Get Started

creative tool

System Functional Modeling

intro image

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 modeling 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

Advantages of Functional Modeling

Functional modeling offers several distinct advantages for problem solvers and innovators. By breaking down complex systems into manageable components, it allows for a more granular analysis of each part’s role and effectiveness. This methodical approach makes it easier to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Additionally, functional modeling promotes a deeper understanding of the interplay between various system components, which is crucial for developing robust solutions.

Practical Applications of Functional Modeling

Functional modeling is versatile and can be applied across various industries. For instance, in manufacturing, it can help identify which machinery or processes are most critical to production and where bottlenecks occur. In software development, functional modeling can pinpoint which modules or features are causing performance issues. By addressing these specific areas, organizations can streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance overall product quality.

Learn More About Functional Modeling

To dive deeper into the principles and applications of functional modeling, visit our comprehensive guide on functional modeling. This resource provides detailed insights, practical examples, and expert tips to help you master this powerful problem-solving tool. Whether you’re dealing with sudden deviations or chronic issues, functional modeling can equip you with the strategies needed for effective analysis and resolution.

By understanding and leveraging the capabilities of functional modeling, you can transform the way you approach problem-solving, leading to more innovative and efficient solutions.

Join 1000+ users today

Speedup your innovation

Start for free now

Showcasing Successful Projects

Microelectronics

Optimizing IC Interconnection: A Functional Approach to Innovation (Stay updated on the project's progress)

Semiconductor devices are becoming more complex and expensive. But what exactly are we paying for when we buy a computer, cellphone, or any device containing a microchip? It’s not for radically new functions—the core components remain the same: transistors and interconnections. According to Moore’s law, transistors are getting smaller, with more interconnection layers added, making the manufacturing process longer and more costly.In reality, we’re paying for the inability of engineers to efficiently solve engineering challenges.This project leverages System Functional Modeling (SFM) to analyze the IC interconnection layer and Process Functional Modeling (PFM) to evaluate its manufacturing process. These analyses aim to deepen our understanding of both the device and the production process, generating innovative solutions for cost reduction and improved efficiency.

user avatar
Dr Anatoly Agulyansky
Microelectronics

Wafer cleaning issues at the wet process

Wet cleaning is widely used in microchip manufacturing. Single wafer equipment is working as follows. A wafer rotates, and chemistry is poured from a movable nozzle. Water rinsing is performed at the end of the process. Loading of a new batch of the chemistry resulted in excursion - a strongly increased amount of defects was observed on the wafer after the processing. The project is dedicated to the failure analysis and creation of innovative solutions.

user avatar
Dr. Anatoly Agulyansky
Microelectronics

SiO2 thin film creation in Diffusion furnace - Process Functional Modeling

The process is related to microelectronics - microchip manufacturing.The purpose of the process is to create a SiO2 layer on the surface of a Si wafer. Equipment: Vertical furnace to heat the wafers in the Q2 atmosphere and perform oxidation on the wafer surface. Process: The oxidation occurs on the front side and on the back side of the wafer Requirements: Create a SiO2 thin layer with a certain thickness and low sigma - low standard deviation of the thickness between the wafers and within the waferFailure: Wafers from the lower zone have higher thickness and significantly higher within wafer sigma (standard deviation of the thickness within the wafer)

user avatar
Dr. Anatoly Agulyansky
Environment

Targets splinters after trapshooting contaminate the nature - how to solve this problem

A good example of how to use 40 Inventive Principles for ideas generation.

user avatar
Dr. Anatoly Agulyansky
Mechanics

Functional Modeling of a Vacuum Cleaner: A Pathway to Innovation

This project showcases how functional modeling can drive innovation by analyzing and simulating various versions of a vacuum cleaner. By studying the functional model, you will experience firsthand how the Functional Modeling creative thinking tool helps identify opportunities for improvement and generate innovative ideas for the next generation of products.Through this example, you’ll learn how to dissect the functionality of a vacuum cleaner, revealing ways to enhance its performance, efficiency, and user experience—ultimately paving the way for future innovations.

user avatar
Dr. Anatoly Agulyansky
Microelectronics

Wafer breakage at flash heating

Flash heating of a wafer is widely used in microchip manufacturing. The purpose of the process is to prevent the diffusion of ions and atoms. During the flash process, a wafer breakage occurs. The project's purpose is to learn and understand the mechanism of the wafer breakage and propose the solutions to prevent the wafer breakage

user avatar
Dr. Anatoly Agulyansky
Chemistry

מניעת עיבוי על העדשות - רוני עוז ותומר קליין

?כיצד נוכל למנוע הצטברות של אדים על גבי העדשה בתנאי סביבה שונים כדי לשפר את הראייה והבטיחות

user avatar
Roni Oz
Environment

Recycling waste of solar panels.students: Alaa & saed

Excited to share our latest project at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev! 🚀 We tackled the pressing issue of solar panel waste and explored innovative recycling solutions to make solar energy truly sustainable.Key insights:Solar panel waste could hit 78 million metric tons by 2050. Only 10% of panels are currently recycled in the EU. Our project highlights the need for efficient recycling technologies, better regulations, and economic incentives to drive sustainable practices.Let’s work together for a greener future! 🌱

user avatar
Saed Hasson