The value methodology coined by SAVE International the premier society of value analysis, is an umbrella term for value analysis, value engineering, value management, and value control. The original term value analysis is credited to Lawrence D. Miles, the "Father of Value Analysis". Mr. Miles developed the technique as a purchasing agent for General Electric during World War II. After the war, Mr. Miles and the leadership of General Electric demonstrated to the world the power of functional thinking.
Value analysis asks the question, "What does it do?" When we think about what a product, process or service does, rather than what it is, we begin to unravel self-imposed constraints on our thinking. We remove the blinders of our sub-conscious and have the mental freedom to expand our thoughts to boundaries we have never imagined before.
Another key ingredient to the power of value analysis is the use of multi-disciplined teams that are carefully shaped and nurtured by an experienced facilitator. By utilizing people from different backgrounds, education and even cultures we expand the potential of the positive unexpected.
Value analysis is the most adaptable methodology known to man. When compared to lean concepts, six sigma, design for assembly/manufacturability, TRIZ, 5 S, quality function deployment and others, value analysis is the most flexible. Value analysis in many cases integrates the other methodologies into its job plan to enhance results. Value analysis is commonly used to improve product designs, manufacturing processes, administrative procedures and heavily used on construction design projects. Value analysis has also been used throughout hospitals, law enforcement agencies, non-profit organizations, corporate boardrooms and oil and gas fields. The federal government and many state and local governments require the use of value analysis. (The term value engineering is widely used in government applications.)
The proper way to use value analysis is to follow the job plan. The job plan defines the methodology and is the step-by-step process that when used properly leads to the powerful results. The steps of the job plan are: Information Phase; Function Analysis Phase; Creative Phase; Evaluation Phase; Development Phase; Presentation Phase; Implementation Phase and Reporting and Follow-up Phase. Prior to beginning these phases it is important to fully understand project selection methods followed by team member selection.
