Bottom Up Change Tool

The FAST Method

A key feature of value analysis is function linked to cost, and this is usually applied with a method known as Functional Analysis System Technique (FAST). It was developed by Charles Bytheway in then1960's who took the flow chart technique and gave each activity a sequence or logic using 'verb-noun' statements, such as "provide information" or "remove waste". The activities were then costed and by applying a 'how-why' questioning technique a coherent sequence of actions could be deduced that made sense

The FAST Method is a disciplined way of getting to the core of what a service is really about and what's actually involved. You can then work in a more informed way to analyse and see the likely impact/benefits of proposed changes that deliver more customer benefits for less cost.

The people involved in producing the FAST diagram should be those involved in the delivering the core service and related support services. It is beneficial to include, suppliers and customers where this is practical. Everyone must feel free to offer suggestions and ask questions, no matter how silly they may appear, to trigger more creative thinking. Evaluating competing designs comes later as a way of identifying the optimum solution or one that maximizes customer benefit.

It is vital to know who the users, customers and stakeholders are, and to clarify their service function needs and expectations. The functions required, and the resources allocated, must be driven by the preferences expressed by the end-users of the service.

Remember - the function of a service is to deliver a valued outcome or purposeful activity, it's not the means by which it is performed. A simple example is outlined below based on the Library Service.

Diagram

To test the validity and coherence of the diagram, read from the left asking HOW and from the right asking WHY.

How do we provide information ?
We lend books.
How do we lend books ?
We issue books

Why do we issue books ?
We lend books
Why do we lend books ?
To provide information

Once constructed to reflect the existing service, the functions can be combined, removed or new ones added to optimise value by reducing costs.