ASTM E1699-14 (2020) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E1699-14 (Reapproved 2020) — Standard Practice for Performing Value Engineering (VE)/Value Analysis (VA) of Projects, Products and Processes. This standard defines a VE/VA procedure for identifying and satisfying the functions of a project, product, or process through multidisciplinary function analysis and cost/resource evaluation, and for developing implementable alternatives that meet stakeholder constraints, needs and desires.

Abstract

This practice provides a step‑wise VE/VA method that converts stakeholder constraints and requirements into descriptions of functions, evaluates those functions against cost and other resources over a designated study period, and develops technically sound alternatives. The practice is applicable to whole projects or to subsystems and elements, and emphasizes multidisciplinary teams, function analysis (including FAST diagrams), and life‑cycle cost considerations.

General information

• Status: Active — current edition E1699‑14, reapproved 2020 (approved Oct 1, 2020).
• Publication date: October 1, 2020 (designation E1699‑14, reapproved 2020).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 91.040.01 — Buildings in general (building economics / value methodology).
• Edition / version: E1699‑14 (original revision 2014; reapproved 2020) — commonly cited as ASTM E1699‑14(2020).
• Number of pages: 8.

Scope

This practice covers procedures for defining and satisfying the functions of a project, product, or process (the focus of study). It applies the VE/VA methodology to construction projects, engineered systems, components, systems, equipment, and to processes such as procurement, materials management, workflow, fabrication/assembly, quality control and services. The procedure converts stakeholder constraints and needs into functional descriptions, relates functions to costs and resources over a study period (including design, construction/manufacture, operation, maintenance, repair, replacement and disposal), and develops alternatives that meet required functions and stakeholder objectives. The practice may be applied to an entire focus of study or to any subsystem or element thereof.

Key topics and requirements

• Function identification and function analysis (including FAST diagram techniques).
• Formation and use of a multidisciplinary VE/VA team to translate stakeholder needs into functions.
• Life‑cycle and whole‑life cost considerations when comparing alternatives.
• Development, evaluation, and documentation of implementable alternatives that satisfy required functions.
• Use of accurate, comprehensive cost and resource data over a designated study period.
• Guidance on scope selection (entire project vs. subsystem/elements) for study application.
• Integration with related decision‑analysis and classification standards for buildings and systems.

Typical use and users

Used by value engineering practitioners, project managers, architects, engineers, owners/developers, facilities managers, procurement specialists and building economists to reduce cost, improve function, and optimize value across projects, products and processes. Typical applications include construction and infrastructure projects, product design reviews, process improvement programs, procurement and lifecycle cost reduction studies. VE/VA workshops, FAST diagram exercises and multidisciplinary value studies are common activities under this practice.

Related standards

Commonly referenced or complementary ASTM standards include: E2013 (FAST diagrams / function analysis), E917 (life‑cycle cost practice), E1369 (guidance on uncertainty and risk in economic evaluations), E1557 (UNIFORMAT II classification), E631 and E833 (terminology), E1765 (AHP for multiattribute decision analysis), and E2103 (classification for bridge elements). These documents support consistent function analysis, cost measurement and classification when applying E1699.

Keywords

value engineering, value analysis, VE, VA, function analysis, FAST diagrams, life‑cycle costing, building economics, value methodology, multidisciplinary team, cost optimization, alternatives development, project value study.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E1699‑14(2020) is a standard practice that provides a structured procedure for performing value engineering (VE) and value analysis (VA) on projects, products and processes to identify required functions, evaluate costs and resources, and develop implementable alternatives that optimize value.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the VE/VA process from function identification through alternative development and evaluation, including use of multidisciplinary teams, FAST diagrams, and consideration of whole‑life costs and stakeholder constraints. It may be applied to whole projects or to subsystems/elements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Value engineering practitioners, architects, engineers, project and facilities managers, procurement and cost analysts, owners and other stakeholders involved in design, construction, manufacturing, operations and process improvement.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The active edition is E1699‑14, reapproved in 2020 (commonly cited as ASTM E1699‑14(2020)). As of the most recent publicly available committee information, a revision work item (WK96560) has been recorded to harmonize the standard with SAVE International guidelines, indicating a revision effort is in progress. Users should confirm the current status before relying on the text for compliance or procurement.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: E1699 is part of a family of ASTM E06 committee practices and guides addressing building performance, building economics and decision analysis; it cross‑refers to related standards (E2013, E917, E1369, E1557, E631, E833, E1765, E2103) that together support VE/VA, function analysis and life‑cycle economic evaluation.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Value engineering, value analysis, function analysis, FAST, life‑cycle cost, building economics, value methodology, multidisciplinary team, cost optimization.