Product Development: 6 1/2 Digit Benchtop Digital Multimeters
In 2004, Fluke Precision Measurement wanted to determine the feasibility of competing against the dominant manufacturer (at that time) of 6½ digit benchtop digital multimeters: the Agilent models 34401 and 34401A. This technology is typically used for taking precision readings in electronics and electrical applications.
Specifically, Fluke Precision Measurement needed to know:
Were Agilent customers willing to switch from the 34401, and why?
What features/capabilities would attract them to an alternative product?
What price point would be a strong inducement for end-users to switch brands?
What were near-term buying plans for the market within this product category?
What would be the primary applications of the product?
What where the strengths and weaknesses of the Agilent 34401 and 34401A?
Results: Marketplace feedback on these issues was incorporated into the product design team’s efforts. Within less than two years, Fluke Precision Measurement introduced the Fluke model 8845 6½ Digit Benchtop DMM. That model, and the recently released 8846a are now recognized as industry-leaders.