In 1998, Harry T. Lawless published an article that explored the limits of traditional descriptive methods used to analyze olfactory perceptions and offers alternatives to improve the accuracy and applicability of sensory descriptions. 

1. The limits of the classic descriptive methods that he mentions :

• Variability of human perception : perception of odors is subjective and varies from person to person, making quantification difficult. 
• Complexity of aromas : aroma perception involves complex interactions between different compounds, which complicates precise description.
• Overall image of odors : classical methods tend to fragment perceptions, not reflecting the integrated olfactory experience.
• Importance of intensity : excessive focus on intensity may miss other critical aspects of olfactory perception.

2. An alternative method of "applicability" or good correspondence of a descriptor to an odor :

• Qualitative progress : this method emphasizes the quality of perceptions rather than quantitative measurements, better capturing the richness of olfactory experiences. 
• Consensus by families of descriptors : by using families of descriptors, the method promotes consensus between panelists/tasters.

It is possible to access a general part of treatments and results, characterized by : 

• A count of the checkmarks per descriptor for the panel, then classification by decreasing occurrences in order to characterize the products. This allows to identify the most relevant descriptors to characterize each product.

• Graphical representations of frequencies in order to identify the main differences between products (PCA, frequency tables, etc.)  
  

It is essential to be able to decide by consensus on the products using well-defined and accessible criteria.

To do this, it is possible to rely on two main axes : general sensory results for each product and customizable metadata.   

• The most relevant descriptors     
• Integration of customizable metadata. This metadata may include analytical information (such as nutritional values or chemical compositions), volume of the product, the name of the supplier, etc..

To optimize the information management process and improve product traceability, the implementation of automated data flows between the corporate information system and Tastelweb® is essential. This integration is based on three essential points :

• automated data flows : the integration of Tastelweb® with various business information systems such as ERP, SAP, Oracle, IDSystemes, Soft Rioja, Siemens Lims...enables smooth and efficient data synchronization. With this automation, information can flow freely and in real time between different platforms, eliminating the need for manual entry and reducing the risk of error. This two-way connection ensures that all stakeholders have the most recent and accurate information, facilitating decision-making and optimization of internal processes. 
• input flows : the data necessary to initiate and configure the tests, such as the test name, the evaluation dates, the product listing to test, and the associated metadata  (analytical data, profiles, etc.)   
• output flows : the resulting test data, which may include  sensory results and custom fields, established during the synthesis.  
• a customization of the exchange mode : data exchange can be done via various formats and technologies to ensure optimal compatibility with the systems in place :
• Flat files (CSV or TXT files)
• .json files (more structured and flexible format)
• API (direct and real-time integration)