Information

Customer Feedback – Water Activity Meter AW-1 / AW-1s

We would like to share feedback received from customers using our products.

Customer satisfaction with this product is rated on a five-point scale:
★5 (Very Satisfied),
★4 (Satisfied),
★3 (Neutral),
★2 (Somewhat Dissatisfied), and
★1 (Dissatisfied).

Based on the feedback we receive, we will continue striving to improve our products.

 

Food Manufacturer A
Product Satisfaction:★★★★★(5/5)

We first became interested in the AW-1 through exhibitions and academic conferences. We use it to measure processed foods for shelf-life and expiration date management, as well as quality control during the manufacturing process. Previously, we did not have a measuring instrument, and being unable to monitor water activity (AW) was a challenge for us. The ease of operation, excellent cost performance, and compact size were key factors in our decision to adopt the product.

 

 

Food Manufacturer B
Product Satisfaction:★★★★☆(4/5)
We learned about the AW-1s online and became interested in it. We use it to measure processed foods for product development and quality control in the manufacturing process. Previously, we outsourced measurements to external organizations, which made it difficult to review production processes in a timely manner. The ease of operation, excellent cost performance, and compact size were key factors in our decision to adopt the product.

 

 

Industrial and Cosmetic Chemical Manufacturer C
Product Satisfaction:★★★★☆(4/5)

We became interested in the AW-1 through exhibitions and academic conferences. Previously, we did not own a measuring instrument, and being unable to measure water activity (AW) was a challenge for us. We are currently using it for quality control of cosmetic ingredients. The ease of operation and compact size were key factors in our decision to adopt the product.

 

 

Major Restaurant Chain Company D
Product Satisfaction:★★★☆☆(3/5)
We became interested in the AW-1s through a recommendation from a sales representative and introduced it for measuring the water activity of processed foods. It is used for a wide range of applications, including shelf-life and expiration date management, HACCP compliance, quality control, productdevelopment, and complaint prevention.
Previously, setting expiration dates for highly shelf-stable foods was time-consuming. The AW-1s was selected because of its ease of operation and excellent cost performance. Its compact size, user-friendly logging function, and strong sales and support services were also highly appreciated.
However, we rated it three stars in terms of usability because measurements can take somewhat longer, and the lack of a temperature control function makes the results more susceptible to environmental conditions during measurement.

 

 

Company E, Handling a Wide Range of Food Gift
Product Satisfaction:★★★★☆(4/5)
We became interested in the AW-1 through exhibitions and academic conferences. We use it to measure confectionery and sweets for shelf-life and expiration date management. Previously, we did not have an easy-to-use measurement device, which had been a challenge for us. Its excellent cost performance led us to decide to adopt the product.

 

 

Food Manufacturer F
Product Satisfaction:★★★☆☆(3/5)
We became interested in the AW-1s through the internet as well as exhibitions and academic conferences. We use it to measure processed foods for shelf-life and expiration date management and product development. The ease of operation was the key factor in our decision to adopt the product.

 

 

Food Ingredients and Food Additives Manufacturer G
Product Satisfaction:★★★☆☆(3/5)

We became interested in the AW-1 through an email newsletter and introduced it to improve the efficiency of AW measurements and support BCP (Business Continuity Planning) initiatives. We measure foods such as confectionery, bread, and savory snacks.
Previously, from a BCP perspective, we had been considering adding another water activity meter and believed that having a backup unit was necessary to ensure business continuity in the event that the existing instrument malfunctioned. The affordable price range, which made it possible to purchase even without a dedicated equipment budget, as well as the compact size, were key factors in our decision.
On the other hand, we rated the product ★3 due to discrepancies between measurement values compared with the electrical resistance-type sensor currently in use, as well as the fact that the instrument supports only single-point calibration.

 

 

Major Restaurant Chain H
Product Satisfaction:★★★★☆(4/5)

We became interested in the AW-1s after learning about it online and introduced it for determining appropriate storage temperatures for food samples, primarily sauces, as well as strengthening our quality control system.
We recognized that understanding water activity is extremely important for controlling microbial growth. However, we had previously avoided introducing such systems due to the time-consuming nature of conventional measurement methods (Conway method), as well as the high cost of available instruments. We were particularly attracted to the AW-1s due to its design, which separates the sensor unit from the main body, enabling efficient measurements. Its affordable price range was also a major deciding factor.
At present, measurements are generally carried out smoothly in daily operations, and we are satisfied with the benefits of its introduction. However, since some samples contain volatile components, slight variation in measurement values can occur, which is why we rated it ★4.

 

→Thank you very much for your valuable feedback.

When the sample contains alcohol, we recommend using a sample container equipped with an electrical resistance-type sensor. For more details, please refer to the following technical report:

[Technical Report (F-14)](https://www.sibata.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/F-14.pdf)

 

 

Cosmetics Company I – Quality Control Departmen
Product Satisfaction:★★★★☆(4/5)

We became interested in the AW-1s after learning about it online, and we are using it to evaluate the relationship between water activity and the quality of cosmetics manufactured by our company.
We had previously experienced water activity measurement during our student years, and at that time it required considerable time and effort. However, after using the AW-1s, we were very surprised to find that both labor and measurement time have been significantly reduced.
We also find it convenient that the results are displayed numerically, and that the compact size allows the device to be installed inside a constant-temperature chamber without any issues. Because it is extremely easy to use, we believe it can also be incorporated into routine daily operations. The ease of operation and reasonable price were also deciding factors in our purchase.