Functional modeling is a cornerstone of effective engineering problem-solving and innovation. At PRIZ Guru, we champion two powerful methodologies: System Functional Modeling (SFM) and Process Functional Modeling (PFM), which empower engineers, quality assurance professionals, and innovators to dissect complex systems and processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement impactful improvements. What Is Functional Modeling? Functional modeling is a structured approach to visualizing and analyzing the interactions within a system or process. By mapping out components and their functions, it becomes possible to pinpoint areas of inefficiency, redundancy, or potential failure. This clarity is invaluable for driving innovation, enhancing quality, and streamlining operations….

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…

Problem solving and innovation are often seen as separate concepts, but they are actually closely intertwined. While problem solving involves finding solutions to complex issues, innovation is about introducing new ideas or approaches. Effective problem solving incorporates innovative thinking, whether it’s in designing projects, analyzing data, or collaborating with others. In our modern era, where systems are more complex than ever, problem solving requires a structured and systematic approach. Leading companies like Samsung, LG Electronics, and TSMC have recognized the value of this approach and have achieved success by applying innovative methods. By adopting these practices, businesses can improve operational…

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…

Process improvement is crucial for organizational success. It helps organizations to stay competitive, reduce costs, improve quality and efficiency, become more responsive to changing market conditions, and encourage innovation. There are several process improvement methodologies available, each with its own set of tools and techniques. However, these tools rely heavily on people’s creativity and analytical skills, which can be a trial-and-error process for teams. PRIZ Guru offers analytical and problem-solving tools to assist engineers at any step of the process improvement undertaking, equipping teams to overcome barriers during this initiative. What is process? As usual, we will start with an…

In today’s rapidly changing world, problem-solving and critical thinking skills are becoming more crucial than ever. One specific skill that can help individuals creatively solve problems is engineering thinking. In schools and universities, we teach math, physics, biology, programming, and many other tools. This is great! Knowing tools is extremely important. Unfortunately, despite its high demand, the current education system often neglects this very important skill called Engineering Thinking. The consequences of this neglect are significant. Without engineering thinking, students are not fully equipped to tackle real-world problems they may encounter in their future careers. Many students may find themselves…

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….

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…

What PRIZ Platform could give: Why is it good? Available tools: Below are some examples of solutions generated using PRIZ Innovation Platform Case 1 Project title: Stop increasing turnover at the plant Project description: Good engineers and technicians are leaving the plant after 2-3 years of work Project goal: To find a way to  prevent increasing turnover Creative thinking tools used: Perception Mapping (PMap) Achievements: Created a list of relevant actions (perceptions) and defined a blocking rank: Proposed solution:  Establish a special recognitions for effective engineering solutions – this perception is revealed as a block for any other actions aiming…