Teardown analysis plays a central role in cost engineering (CE) and value engineering (VE). While cost engineering aims to analyse existing assemblies and processes in detail and optimize their costs, value engineering goes one step further: it scrutinizes existing designs and develops innovative solutions for technical and cost optimization.

The teardown analysis begins with the systematic disassembly of an assembly in order to analyze all components. This produces a detailed bill of materials (BOM), which serves as the basis for cost calculation. This process makes it possible to evaluate the efficiency of existing components and assemblies and identify potential savings.

Cost engineering approach: The status quo is analyzed in cost engineering. A precise calculation is made on the basis of existing data. The aim is to optimize cost structures without making fundamental changes to the product design.

Value engineering approach: In contrast, value engineering takes on a proactive role. The aim here is to find innovative ways of improving assemblies through design changes and reducing costs at the same time.