Page 169 - Design for Six Sigma for Service (Six SIGMA Operational Methods)

142 Chapter Seven

subjective analysis but can still be measured by comparative techniques.
The following are some examples of function definitions:

Verb Noun Unit
Create Design Time
Confirm Design Time

Authorize Program Cost
Measure Performance Workerhours

In his book Techniques of Value Analysis, Mr. Miles recognized the difficulty
of applying this technically simple concept. He said, “While the naming of
functions may appear simple, the exact opposite is the rule. In fact, naming
them articulately is so difficult, and requires such precision in thinking, that
real care must be taken to prevent the abandonment of the task before it is
accomplished.” He also said, “Intense concentration, even what appears to be
over concentration of mental work on these functions, forms the basis for
unexpected steps of advancement of value in the product or service.”

The two-word definition of functions is the most difficult naming method.
There is some feeling among value-engineering practitioners that it is
unnecessary to struggle for two-word definitions; three-word definitions or
short-statement definitions should do the job. However, the value-engi-
neering practitioners also found that if the goal of value-engineering study
is to generate creative design solutions, then two-word functions are
imperative. If the function cannot be defined in two words, more under-
standing is required. It is a struggle to define good functions, but the result
is worth the struggle. The two-word function definition is a forcing
technique that requires consensus among team members, eliminates
confusion, creates in-depth understanding of the requirement, clarifies
overall knowledge of the project, and ultimately breaks down barriers to
visualization so necessary to help define the creative questions that will lead
to new, outstanding solutions to the project.

Types of Functions

In value engineering a function is defined as something that makes a product
work or sell. There are two types of functions, work and sell. Work is the
function that does the job that customers want. Sell is the function that adds
appeal for customers to buy.