Value engineering (VE) is a systematic method to improve the “value” of goods or products and services by using an examination of function. Value, as defined, is the ratio of function to cost. Value can therefore be increased by either improving the function or reducing the cost.
It is a primary tenet of value engineering that basic functions be preserved and not be reduced as a consequence of pursuing value improvements Value engineering is often done by systematically following a multi-stage job plan. Larry Miles’ original system was a six-step procedure which he called the “value analysis job plan.” Others have varied the job plan to fit their constraints. Depending on the application, there may be four, five, six, or more stages. One modern version has the following eight steps:
- Preparation
- Information
- Analysis
- Creation
- Evaluation
- Development
- Presentation
- Follow-up
