Objective. The objective is to generate, by creative techniques such as brainstorming, numerous alternative means for accomplishing the basic function(s) identified.
Key Question. Accomplishing this phase should result in answering the question “What else will do the job, that is, perform the basic function(s)?” The completeness and comprehensiveness of the answer to this question determine to a very high degree the effectiveness and caliber of value work. The greater the number and quality of alternatives identified, the greater the likelihood of developing an outstanding solution. Additional alternatives that have not been considered will usually exist regardless of the skill and proficiency of the study team.
Procedure. Consideration of alternative solutions should not formally begin until the problem is thoroughly understood. All members of the VE study team should participate, for the greater the number of ideas conceived, the more likely that really effective, less costly alternatives will be among them. A proper frame of mind is important at this stage of the study; creative thinking should replace the conventional. It should be a unique flight of the imagination, undertaken to generate numerous alternative methods of providing the necessary function(s).
Judicial thinking does not belong in this phase. As an aid to speculative thought, the techniques of creative thinking, such as brainstorming, should be employed. Every attempt should be made during this phase to depart from ordinary patterns, typical solutions, and habitual methods. Experience indicates that it is often the new, fresh, and radically different approach that uncovers the best-value solution. The individual or group members may supplement their ideas with those of others—everyone is expected to make a contribution.
The best solution may be complete elimination of the present function or item. This possibility should not be overlooked during the initial phases of this step. Perhaps some aspect can be modified which will permit elimination of the function under study. Only after determining that the function must remain should the study group look for alternative ways to perform the same function at the lowest conceivable cost. Free use of imagination is encouraged so that all possible solutions are considered.
A partial list of questions that can be used to stimulate and trigger ideas is given in Table 10.2. The questions shown can be rephrased by substituting terms like project, system, item, or procedure for the words it or part when appropriate.
Techniques
1. Blast, create, and refine. This theme has often been used by value engineers. Blast—get off the beaten path. Create—rally for an unusual idea; reach way out for another approach. Refine—strengthen or add to develop an idea to perform basic functions in a new or unique manner.
2. Functional comparison. Conduct a creative problem-solving session (brainstorming) in which new and unusual contributions of known things or processes are combined and/or rearranged to provide different ways to perform basic functions.
3. Simple comparison. Conduct a thorough search for other items that are similar in at least one significant characteristic to the study item. Determine whether they can be modified to satisfy basic functions.
4. Scientific search. Conduct a search for other scientific disciplines capable of performing the same basic function. This often involves interviewing specialists in disciplines that did not previously contribute to solving the problem. An industry (or its representatives) that specializes in some highly skilled technique can often make a substantial contribution when called upon for technical assistance.
