Weighted Value Analysis on the perception of various functions of electrical products

A product optimization based on Value Analysis principle involves taking into account the end-user opinions on product expressed by the product functions. This point of view emphasizes differences between the manufacturer´s perception and the end-user´s perception on what functions of the product are important. These differences are also influenced by the end-users´ segmentation according to the marketing principles. The paper analyzes the variation of the importance given to the functions of a product depending on various socio-demographic variables; the case study points to the flameproof electric motor users. Three types of differences are highlighted: (1) between manufacturer and end-user, (2) between the industrial and academic field (3) between users´ experience in the field groups.