Introduction of PM Group's “Market Product Survey” [ASKA MARKET NEWS Oct. 2024, No. 356].

Thank you for reading Market News.
In the February 2024 issue, we introduced the PM Group's workplaces and mentioned “Market Product Surveys”. In this issue, we would like to introduce you to Market Product Surveys in detail.

What is the PM Group?

The PM Group is an abbreviation for Product Management Group. It is the department in charge of prototype evaluation and standardization during product development, and is also responsible for overall project management.

AS Family and AS Series

The AS Family refers to original products, including cleaning and seminars, which are designed, developed, and marketed by the Aska Company based on know-how cultivated through years of experience.
Among these products, plastic products are treated as the AS Series, and the lineup currently includes mainly spout caps for pouches.
To develop the AS Series, it is first important to understand the market needs. To this end, we conduct market product surveys.

Market Product Servey

Here are some specific examples of the kind of research we conduct.

①Preparations

We discuss within the department what products we will be researching.
We often conduct research in genres related to products recently seen in the market or products under development.
Once we have decided on the subject of the survey, we purchase the products on our own.
We try to research at least 10 different products.

② Evaluations

Once samples have been collected, evaluations will be conducted.
The evaluation items include the following

・Appearance

Observe and photograph cap and spout shapes (knurling and tamper-evident mechanisms) to determine their characteristics

・Dimensions

Using calipers and microscope, measure dimensions of mating and airtight parts, etc.

・Feature

Measuring cap opening strength, airtightness, pouch welding strength, etc. using Z-Gauge (uniaxial strength tester) and automatic torque meter.

・Others

Observation of the relationship between the volume and viscosity of the contents and the spout diameter, and whether or not the contents are environmentally compatible

③Summary

The evaluation results are compiled using a dedicated form.
In addition, the results are entered into the “Marketed Product Search Tool”.
The Market Product Search Tool is a tool that allows us to narrow down the products that meet the criteria we are looking for by entering the product category, spout diameter, opening strength, and other criteria.
This allows us to easily search for the evaluation results of the products we have researched so far.

専用入力フォーム

The Market Product Search Tool

④ Meeting

Each participant will bring the results of his/her evaluation and present them.
We will clarify the relationship between the contents, product shape, and functionality.

⑤ Share

The results are shared with the departments involved in development and utilized in the development of the AS series.

Asuka Company will continue to focus on the development of the AS Series.
To learn more about the AS Series and our development capabilities, please click our blogs!