Functional Modeling

System Functional Model, also known as Function Modeling, is a popular problem-solving tool that helps us to model a problem using functional language and identify problematic and functional components. Functional modeling helps us to think within the scope of components and their functions instead of the system as a whole.

functional model screenshot

What will you get from the Functional Modeling?

As part of many problem-solving projects, it is extremely important to understand the functional interactions between different components of the systems that you are analyzing. Functional modeling allows us to quickly describe and map the functionality of all components contributing to the final product or service of that system. The functional modeling tool is applicable to both sudden unpredictable deviations (also known as excursions) and solving chronic problems for consistent improvements.

  • Learn and understand how a system operates
  • Identify and rank the functionality of all system components
  • Identify and rank the problematic level of components  
  • Solve problems and improve the functionality of the system:
    • Enhance the functionality of the system by modifying the components having high
      functional rank
    • Eliminate components having low functional rank
    • Solve problems by modification or elimination of problematic components

When should you use Functional Modeling?

Among many cases when Functional Modeling is useful for us as problem solvers and innovators, we want to highlight just a few:

  • Identify which component is responsible for a failure or a problem
  • Identify which component is contributing the most to the final product or service
  • Find which components are impacting the cost of the process
  • Reduce the complexity of a system and reduce costs

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