A Guide to New Product Development Analysis

Business analysis is essential for the smooth and effective execution of new product development processes. Without proper analysis, a product can’t succeed. Yet, despite the importance of business analysis in new product development, few businesses understand where to start.

In this article, we’ll look at what Business Analysis is and what it has to offer. Keep on reading to learn how you can take advantage of business analysis when developing new products.

What is Product Development

Product development refers to activities through which an organization develops, manufactures, and sells products. This is an extensive process that involves many debates and redrafts.

A new product is usually introduced when the marketing team decides that the current product offering is no longer competitive. They then develop a new one to stand out from the competitors.

The new products are considered the solutions to the identified customer problems. These problems might not be evident unless the product is used.

There are many stages involved in the product development life cycle. This includes:

• Ideation
• Feasibility and Market Study
• Development and Design
• Testing and Validation
• Manufacturing
• Improvements

The Importance of Business Analysis in New Product Development

Business analysis in new product development is a neutral and unbiased way of understanding the new product development process. It is often the final step in a product’s life cycle.

This process helps in identifying the competitive landscape, investor appetite, and customer experience regarding different product concepts. It is essential for every business.

Determines your goal

Business analysis can help you determine your goals and then help you better define your product. It allows you to understand your target market and where your product will fit into that market. This can help you focus more on the important issues that your product will be facing.

By looking at your data and the market, you can create a business plan. This plan should show details of what you’ll need to do to achieve your goals.

Identifies Target Market

A target market relates to the group of people likely to purchase your product. This is the backbone of any successful business, and it’s something that you must determine in your business development analysis.

Analyzing your market will help you determine your potential customers. With a market defined, you can narrow down those who will be interested in your product. It will also help to define your product, which entails its features and benefits.

For example, if you are launching a new technology, consider your target market as everyone, including consumers and companies in STEM fields. With the methods of analysis, you can then narrow down to your target market.

Other factors that can affect the buying decisions of your market include:

• Interests
• Gender
• Location
• Education
• Age
• Needs
• Occupation

Helps you Understand Market Competition

If you want your new product to perform well, you need to have a good understanding of your competitors. This includes their market saturation, their differences from you, and their strengths and weaknesses. Start with a list of your major competitors, then conduct a SWOT analysis of each competitor.

Collects Data

The more data that you collect, the more informed your business decisions are. By collecting relevant information, you can better understand the market, identify conversion opportunities, make sales projections more accurately, and more.

There are many methods to collect data for business analysis. The most common ones include conducting surveys and handing out questionnaires. Here are some other data resources that you can check out:

• State and local commerce sites
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• U.S. Census Bureau
• Trade journals
• Your SWOT analyses

Analyzes Data

Once you’ve collected the data you need, it’s time to analyze it. There are multiple ways to do this, including forecasting, conducting a SWOT analysis, and defining the product mix. 

You can then use any of these analyses to develop strategies and improve upon your product. Ultimately, all these steps lead to a strategic plan of action that will help you reach your goal.

Some of the main elements that your analysis should include are:

• Overview of your industry’s size and growth rates
• Market share projections for your business
• Trends in customer purchases
• Your forecasted growth
• How many customers are willing to pay for your product or service

Lower Risks

With the data you’ve gathered through business analysis, you’ll be able to make intelligent decisions. It can help you decide if a new product is worth producing.

A successful business analysis will show you your risks and how to lower them. It can also identify the right target market, understand the market competition, and collect data. With the information you’ve gathered, you’ll be able to plan the best approach to take.

Costs Reduction

Business Analysis is practical because it ensures that the right solutions are identified and implemented. This makes sure that extra costs, time, and energy are reduced at all costs. Often, it’s a process that determines a new project’s fate, but it tends to be overlooked.

To Wrap Up

Business analysis in new product development is very important no matter what industry your business belongs to. By leveraging the right analysis methods, you’ll be able to lower risks and identify opportunities for the success of your business.