Using functional analysis to create a new product: preliminary work and implementation stages

Functional analysis takes place at the first stage of a product, system or subsystem design project.

It enables us to express the user's needs in terms of function, and to draw up functional specifications. A well-conducted study enables creativity and innovation. By following up with a value analysis (VA), an innovative product is usually successfully brought to market.

You're an engineer in a small or medium-sized company, and management entrusts you with a project to create a product in response to a request from a user (or customer). You don't necessarily have the specialized in-house departments to answer the questions that arise and carry out a functional analysis (FA). It's up to you to find the answers, either within your company or using external expertise.

The assumption is that you have carte blanche to get organized, set up a working group and carry out a functional analysis (FA) of the customer's request. You may wish to enlist the help of an external consultant, whose fresh eye will help you to master this tool more quickly, and who will be able to guide you in case of uncertainty.