VA/VE Event Prep in CoLab

Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) is a critical process in product development aimed at driving cost out of products without sacrificing their performance or quality. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step process on how to run VA/VE workshops using CoLab.

Step 1: Workspace Preparation

Kickstart the process by preparing your workspace in CoLab. This involves selecting the necessary files for sharing and discussion with your team.  Drive is where files are uploaded and stored for viewing, sharing, and reviewing on a per-workspace basis. Important Note: all users invited to a workspace have identical access to the Drive within that workspace (i.e. all users can access and view all files, folders, packages, feedback, etc.)

Step 2: Package Assembly

Initiate your preparations by assembling a 'package' within CoLab. This is as easy as right-clicking the file and choosing to create a new package. Designate a name to the package that accurately reflects its contents, aiding in easy identification. Your package can encompass all elements pertinent to the VA/VE event, such as spec sheets, drawings, CAD models, and data.

Step 3: Use Slides to Communicate Context

Next, set up the slides. Slides offer a systematic way to present participants with context, assembly details, and focal areas in a specific order.

For example, with the braking system assembly, you might:

• Create a slide showing the overall assembly, giving participants a 'home base' to come back to for a full view of the assembly.
• Generate a slide showing how the braking system clamps onto an I-beam, a crucial aspect of the design.
• Develop a slide showing the moving parts when the braking system actuates, giving a clear picture of how the system works.

Remember to rename each slide appropriately for easy reference and understanding.

Step 4: Direct the Event Focus

Guide your participants' attention to where on the assembly you want them to generate ideas. This could be an individual part or the whole assembly. This guidance becomes crucial when reviewing ideas to ensure that the ones you receive can be implemented by the team. You can also specify if you want participants to focus on the design, materials, or supply chain aspects of the design.

Step 5: Request the Review

Once your package is ready, the next step is to request the review. Send off notifications to your team to come in and review the package. You can follow the typical review process in CoLab to do this.

Make sure to give the review a title and add a due date. This helps communicate to participants how much time they have to come in and start leaving ideas. Then, invite the relevant people to the review.

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