Value engineering is a systematic method or a process to create a product with only required features and using best material to meet the product’s intended life cycle and function. When value engineering is implemented, it results in lower design costs and better manufacturing sequencing of the product – while decreasing the overall expense. The value engineering concept tends to keep in place those functions which expedite and optimize the planning, design, and manufacturing of products, while removing unnecessary expenditures. This process is often used to keep products from over-running budget without sacrificing the integrity of the entire design.
The process entails presenting questions in all phases of product design, and manufacturing – and obtaining answers for the following criteria:
● what alternate methods, materials, or processes can be used to derive the same function
● evaluating best practices and reasonable cost analysis to arrive at acceptable substitutions
● comparison of design solutions using Finite element methods to understand the load path in the structure and determine which design will perform adequately
● expanding design efforts for those areas where performance or impact is critical.
Value engineering answers both HOW? and WHY? Simultaneously during all phases of design and engineering. The concept is not simply focused on cost reduction, it also embraces the value that a systematic team can approach to save time and un-necessary human efforts for manufacturing, shipping and servicing the product in its lifetime. Whilst keeping a close watch on the economics of design and manufacturing, it should not limit the innovation or quality of the product being created.
When value-conscious product design decisions are made, an evaluation and comparison of potential solutions are also analysed. When a cost-effective alternate product design is obtained which satisfies the product’s requirements, it becomes the chosen solution. The end result is a regulation of costs, without sacrifice to function.
Applying Value engineering in product during the Design phase
When designing products with ‘built-in value’, the engineering and design phases offer the greatest opportunity for optimizing which in-turn results in productivity gains and cost savings. With the use of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) technology, critical design functions can be evaluated during the preliminary design phase itself. The inclusion of engineering analysis procedures in the design process can help obtain various values which support the most economical, yet structurally-sound options.
There are industry standard software tools which supports these functions of structural engineering – 3D Modelling, detailing, fabrication or shop drawing generation and structural evaluation.
It should be remembered that in all phases of concept, detailed design, and manufacturing – value engineering is not to be considered a cost-cutting approach, but a value-added approach. Money can be saved when CAPEX or OPEX are reduced – but not from using inferior materials or below quality construction of structure or products. The main drivers in any value engineering approach is cost vs. performance – with neither being independent of the other.
Graphler Techologies, one of the growing Product design companies in India. They also specialized in 3D CAD design service In India, FEA Consulting services in India and CFD Analysis services in India.
if you’re in an effort to hire someone to value engineer your product, we can be of help. We are a group of engineering experts working at different facets of Industrial and Product design.
if you’re in an effort to hire someone to value engineer your product, we can be of help. We are a group of engineering experts working at different facets of Industrial and Product design.
