. This function will give a competitive advantage while selling the product.
Although a function as defined by SAVE International uses two words, in some instances an adjective, participle, or noun provides better understanding, In this case a third or fourth word can be used. As an example,
- Adjective: Generate electric power
- Participles: Protect recording mechanism
- Noun: Measure hydraulic flow- rate
Charles W Bytheway puts caution for the use of the extra word to make it more specific. The following quote should clarify his hesitancy.
“There is no set rule, but the fewer the modifier, the greater the opportunity to stimulate thinking and creativity because modifiers generally tend to restrict or narrow the scope of person’s imagination, unless you have the ability to role-play.”(3)
Guidelines to Improve Function Identification Ability (6)
Some guidelines for improving function identification ability are listed below:
- Use a Dictionary and Thesaurus for identifying the correct verb and noun
- Avoid using parts and operations as nouns. For example, “Hold Brush” should not be used as a function.
- Never use functions like “Meet Specification”, “Improve Safety”. Instead use “Assure Cleanliness” and “Protect Operator” respectively.
- Avoid the verbs provide, allow and facilitate. For example, the function of a water service line – instead of “Provide Service”, use “Transport Water”.
- Do not use plural verb, always use singular. As an example, instead of “Supports Weight”, use “Support Weight”.
- Do not use operations or activities as functions. As an example: “Drill Hole” is an operation, “Produce Opening” is a function.
Types of Functions
There are two types of functions that practitioners should concern themselves with during Function Analysis. They are Use Function and Aesthetic or Sell Function.
The purpose for which the customer needs the item is called a use function. The use function of a pencil is “Make Mark”. If the pencil does not write, then it will not be able to perform its use function, and therefore be rendered useless for the customer.
The function that fulfills the desire of the customer is termed as aesthetic or sell function. It is those features of the item that provides aesthetic appeal to the item and helps in selling the item. So, aesthetic function is also called as sell function. The use function cannot help to sell the product. If you want to sell a pencil, then in addition to “Make Mark”, its appearance, shape etc. should be provided as per the desire of the customer segment. If the segment is school kids then pictures of Batman or Mickey Mouse may help to sell the product.
To quote L.D.Miles;
“Many products and services require both use and aesthetic functions. Some require only use while some require only aesthetic functions. The refrigerator, automobile, dress, shoe, pipe and flower vase all require both use and aesthetic functions in varying ratios. The nail within the walls of the building, the concealed wire in the motor, and the oil in the automobile require only use functions. The “Rembrandt”, the diamond, and the perfume have only aesthetic functions.” (4)
Levels of Function
The functions of an item may be categorized into many levels, but the two types of functions that are most general and common are,
- Basic function and
- Secondary function
A basic function of an item is that function for which the item has come into existence. If the function can be eliminated and the item still functions, it is a clear indication that the selected function is not the basic function. As an example, the basic function of an incandescent bulb is to “Produce Light”. If this function is eliminated there is no reason for the existence of the bulb.
Secondary functions are those functions that support the basic function. These functions are generated because of the specific design or the process adopted to achieve the basic function. To identify a secondary function, eliminate this function. If the component still exists, it is a secondary function.
Using the previous example, we know that an incandescent bulb produces heat in addition to producing light. If the function “Produce Heat” is eliminated, the component still exists. So we can conclude that “Produce Heat” is a secondary function.
Different Aspects of Functions
Function as a Communication Tool
The two word definition of a function will provide a congruent of thought process for the team. This can be used to express the need and wants of the customer. “Circulate Air” is the need of the item. “Indicate Constituents” is the want for the customer for any food item.
Function can Expose Misunderstanding
Function definition will help to eliminate the misunderstanding. For example in my class I use the example for very common item, that is, a screw driver. Most have used a screwdriver as some point or another and so it is relatable. Even when I ask the question, “what is the function of the tip of the screw driver?” The answers are invariably,
- Hold Screw
- Screw Bolt
- Drive Screw
- Tighten / Loosen Screw
- Rotate Screw
This continues without getting to the proper function. In order to change the direction of their thinking, I said that if the thickness of the tip is thick what will happen. They immediately came with the idea that it will not fit in the slot. Then, what is the function of the tip? They begin saying that it is “Fix Slot”. So, the noun is correct, but is the verb correct? Participants do not agree with that. Then again I said if the tip is thin what will happen. They said it will not be able to rotate the screw. Then, what should be the verb? It should be active. Now some of the members came out suddenly and said that it will be “Suit”. Hence, the function of the tip is “Suit Slot”.
It was agreed by all that though they have been using screw drivers for quite some time, but their understanding about the item was not proper.
Functions will Reveal Misconception
During a practice session of defining the function of different objects, one of the objects was a calculator. Some of the participants said that the function of a calculator is to “Solve Problem”. This was not agreed by some participants. They came out with the idea that the function is “Follow Command”. When it was thrown to all, everybody accepted the second definition that is, “Follow Command”.
But why was the different? It is because the first group of participants did not have the right perspective about the calculator while the second group of participants has fairly clear conception of the working of the calculator. Unless one gives proper instruction, it will not give the correct result.
Function is a Nucleolus of Creativity
The item for the practice of function was an arm chair. The various definitions were emerging out. Functions that may be identified include:
- Provide Comfort
- Rest Body
- Facilitate Sitting
- Give Relaxation
- Comfort Sitting
However, if one sits in a chair and it breaks then what happens? Think the function of the arm chair in the light of the incidence. After quite a long deliberation the participants agreed to “Support Human”. When the question was asked that for what part of the human the chair is required, the answer came as “Weight”. Hence, the final definition agreed by all was “Support Weight”.
Now, the question is how the proper definition will help one to be creative. It was said that “Support Weight” will be the same whether the arm chair is for the kid, or for an adult or for a board room. If the arm chair is meant for a kid with an average weight of fifteen kilograms and the chair is manufactured for the average weight of twenty-five kilogram, then it is clear that unnecessary function has emerged and that can be eliminated. In another case if it buckles with the weight of ten kilograms, then it is also clear that it is not achieving the desired function of the customer and can be improved. Had the definition of the arm chair been accepted as “Provide Comfort”, this information would not have been available and the team will have difficulties to improve the product.
Function – A Gateway to Major Breakthrough
The breakthrough solution can only be achieved when one works with functions. If one concentrates on the parts, one will be able to improve the product marginally with enormous effort. But if one chooses the essential (basic) functions and develop the product then product will achieve good value.
Thomas Alva Edison is an example. Had he tried to improve the lantern he would have got a better lantern. But instead of that he concentrated with the function of “Produce Light” and so he came out of the product like “Incandescent Bulb”. If you trace the product development history, one will find that the breakthrough has come through concentrating on the essential functions. Concentrating on functions leads to innovation.
Rules to Check Correctness of Function Definition
Rule No. 1: Check for good verbs. Avoidable verbs are: Provide; Allow; Facilitate; Ensure
Rule No. 2: Nouns should be measureable
- Should have unit, like Kg, Decibel etc. for Work Function
- Sensitivity to Art & Beauty for Sell Function
Rule No. 3: Does the function elicit Creativity?
- For Example: not “Make Tunnel” but “Produce Passage”
Rule No. 4: Verb should not be plural
- Should be “Support Weight”
- and not “Supports Weight”
Rule No. 5: Check whether operations or activities are used as functions.
- “Drill Hole” is an operation
- “Produce Opening” is a function
Rule No. 6: Correct definition reduces Tension
(I have observed during value study that if the correct definition has not been arrived, it irritates the brain. When the correct definition is found it releases the tension.)
Conclusion
Function Orientation differentiates Value Methodology from other initiatives. It is necessary to have a complete knowledge about function. To start about function, one should know how to define a function, what are the different types and level of function. It is also important to know that how the function can help the value study team members to achieve a breakthrough solution.
Bibliography
- “Our First Fifty : SAVE International’s Half Century of Improving Value” ; by Kathleen Gilbert ; Published by Heritage Publishers, LLC, Phoenix, AZ.
- Function Analysis System Technique – A Stimulating Tool; by Anil Kumar Mukhopadhyaya ; Published by I.K. International Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.
- “FAST Creativity & Innovation” by Charles W. Bytheway, Published by J. Ross Publishing Inc.
- “Techniques of Value Analysis and Engineering” by Lawrence D. Miles, Published by McGraw-Hill BOOK COMPANY.
- “Value Engineering – A Systematic Approach” by Arthur E. Mudge, Published by McGraw-Hill BOOK COMPANY.
- “Function Analysis – The Stepping Stone to Good Value” by Snodgrass , Thomas J. and Kasi, Muthiah Published by University of Wisconsin, 1983.
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