Advisory and Consulting
Most failed technology programmes were lost at the decision stage. This practice exists to get that stage right. We advise whether or not we build what follows, and we will advise against purchase where that is the honest answer.
The engagement
Scoping
Terms of reference agreed, stakeholders identified and scope confirmed in writing before work begins. Deliverable: signed terms of reference.
Current-state assessment
Process observation and interview, system inventory, data quality review and integration mapping: what the institution actually runs, as opposed to what the documentation says it runs. Deliverable: current-state report.
Gap analysis
What is missing, what it costs, and what would change if it were closed — in terms a board, funder or procurement authority can act on.
Recommendation
Build, buy, blend or repair, with the reasoning documented and the rejected options explained. Defensible to a board or a funder.
Service lines
Needs and gap assessment
Structured review of what an institution runs, what it does not do, and what the gap costs. The output is usable with a board, funder or procurement authority.
Systems selection
Independent evaluation of build, buy or adapt, with honest advice on when an established product would serve better than a custom build.
Solution architecture advisory
System, data, integration, hosting and security architecture, documented so your own staff can hold any supplier to it.
Business process design
Reviewing the process before it is automated, so that a poor process is not simply made faster and harder to change.
Fiscal compliance advisory
Where you stand against the electronic invoicing and registration regime, and what a compliant route actually requires.
Infrastructure planning
Capacity, resilience and cost planning for the estate beneath the applications.
Deciding before you commit budget?
That is the stage where this is worth most. We advise whether or not we build what follows.