Physical Function Analysis is a structured method used to systematically break down technical systems or processes into fundamental physical phenomena and principles (e.g., energy transfers, material flows, physical interactions). This analysis decrypts how a system operates at a physical level. This fundamental understand is the base to develop and improve manufacutring procesess. Phenomena such as the sudden appearance of manufacturing defects and their equally sudden disappearance without any changes being made to the process can be explained in this method.

An extended blog post about PFA can be found here.