Engineering
Course N°01:
Study of systems-2
PREPARATORY CL ASS
M, BELOUADAH ZOUHEYR HDR
Functional analysis
Functional analysis involves describing the operation of a system in terms of its essential functionalities.
It aims to establish a common understanding among the various stakeholders in the project, including
clients, end-users, and developers. Through its characteristics, it highlights the 'why' behind each
functionality.
Types:
Functional analysis is divided into two parts:
•External functional analysis:
• What is the purpose of the product? User
• What actions are performed by the product?
•Internal functional analysis:
Designer
• How is the product realized?
External functional analysis
Objective of the external functional analysis: <<formalize the customer’s
need>>
In order to grow and survive, the company must sell the systems it produces. A customer buys a system if it meets a need
and satisfies them, so the company is obliged to adjust the system according to the customer's needs.
It is therefore a vital issue for the company to:
Understand and formalize the customer's need.
Characterize the expected satisfaction level.
To achieve this, the company can use surveys, polls, or market studies, but these tools are not sufficient to
properly analyze the need.
External Functional Analysis
1. State the Need: 2. Study Feasibility:
The main function of the product The main function + constraint functions
•Horned Beast "Bête à Cornes" Diagram
Service Functions
•Octopus "Pieuvre" Diagram
Internal Functional Analysis
Search for constructive solutions to create the product?
• FAST Diagram (Function Analysis System Technique)
• SADT Diagram (Structured analysis and design technique)
What is the need?
A need is something essential: people need food, water,
and shelter. When you lack them, you're in need.
Types of Needs?
•Explicit: Need clearly expressed by the client.
•Implicit: Need that the client fully feels but does not clearly express
•Latent: Need not yet detected.
Need Statement: Performance Graph or
Horned Beast Diagram
The statement of need is standardized and summarized by
three questions that justify the existence of the system:
Whom does it serve?
What does it act upon? To On
For what purpose? whom? what?
The answers to these questions are grouped in the
performance graph, also known as the "horned beast."
The "Horned Beast" diagram refers to a graphical Syste
representation used in systems engineering to illustrate
the core functions and interactions of a system. It clarifies
m
the system's purpose by representing the relationships
between the main actors, objectives, and external
influences. For what purpose?
Figure . Horned Beast Diagram
•We answer three questions:
• Who does it serve? Example: Vacuum cleaning
(User of the product)
• What does it act on? (Work material)
• For what purpose? (Usage function)
A vacuum cleaner is a household appliance that
Horned Beast Diagram (Bête à Cornes) allows a user to remove dust from objects.
Who does it serve? What does it act on?
Who does it serve? What does it act on?
user dust
Vacuum cleaner
product name
For what purpose?
For what purpose?
Allows a user to remove dust from objects
Example2: healthcare
Global Function of a System
It is the "reason for being" of the system, the purpose for which it exists. It is achieved through a set of operations
that allow the work material to transition from its initial state to its final state.The global function answers the
question "for what purpose?"
Example:
What is the global function of a vacuum cleaner: to suck, to clean, or to dust?
“To suck" is not appropriate because the technological solution is already anticipated (creating an air flow, creating
a depression...). One could imagine another solution that achieves the same result.
"To clean" is not suitable because a vacuum cleaner does not serve the purpose of removing stains, for example.
"To dust" is a better answer as it accurately identifies the user need without implying any particular technological
solution.
A function, therefore, the answer to a need, can be fulfilled by multiple different systems.
Study Feasibility
Search for service functions?
• Develop the Octopus Diagram
• Express the service functions
Characterize service functions?
• Evaluation criterion
• Level
• Flexibility
Service Function:
It is the expected action of a product (or performed by it) to meet the needs of a user.
Develop the Octopus Diagram
Elements of the environment (which interact with the product):
•Ambiance: temperature, humidity...
•Energy: network, battery...
•Individuals: user, technician...
•Objects: ...
Example: A vacuum cleaner
allows a user to remove dust from objects
user dust
SF5 SF1
Vacuum cleaner SF4
Objects SF2 aesthetic
SF3
energy
*Express service functions
List of functions
FS1 Allow the user to remove dust from objects.
FS2 Adapt to the specific shapes of objects.
FS3 Operate under the sector's voltage
FS4 Have a pleasant appearance, color, and shape.
FS5 Be easily transportable.
Characterizing the service functions
•Evaluation criterion
•Level
•Flexibility
