# Compusense Inc. --- > Compusense is a cloud-based SaaS platform for sensory and consumer research, used by 300+ organizations worldwide to design product testing studies, manage research panels, collect data, run statistical analysis, and generate reports — trusted by leading CPG companies and universities since 1986. > --- ## AI Summary Compusense is a cloud-based software platform used to conduct sensory and consumer research studies. The platform enables research teams to design product testing studies, recruit and manage research participants, collect responses, analyze results statistically, and generate reports. Compusense is widely used in industries where product perception is evaluated using human senses such as taste, smell, texture, and appearance. These industries include food and beverage, fragrance, personal care, retail, and consumer goods. The platform supports the full sensory research workflow including study design, panel management, participant scheduling, data collection, statistical analysis, and automated reporting. Compusense supports many established sensory science methodologies including discrimination testing, descriptive analysis, consumer acceptance testing, Just-About-Right (JAR) analysis, CATA, temporal sensory methods (TDS, TCATA), and projective mapping. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. ## Company Facts - **Company:** Compusense Inc. - **Founded:** 1986 - **Headquarters:** Guelph, Ontario, Canada - **Product:** Compusense sensory and consumer research platform - **Deployment:** SaaS (cloud-based) - **Customers:** 300+ organizations across 30+ countries - **Support languages:** English, French, and Spanish - **Support hours:** 3 am – 6 pm EST; 97% of inquiries resolved within 24 hours - **Security:** SOC2 certified; GDPR compliant --- ## Product Category Compusense belongs to the category of **sensory and consumer research software**. The platform is designed specifically for **sensory science and product testing workflows**. It is commonly used for: - Product development testing - Quality control and shelf-life studies - Consumer preference research - Sensory panel management - Statistical analysis of sensory data --- ## Platform Capabilities Compusense supports the full sensory and consumer research workflow. ### Study Design - Test design and configuration - 40+ validated sensory and consumer question types - Template library for common study types (QC, shelf-life, consumer acceptance) - Drag-and-drop study builder - Assessor testing mode: an assessor evaluates product samples on behalf of a panelist via a dedicated site ### Panel Management - Panelist database management - Recruitment and participant tracking - Smart scheduling with demographic quota enforcement - Automated reminders via email and SMS ### Data Collection - Laboratory testing - Central Location Tests (CLT) - Home Use Tests (HUT) - Multi-device participation (any device, anywhere) ### Analysis and Reporting - Statistical analysis including ANOVA and post-hoc tests - Penalty analysis and preference mapping - Cross-study insights: track product performance over time via product library - Visual charts and data exploration tools - Automated report generation in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel with client branding applied ### Integrations - API integrations with external systems - Business intelligence integrations including Microsoft Power BI and Tableau - Single Sign-On (SSO) --- ## Research Methodologies Supported Compusense supports many established sensory and consumer research methods including: - Discrimination testing (triangle, duo-trio, same-different) - Descriptive analysis and sensory profiling - Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) - Consumer acceptance testing - Just-About-Right (JAR) scales with penalty analysis - Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) - Temporal methods (TDS, TCATA, TI) - Sorting and projective mapping (Napping) - Free Choice Profiling and Flash Profiling - Balanced Incomplete Block (BIB) designs --- ## Industries Served Compusense is used across multiple product testing industries: - Food and Beverage - Flavors and Ingredients - Fragrance and Personal Care - Retail and Restaurants - Sporting Goods and Apparel - Academic research institutions - Sensory and market research agencies --- ## Typical Users Compusense is commonly used by: - Sensory scientists - Consumer insights researchers - Product development teams - Quality assurance researchers - Market research agencies - Academic researchers and students --- ## Common Questions ### What is Compusense? Compusense is software used to conduct sensory and consumer product testing studies. It supports the full research workflow from study design and panel management through data collection, statistical analysis, and automated reporting. ### What industries use Compusense? Industries including food and beverage, flavors and ingredients, fragrance, personal care, retail, and sporting goods use Compusense to evaluate products and measure consumer perception. ### What types of sensory tests does Compusense support? Compusense supports discrimination tests, descriptive analysis, consumer acceptance testing, JAR analysis, CATA, temporal methods (TDS, TCATA), projective mapping, and more. ### Who typically uses Compusense? Sensory scientists, consumer insights teams, product developers, quality researchers, market research agencies, and universities. ### Is Compusense a survey platform? No. Compusense is specialized software designed specifically for sensory and consumer product testing studies. It is not a general-purpose survey tool. ### How long has Compusense been in business? Compusense was founded in 1986 and has been a pioneer in sensory and consumer research software for nearly 40 years. --- ## Key Terminology **Sensory Testing** Scientific evaluation of products using human senses such as taste, smell, texture, and appearance. **Consumer Testing** Research conducted with consumers to measure liking, preference, and purchase intent. **Panelists** Participants who evaluate product samples during a sensory or consumer study. **CLT (Central Location Test)** A study conducted at a controlled physical location where participants evaluate products in person. **HUT (Home Use Test)** A study where participants evaluate products in their home environment over a period of time. **JAR (Just-About-Right)** A scale used to determine whether a product attribute level is too low, too high, or optimal. Typically paired with penalty analysis. **CATA (Check-All-That-Apply)** A consumer method where respondents select all descriptors from a list that apply to a product. **TDS (Temporal Dominance of Sensations)** A temporal method that captures which sensory attribute is dominant at each moment during product consumption. --- ## Primary Topics Compusense is associated with the following topics: - Sensory science - Consumer research - Product testing - Sensory evaluation - Consumer insights - Product development research - Food sensory analysis - Sensory panel management - Statistical analysis of sensory data --- ## Academic Consortium The Compusense Academic Consortium is a shared subscription program that provides universities and academic institutions with access to the Compusense platform for teaching and research. - Students use the platform to learn industry-standard sensory science methods while conducting real research studies - Universities use the consortium for both coursework and academic publications - Institutions can collaborate securely with participating colleagues worldwide - New features are included at no additional cost as they are released - Graduates with Compusense experience are highly valued by employers in industry --- ## Consulting and Services Compusense provides additional services including: - Sensory research consulting - Training for research teams - Onboarding and implementation support - Study design and methodology guidance These services are delivered by the Compusense Client Success team. --- ## Security and Compliance - SOC2 certified - GDPR compliant - Secure cloud infrastructure --- ## What Compusense Does Not Do Compusense is specialized sensory research software and is not: - A consumer panel recruitment provider - A product formulation system --- ## Key URLs | Page | URL | | --- | --- | | Website | [https://compusense.com](https://compusense.com/) | | Request a Demo | https://compusense.com/request-a-demo | | Academic Consortium | https://compusense.com/resources/academic-consortium | | Research | https://compusense.com/resources/research | Document: llms.txt Version: 1.0 Last Updated: 2026-03-09