Vacuum Cleaner Case

PART 11:

FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS

In formulating the model, the system used t o i n t e r r e l a t e data i s called Functional Analysis or Value Engineering, plan through which data a r e collected. I t consists of a step-by-step job

A verb noun language, o r function

language, i s developed t o precisely describe what the product does; cost, energy and user a t t i t u d e s are allocated t o these functions; a function comparison i s made; c r e a t i v i t y by function can be carried out; and f i n a l l y a Value Standard design i s developed. Functions consist of three types. need of the product. The f i r s t focuses on the one overall The

This function i s called the T S of the product. AK

second type of functions a r e those which a r e essential t o the performance of the T S and these are called BASIC FUNCTIONS. AK Finally, functions must be

added t o make the product convenient t o use, dependable, satisfying and a t t r a c tive. These a r e called SUPPORTING FUNCTIONS. As functions are i d e n t i f i e d , there must be a means to determine higher order o r PRIMARY FUNCTIONS from lower order o r SECONDARY. Lunctional Analysis Systems Technique (F.A.S.T.) i s t h e means by which t h i s i s accomplished. The

format in Figure 1 indicates a scope 1ine, the "how"/"why" questions checking the logic, and the four PRIMARY SUPPORTING FUNCTIONS which must be expanded to cover user/customer wants.
* I

For the f i r s t step in developing a F.A.S.T. diagram f o r the vacuum cleaner in the model, a group of 25 individuals from a consumer product organization asked of themselves the question, "What does a cannister vacuum cleaner with a power head do?" After some struggle they agreed on the TASK ''Clean Surfacen. They then asked "how" in terms of PRIMARY BASIC FUNCTIONS, and identified four: Provide Power Move Air Remove Dirt Store Dirt

FUNCTION ANALYSIS SYSTf MS TECHNIQUE h TASK ORiENTED

F.A.S.T.

BASIC FUNCTIONS