ThE EvOLuTiON oF vALUe EnGiNEERinG

Crown Regency Hotel and Towers (miniature)

The World War II saying which says that “necessity is the mother of invention” has been proven by the conceptualization of the value analysis. We should be thankful, in a way, to the war because it forced the father of Value Engineering, Mr. Lawrence Delos Miles, to think outside of the box.

The history of Value Engineering (VE) started as a concept and through the efforts of Mr. Lawrence Miles, value analysis was slowly implemented. The pressure caused by the war during that time has motivated him to find immediate solutions to their problems. I believe it did not require him a lot of convincing power to get the support of William Sredenscheck and Harry Erlicher because of their present situation. All wars are considered harmful but indirectly blaming the scriptures, since it was written so it was done. Nevertheless, it was still a blessing in disguise in the aspect of VE.

I believe value analysis was long applied by the ancient people. Since human beings have the ability to invent and innovate according to what is needed, tools were made to provide convenience. People from long ago focused on the basic needs. In fact, their houses were built simply to provide shelter. No more. No less. When they need something, they find ways to provide it. It’s that simple.

At present, almost everything is provided for our convenience. As a result, innovation sometimes becomes a basis for excellence. In technological gadgets for example, the more features the better. But this must not be applied in everything. In this time of economic crises, we still need to be practical. The usability of any product must always be considered. It should be a necessity so that its price, even how expensive it is, will still be reasonable.

During the time of World War II, Mr. Miles focused on finding available substitutes that would provide the same function. His dedication in his job as a Purchase Engineer made him successful in his endeavour to share his idea on value analysis. During the time when value analysis was conceptualized in 1946 until it is being adopted by the Bureau of Ships in 1954, I think it was never easy if Mr. Miles’ commitment was half-baked. It must have been his perseverance in convincing other professionals that made him gain the support of his countrymen. Taking General Electric Company as a concrete example was enough evidence on the results of applying VE. The history is worth continuing in other countries like ours so that someday, we will also be part of it. It is always better to be part of any history than just a statistic.

Value Analysts will not simply help the industry go back to the basic but at the same time, provide equal or better alternatives. Since the implementation of Value Engineering creates a remarkable impact in the industry, the history is worth remembering.

At present, most people want something new or something different. If necessity was the mother of invention, let value engineering be the mother of innovation.  (//_^)