Functional modeling sits at the heart of rigorous engineering problem-solving and breakthrough innovation. At PRIZ Guru, we champion two complementary approaches—System Functional Modeling (SFM) and Process Functional Modeling (PFM)—that let engineers, quality-assurance teams, and innovators dissect complex systems and processes, surface hidden inefficiencies, and lift overall system quality. What Is Functional Modeling? Functional modeling is a structured way to visualize how components within a system, or steps within a process, interact. By mapping functions and flows, teams can spot redundancy, failure points, or value-draining steps long before they cost time or money. System Functional Modeling (SFM): Dissecting Systems for Innovation…

In the ever-evolving landscape of semiconductor manufacturing, optimizing IC interconnection processes remains a critical challenge. Through innovative functional modeling approaches, we can identify inefficiencies, streamline operations, and dramatically improve production outcomes. This article explores how Process Functional Modeling (PFM) reveals new opportunities for enhancing IC interconnection layer manufacturing. Setting the Stage At PRIZ Guru, we are actively exploring IC interconnection layers. Our project is available on the PRIZ Platform and published on PRIZ Hub: Optimizing IC Interconnection: A Functional Approach to Innovation (the project is in progress). We welcome your engagement and comments. The initial step—System Functional Modeling (SFM) of…

Functional Modeling is a powerful tool that drives innovation and improves engineering systems. Using the System Functional Model tool in the PRIZ Innovation Platform, engineers can analyze components, identify inefficiencies, and develop innovative solutions. This article demonstrates functional modeling through an example of an IC interconnection layer, showing how it simplifies systems, cuts costs, and boosts performance. You’ll discover how this method can enhance your engineering outcomes and guide your innovation process. Some housekeeping To innovate and improve your engineering system, start by creating a Functional Model and performing a functional analysis. Functional Modeling is the most effective method for:…

In today’s rapidly changing world, innovation is not just a luxury or a path to growth; it’s a necessity for survival. To illustrate this, let’s step back in time to the story of Robinson Crusoe, the shipwrecked man who found himself stranded on a deserted island. Crusoe had to innovate constantly to survive, and his story highlights the essence of innovation in action. Similarly, modern organizations face a daily survival challenge requiring structured innovation. The article encourages organizations to go beyond traditional brainstorming and instead adopt systematic, meaningful innovation to achieve sustainable improvements and thrive in competitive environments. The PRIZ…

Would you agree to lower your standard of living? Would you give up the internet, cell phones, air-conditioned apartments, etc.? I believe you wouldn’t. If you want to continue enjoying your current living conditions, you need to support innovation and do everything possible to keep it going. Innovation must continue. Don’t expect someone else to innovate for you. No, all of us, humanity as a whole, should be innovative everywhere and anytime to make our lives better. It’s important to mention that innovation always solves existing problems. This article discusses how to innovate, find the best tools for innovative thinking,…

Engineering work is built on three essential pillars: process improvement, cost reduction, and root cause analysis. Engineers should dedicate their thinking to a specific and measurable target, use thinking tools and resources, and recognize and value engineering thinking. The PRIZ Innovation Platform offers tools for engineering thinking, including Process Functional Modeling, 40 Inventive Principles, and Effective Brainstorming. Engineers should focus on improving only those operations that increase the value of the product, remove all operations that do not increase the value of the product, and understand the origin of defects and eliminate them. What does an engineer do? What does…

This case study explores the usage of Process Functional Modeling (PFM) as a problem-solving tool in microchip manufacturing. PFM is an innovative way of thinking that involves breaking down a process into its components on multiple levels and generating innovative solutions. The tool enables us to move from general to specific, from process to operations, operations to components, and components to functions. In this article, we provide a real-life example of how a team applied PFM to the microchip manufacturing process. We want to demonstrate its effectiveness in creating a model of failure in the context of the whole process….

Improving processes is essential for any organization looking to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall performance. Whether streamlining operations, automating repetitive tasks, or eliminating bottlenecks, there are many ways to improve processes and boost productivity. In today’s fast-paced business environment, organizations that can quickly and effectively adapt to changing market conditions are more likely to succeed. By identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing solutions, businesses can stay ahead of the competition and achieve their goals. This article will explore the benefits of Process Functional Modeling and how it can be used to make strategic and tactical decisions that lead…

We always talk about solving problems and improving processes of an operation, a part of a bigger process. This is great! In fact, it is always encouraged to break the bigger, more complex process into smaller pieces so we can simplify the problem we are working on. However, this approach may create another issue. The engineers working on a problem, especially in large complex processes, might end up diving into the wrong operation of the process. In this article, we introduce the newly released tool in the PRIZ Innovation Platform that is built to help engineers look at the whole…