Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE)
A Systematic Method for Improving Product Value
What is VAVE?
Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VAVE) is a powerful, systematic methodology used to analyze and improve the value of products, projects, or services. "Value" is defined by the ratio of function to cost. The goal is to achieve the required functions at the lowest possible lifecycle cost without compromising quality, reliability, or customer satisfaction.
The core principle is expressed in the value equation: Value = Function / Cost
- Value Analysis (VA): Typically applied to existing products to reduce their cost or improve their function. It's a reactive approach to enhance value.
- Value Engineering (VE): Applied during the design and development phase of a new product. It's a proactive approach to build value in from the start.
VAVE combines both approaches into a unified process for continuous value improvement.
How to Use This Tool — Step by Step
- New Clears all components, functions, and costs to start a blank VAVE analysis.
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Load
Opens a previously saved
.jsonfile and restores your structure and analysis in read-only mode. - Load Example Loads a pre-filled system so you can explore the network visualization and cost analysis features.
- Revise Registers a new revision (date, description, and author) and unlocks all fields for editing. Revision details appear in the exported PDF.
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Save
Downloads the complete VAVE analysis as a
.jsonfile, including all functions, contacts, and revision history. - Export PDF Generates and downloads a formatted PDF report containing the Value Analysis results, cost summary, system diagram, and revision history.
Instructions
For each function identified in your system, assign:
- Cost ($): The estimated cost associated with this function
- Value Score (1-10): How important this function is to the customer/system (1=least, 10=most)
- Value Index = Value Score / Cost (Higher is better)
Functions with low value index are candidates for cost reduction or functional improvement.
Click "Generate VAVE Analysis" above to start analyzing your functions.