Functional analysis: classify and characterize functions - draw up functional specifications

The Functional Analysis (FA) of a product is the basis for drawing up the Functional Specifications (FSC), responding exactly to the user's needs. It can also be used as a basis for more comprehensive studies such as value analysis (VA), FMECA, etc.

In the previous steps, you have :

• carried out preliminary investigative work;

• Identify and order the functions (cf. sheet Product function types and function search method [FIC 0616] ) that reflect the user's needs;

• recognize the service functions (SF) and find the technical functions (TF), identify the constraints (cf. sheet Expressing constraints [FIC 0619] );

• for each phase of the product's life cycle ( see the sheet Studying the product life cycle for functional analysis [FIC 0655] ), you have created a function tree ( see the sheet The function tree [FIC 0617] ).

Now you need to classify and characterize product functions.

Several methods can be used. Depending on the complexity of the system being studied and the field you're working in, adapt the way you approach the subject to the methods described.

The aim is to draw up the product's functional specifications (CdCF) and, if necessary, evaluate the...