IN-HOUSE VALUE ENGINEERING.
Abstract
Value Engineering (VE) is an organized effort directed toward achieving the required function of defense hardware at the lowest overall cost. Defense hardware items are especially amenable to the VE process since the methods used in their development often lead to massive unnecessary costs. A thorough VE program can reduce the cost of most existing designs by 40 percent. The basic process of VE begins with product selection. Next the function of the entire assembly and each part within the assembly are listed (using one verb and one noun only). The next step is the gathering of all possible information on the design including a complete cost breakdown on all parts. At this point alternatives are proposed to accomplish the required function (including maintainability and reliability) of the item. This is a highly creative process and group efforts, such as brainstorming, can be employed to advantage. The objective is to include in the list the simplest possible methods of accomplishing the required function and to utilize methods with the lowest possible manufacturing cost. The historical and theoretical value standards are quite useful here and in making a thorough cost analysis of all workable alternatives. Those alternatives that are seen to result in significant saving are tested to verify that they fulfill all functional requirements. The final step is proposal submission and necessary follow-up to implement any design changes. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0618070
Entities
People
- Raymond J. Swain
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory