Functional Analysis System Technique Research Articles

Research on the application of AHP-FAST-FBS in the design of home entrance disinfection devices in the post-pandemic era

With the outbreak and continued spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, people's demand for daily disinfection products has increased rapidly, and its innovative design has received widespread attention. In this context, this study aims to propose a design methodology for home entrance disinfection devices based on AHP-FAST-FBS. Firstly, the design requirements of the home entrance disinfection device were collected and analyzed through in-depth interviews and the KJ method, and a hierarchical model of design demand indicators was constructed. Secondly, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to quantify these design demand indicators, and core design demands for home entrance disinfection devices were identified by weight calculations. On this basis, the Functional Analysis System Technique (FAST) method was combined to rationally transform the design demands into product functional indicators, constructing a functional system model for the home entrance disinfection device through systematic decomposition and categorization. Lastly, based on the Function-Behavior-Structure (FBS) theoretical model, the mapping of each function of the product to its structure was realized, the product structure modules were determined, and the comprehensive design and output of the innovative design scheme for the home entrance disinfection device were completed. The results of this study indicate that the design methodology combining AHP-FAST-FBS can effectively improve the scientific rigor and effectiveness of the home entrance disinfection device design, thereby generating an ideal product design scheme. This study provides systematic theoretical guidance and practical reference for designers of subsequent related disinfection products and also offers a new path for improving social health and safety.

Network Meta-Analysis for Determining the Best Lean Tools Synergy to Improve Productivity by Reducing Rework in Garment Factories

The textile industry plays an important role in the global economy; however, it faces persistent challenges related to reducing rework for improving productivity. The purpose of this study is to summarize some scientific researches about production delay caused by rework in a clothing and accessory industry. It provides a general overview of the current state of knowledge concerning the interdependence between reduced productivity and rework rate. The research process is based on the Functional Analysis System Technique. It facilitates a systematic examination of sequential and logical steps necessary to achieve objective and attain outcomes. Functional Analysis System Techniques not only provides a structured methodology but also aids in identifying the successive functions crucial for attaining desired outcomes. The initial phase involves conducting a comprehensive systematic literature review focused on productivity issues stemming from rework within the textile industry. The first phase, related to the Seiri of the 5S methodology, involves conducting a comprehensive systematic literature review focused on productivity issues stemming from rework within the textile industry. Subsequently, the filling of a literature review synthesis matrix using Excel is conducted which represents Seiton. Next, focusing specifically on the Lean tools employed utilized and the corresponding productivity improvements, data are extracted. This corresponds to Seiso step. Following this, a Network Meta-Analysis is applied, representing the Seiketsu. Finally, the identification of the most effective Lean tools combination to reduce rework is undertaken, corresponding to Shitsuke. As results, the Ishikawa Diagram appears to have obtained the best ranking position according to the rankogram. Ishikawa Diagram is often associated with other tools to multiply its performance. The study's findings highlight that the Ishikawa, Pareto, Single-Minute Exchange of Die and Work Study combination emerges as the most effective approach for minimizing rework and enhancing productivity, as indicated by the League Table. This network meta-analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the Lean tools synergy effectiveness in rework reduction and productivity improvement strategies in textile industries. While powerful, Network Meta-Analysis has limitations including reliance on indirect comparisons from studies that may not directly compare all treatments, inheriting biases and complexities, which can pose challenges in assessing result certainty.

Win–win Strategies for Transboundary Water Management During the GERD Operating Stage

The list of challenges associated with the operation of the Grand Ethiopian Resistance Dam (GERD) now includes global concern over climate change. Due to their inability to reach a legally enforceable agreement on how to address watershed degradation and water quality, riparian nations are already experiencing peace and security issues. A win–win strategy seeks to develop collaborative solutions to transboundary water management problems while maximizing the benefits for both parties. This paper aims to develop, evaluate, and analyze win–win transboundary water management strategies during the operating stage of GERD. Using value engineering (VE), functional analysis system technique (FAST), and life cycle cost (LCC), the optimal win–win strategy is determined. The study uncovered four distinct value options for various win–win strategies. According to the study results, the third win–win strategy is the most effective way to help both upstream and downstream nations retain peace, as it seeks to encourage riparian countries to collaborate by: i) developing cooperative regulatory policy; ii) switching to renewable energy supported by GERD; and iii) reducing water loss. This study advances our understanding of the topic by providing policymakers with a tool to: i) evaluate win–win strategies for managing transboundary water; and ii) incorporate the added value and functionality into policies regarding transboundary water management.

A framework for optimization of energy efficiency and integration of hybridized-solar energy in agro-industrial plants: Bioethanol production from cassava in Ghana

This study presents a methodological framework for auditing, optimization as well as the integration of hybridized solar energy in Ghana’s agro-industrial sector. The Functional Analysis System Technique was introduced for systematically translating plant-wide energy requirements into detailed functional and performance design criteria for energy efficiency, optimization, and solar energy integration. The results of the case study indicated that insulating the fermenter and distiller as well as using energy-efficient rasper, pumps and cables reduced energy consumption by 41.8%. The cost of integrating solar thermal energy was 31.8% higher than solar photovoltaic power due to a lack of subsidies in the sector. A 250 kW solar photovoltaic model was designed with a performance ratio of 75% and a solar hot water system with a thermal fraction of 91% for electricity and process water respectively. The framework, therefore, presents an invaluable tool for optimizing energy efficiency and integrating solar thermal and solar photovoltaic energy sources for the agro-industrial sector.

Preliminary hazard identification for risk assessment on a complex system for hydrogen production

Renewable power generation facilities are constantly expanding due to the expected depletion of fossil fuels and the increasingly demanding policy of pollution control. Having said that, hydrogen is one of the promising energy sources. That said, hydrogen chain safety is an unescapable parameter that should continuously coexist with the development of hydrogen domain. In this context, this article presents a contribution to the risk analysis and evaluation of a complex hydrogen production system 'EGA-9000′ at CIEMAT (Centre for Research on Energy, Environment and Technology - Madrid, Spain). The methodology followed in this study revolves around the risk analysis process through a FAST (Functional Analysis System Technique) functional analysis method and a HAZOP (HAZard and Operability) dysfunctional analysis method. The evaluation of the thirty-three scenarios identified by the risk analysis shows that the studied system is insecure. Indeed, five scenarios at an unacceptable level of risk. And it is noted that the risk of fire and explosion is the major risk for all scenarios studied. To this end, safety measures (recommendation) have been proposed based on the weaknesses detected by the risk analysis carried out.

Fast Augmented STPA

All elements (agents) in the STPA control structure (control algorithm, actuator, sensor system, process model) consist of a set of functions. These can be visualised and analysed using the Functional Analysis System Technique (FAST). The control action is executed by the control algorithm agent. By using FAST we can analyse the sub-functions of the control action and identify scenarios that may cause unsafe control actions. In the same way, the actuator agent, sensor agent and the process model agent can be visualised and analysed through FAST to identify scenarios that may cause unsafe control actions. When identifying scenarios that may lead to unsafe control actions, analysts tacitly create a mental model of these dependencies. One of the strengths of STPA is in agent analysis, by identifying the system agents responsible for enforcing safety constraints as well as other agents whose actions (or lack of them) may cause unsafe control actions. The strength of FAST is function analysis through making the functional dependencies explicit. Small FAST trees within the STPA control structure increase the information density without creating too much clutter. The semantics in FAST are relatively easy and quick to learn for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and others. FAST trees can guide refinement of the control structure by identifying functions as new lower-level or higher-level control actions that need further investigation in new control structures. The original purpose of FAST was to spark the creativity to find an alternative solution to a problem, or alternative ways of achieving a function. This is valuable early in the concept and design phase of any system development, including when using STPA in early system safety engineering phases.

Multi-layered Functional Analysis for Smart Homes Design

Abstract The conception of smart homes exceeds the boundaries of a simple design process. It becomes mainly a managerial, multidisciplinary process in which added value depends on the measure in which these answer, in an adequate manner, to a set of requirements raised by a target group of users and stakeholders with specific needs. The paper proposes a methodology for functional analysis of smart living spaces that combines a multi-level approach for its structure with FAST (Functional Analysis System Technique). A generic functional scheme for a smart living space is defined and explained, and then, for illustrative purposes, this scheme is customized for the functional analysis of two smart systems of the mentioned space: illumination, and safety/security.

An enterprise based decision support system for engineering aggregate selection: a case study

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that would help manufacturers to select the design concept that provides optimal solutions to the entire value chain involving multiple functional teams such as product design, development, planning, sourcing, service and marketing. The selection of an optimal design concept is based on the highest value index of a design concept. This is derived from quality function deployment (QFD) and a functional analysis system using customer requirement, quality deployment, development and design constraint as inputs. The framework systematically considers different alternatives to converge at an optimal solution. Design/methodology/approach All high-level product requirements from customer and market analysis are translated into different engineering parameters using QFD. Thereafter, the functional analysis system technique (FAST) is employed to determine the range of functions and identify components that would achieve different functionalities. The relative importance of each function is determined by functional cost analyses, enabling us to generate different design concepts. Thereafter, business parameters are extracted from the business objective of each functional area. These business parameters are compared with different design concepts using the analytical hierarchical process (AHP), thus evolving the enterprise value index (EVI) for each design concept. Findings The design concepts are evaluated with different business parameters using the AHP methodology to form EVI. The design concept 2 with highest enterprise EVI (4.549) is selected for further development. To validate the consistency of the business parameters, the consistency ratio (CR) has been calculated using Saaty’s Eigenvector method. The value of CR is 8.4 per cent, which indicates that the judgment made in this paper as far as populating the business parameters weight matrix is concerned is quite reasonable. This framework would enable an enterprise’s dealing in the area of complex engineering systems/aggregates to choose the design concept that would maximize the value of the enterprise. Originality/value This research develops an integrated methodology for design concept selection from an enterprise point of view. Major functional agencies and their respective attributes are considered for the development of the framework and subsequent selection. An enterprise’s mission and vision framework function as the primary input for the extraction of related attributes of the functional agency.

Managing system configuration through constraint propagation in function and value analyses of product families

This paper deals with the possibility of using constraint propagation in function and value analyses. It proposes a method to automatically generate a constraint satisfaction problem (CSP) from the functional structure (function or component hierarchy) of a product. The proposed method, by itself, has the advantage of assisting designers in selecting a compatible (technical) and preferable (economical) configuration of subsystems. To this end, an extension to the Functional Analysis System Technique (FAST) model, called Constraint FAST (CFAST), is introduced, enabling functional relations to support diversity within product families. This paper shows how a CFAST diagram can be translated into a formal model and a set of arithmetic constraints. The resulting CSP is eventually solved with a constraint programming library. The process, from conception to completion, is illustrated with the design of a thermo-electric food cooler and heater.

6.4.1 Value Engineering: A Systematic Team Approach for Strategic Planning

AbstractThe Value Engineering (VE) Methodology is an effective tool for business or strategic planning. While there are many viable strategic planning processes, the “Balanced Scorecard” approach (formally developed by Robert Kaplan, PhD, and David Norton, PhD), is highlighted here using VE and function analysis to develop strategy maps and scorecards. As part of the VE Methodology, Functional Analysis System Technique (FAST) diagramming offers an integrated approach and structure to strategy map development by formulating a cause and effect relationship and establishing the “how” and “why” behind the strategy map. By holistically utilizing the VE Job Plan, one is able to move from strategic thinking all the way through to measurement and execution of a strategy.

Integrating Value Analysis and Quality Function Deployment for Evaluating Design Alternatives

This paper presents a hybrid framework that integrates value analysis and decision making for eliciting and evaluating design alternatives. Value analysis approach relies on the integration of the functional analysis through the systematic use of the functional analysis system technique and quality function deployment. This value analysis methodology enables customer requirements to be linked to specific design alternatives during the project design stage. The degree of project complexity will affect the number of design alternatives to be evaluated. As such, the data envelopment analysis (DEA) is incorporated as a decision support tool to evaluate the degree to which each design alternative satisfies the customer requirements. DEA is used to calculate a customer requirement efficiency index for each alternative. This index is a measure of how well a particular alternative achieves the requirements taking into account its overall cost. The framework was successfully used on a high-tech research facility construction project.

Studies on the impact of functional analysis concept design on reduction in change orders

Functional analysis concept design (FACD) is a method by which owners and designers can ‘partner’ during the design phase of projects. Much has been written and reported about partnering on construction projects, but little is available on the applications and results of FACD. While FACD has been mentioned in the literature to be a valuable tool, evidence on its effectiveness has been missing. Consequently, FACD has not hitherto emerged as a common management system used during design. Management processes on its implementation also had not been developed fully until the United States Navy carried out research, much involving tedious trials and revisions. This paper describes processes that have been found suitable. The economic benefits of FACD have never been directly evaluated, but by examining and testing the quantum of change orders on projects, this study finds that FACD is a viable method that can reduce construction costs overall. Whereas value engineering and constructability review are other common tools, FACD is distinct from them both. FACD is allied to functional analysis system technique (FAST); regulations, and specifications have been developed to implement FACD to ensure its success.

Application of functional analysis techniques to supervisory systems

Abstract The aim of this paper is to apply firstly two interesting functional analysis techniques for the design of supervisory systems for complex processes, and secondly to discuss the strength and the weaknesses of each of them. Two functional analysis techniques have been applied, SADT (Structured Analysis and Design Technique) and FAST (Functional Analysis System Technique) on a process, an example of a Water Supply Process Control (WSPC) system. These techniques allow a functional description of industrial processes. The paper briefly discusses the functions of a supervisory system and some advantages of the application of functional analysis for the design of a `human' centered supervisory system. Then the basic principles of the two techniques applied on the WSPC system are presented. Finally, the different results obtained from the two techniques are discussed.