How do you justify your value engineering proposals?

1 Identify the objectives

Before you start looking for VE opportunities, you need to understand the objectives and expectations of the project and the parties involved. What are the main drivers and constraints of the project? What are the key performance indicators and success criteria? What are the priorities and preferences of the client, the end-users, and the stakeholders? By identifying the objectives, you can align your VE proposals with the project's vision and goals, and avoid proposing changes that may conflict with them.

2 Follow a structured process

Value engineering is not a random or arbitrary exercise, but a structured and disciplined process that follows a standard methodology. The most common VE methodology is based on the six phases of information, function analysis, creative, evaluation, development, and presentation. By following a structured process, you can ensure that your VE proposals are based on reliable data, logical analysis, creative thinking, and rigorous evaluation. You can also document and communicate your VE process clearly and convincingly to others.

3 Focus on value, not cost

One of the common misconceptions about value engineering is that it is simply a cost-cutting measure that reduces the quality or scope of the project. However, value engineering is not about cutting costs, but about increasing value. Value is defined as the ratio of function to cost, and function is the performance or utility that the project provides to the users. Therefore, to increase value, you need to either increase function, decrease cost, or both, without compromising the project's requirements or standards. When you propose VE solutions, you need to focus on how they enhance the value of the project, not just how they save money.

4 Consider the risks and impacts

Another challenge of value engineering is that it may introduce new risks or impacts to the project that need to be assessed and managed. For example, changing the design, materials, or methods of the project may affect its durability, safety, aesthetics, or sustainability. Therefore, when you propose VE solutions, you need to consider the potential risks and impacts that they may entail, and how they can be mitigated or minimized. You also need to balance the short-term and long-term effects of your VE proposals, and avoid sacrificing the project's life cycle performance or value for immediate savings.

5 Engage and collaborate

Value engineering is not a solo activity, but a collaborative one that involves various disciplines and stakeholders. To justify your VE proposals, you need to engage and collaborate with your team, your client, your contractors, your consultants, and your end-users. You need to solicit their input, feedback, and approval throughout the VE process, and address their concerns and expectations. You also need to demonstrate how your VE proposals benefit not only the project, but also the parties involved, and how they align with their interests and needs. By engaging and collaborating, you can build trust and rapport, and foster a culture of value engineering in your project.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?