Objective of Function Analysis

• Costing of functions allows a comparison of the value of functions and their cost, indicating potential areas for cost savings without detriment to function 
• Excessive costs are revealed by identifying difference between cost and worth. 

Identifying FUnctions 

• A function should be identified. For example, consider the operation of fastening a simple nameplate to a piece of equipment . 
• Rather than the speciic instruction " screw nameplate", the function would be better identified as "label equipment," since attaching a nameplate with screws is only one of many ways of identifying equipment. 
• Nameplates can also be riveted, welded, hung, cemented, or wired in place.
• On the other hand, the name may be etched, stenciled, or stamped on the equipment, thus entirely eliminating the need for the separate metal nameplate. 
• Identification of function should concern itsell with how something can be used, not just what it is. For example, the function of a wire could be "conduct current,' fasten part,' "or transfer force", depending on the designer's intent 
• Consider the function of a box culvert that coulb be "convey water". A guardrail may "impede force," " deflect force," "absorb force," "redirect traffic," "or reassure motorist".