The Psychology of Quality and More |
A Toolbook for Quality Improvement and Problem Solving (contents) |
Value Analysis: ExamplesThe Quality Toolbook > Value Analysis > Examples When to use it | How to understand it | Example | How to use it | Practical variations
ExampleA product manager at a company that produced nails had received several requests from customers for a nail that could not work loose. Identifying this 'improved nail' as a possible new product line, he decided to do a Value Analysis to help identify costs and values. Working with a major customer in the building industry, he first identified the basic function and measure of an ideal nail as holding two 1cm battens together, such that when the battens were twisted, the wood would break before the nails moved. With an engineering team, this was broken down into secondary functions, which were evaluated and related to components and costs as below . During this process, the concept of how the nail gripped the wood was discussed. They brainstormed alternative ways of gripping wood, and an engineer, who was also an amateur fisherman, came up with the idea of putting barbs on the nails. The initial prototype was partially successful, but did become a little loose after a period. Spiral barbs helped, and straight barbs on the top of the nail resulted in the nail being locked in place by the final hammer blow. The solution was produced as a specialist nail, and sold well at twice the price of a normal nail, more than covering the increased production costs.
Fig. 1. Example Value Analysis
Other examples
|
Site Menu |
Quality: | Quality Toolbook | Tools of the Trade | Improvement Encyclopedia | Quality Articles | Being Creative | Being Persuasive | |
And: | C Style (Book) | Stories | Articles | Bookstore | My Photos | About | Contact | |
Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate | |
You can buy books here |
And the big |