FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE
SPECIFICATIONS (FPS)
Based on EU
Standard
EN 12973:2000
What is FPS?
FPS is a document that describes user needs
in terms of functional performance without
reference to a specific solution.
It specifies the evaluation criteria, levels and
tolerance to various functions which are
acceptable to the user.
FPS - ELEMENTS
FUNCTION: expression of a need (active verb + measurable noun)
CRITERIA: criteria that will be used to evaluate and measure if the
function is accomplished; generally, there are several criteria per
function
LEVEL (Tolerance): range of acceptable results for each functional
criterion; can come from an existing performance level, or from an
objective to be reached
FLEXIBILITY: the negotiability of the function-criteria-level
FPS Process
Clients,
Customers
Implement Stakeholders
Employees
ion
t
Final Design
nta
NE
me
ED
Business/
ple
S
Im Government
Conceptual, Objectives
Preliminary
Design Functional Performance
Specification
Flexibility Function Analysis
Criteria,
Performance Levels
Design Strategy
Internal
Stakeholders
Requirements
Implementation
NEEDS
Execute Detail
Design
Function
Analysis
Conceptual
Functional Design
Performance
Specification
Preliminary
Design
FPS - PRINCIPLES
Describes the need in specific terms
Indicates any uncertainties or inaccuracies related to the need
Specifies the constraints (while trying to keep them to a
minimum)
Gives the designer free rein and responsibility for solutions
Encourages discussion of value optimization between
partners
Flexibility
The negotiability of the function-criteria-level
F0 – no flexibility
F1 – minimal flexibility
F2 – some flexibility
F3 – very flexible
Mission of the Project
Mission
How?
Mission of
Project
FPS Diagram
C h a r a c te r iz a tio n o f
F u n c tio n a l T r e e th e N e e d s
F u n c tio n a l F u n c tio n F u n c tio n F u n c tio n
M is s io n C r ite r ia Level F le x ib ility
G ro u p s Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
H ow ? W hy? F u n c tio n F u n c tio n
C r ite r ia Level
F le x . 1
1 .1 .1 1 .1 .1 n F le x . 2
F u n c tio n
Functional Group 1
Characterization of
1 .1 F le x . 3
C r ite r ia Level
F le x . 4
F u n c tio n F u n c tio n
F u n c tio n a l 1 .1 .2 1 .1 .2 n + 1
G ro u p 1 C r ite r ia Level F le x . 5
F u n c tio n
1 .2 C r ite r ia Level F le x . 6
F u n c tio n
1 .2 .1
C r ite r ia Level F le x . 7
C r ite r ia Level F le x ib ility
M is s io n F u n c tio n
of 2 .1 .1 n
P r o je c t C r ite r ia Level F le x ib ility
F u n c tio n
2 .1 .1
Functional Group 2
Characterization of
C r ite r ia Level F le x ib ility
F u n c tio n
2 .1 .1 n + 1
F u n c tio n
C r ite r ia Level F le x ib ility
2 .1
C r ite r ia Level F le x ib ility
F u n c tio n F u n c tio n
F u n c tio n a 2 .1 .2 2 .1 .2 n
l G ro u p 2 C r ite r ia Level F le x ib ility
C r ite r ia Level F le x ib ility
F u n c tio n
2 .2
C r ite r ia Level F le x ib ility
Advantages of FPS
Favours
dialogue between business areas and service providers
innovation
Defines
framework for responding to bids
framework for finding solutions
Facilitates
preparation of claims
Finding the Functions
• Intuitive Research
(Brainstorming)
• Environmental Analysis
• Sequential Analysis
• Movements and Effort Analysis
• Reference product Analysis
(Comparative Study)
• Rules and Regulations Analysis
Intuitive Research
The Team identifies functions
based on individual and collective
experiences, which are derived
from knowledge of the problem.
Environmental Analysis
In this phase, all elements external to the product
that interact with it are identified as its
environment; these elements are called
interactors or elements.
Interactor/ Element
Interactor/ Element e.g. external
e.g. People environement
Adaptive Function
Product
Interactor/ Element
e.g. Other Systems Interactor/ Element
e.g. Systems
Interactive Function conected through
product
Sequential Analysis
Functions are found by analyzing the sequence
of actions required in the product life cycle.
Movements and Efforts Analysis
Movements and effort analysis:
Functions are found by analyzing the
movements required to accomplish a
process and the stresses the product must
resist.
Reference Product Analysis
Similar to Product Benchmarking
Can involve deconstructing reference products
(typically competitive products).
Determine functions of each component of
reference product.
Summary
FPS is a document that describes user needs
in terms of functional performance without
reference to a specific solution.
It specifies the evaluation criteria, levels and
tolerance to various functions which are
acceptable to the user.
FPS helps eliminate surprises
References
EN 12973:2000
Value Management Practice, Michel Thiry,
ISBN: 1-880410-14-1
