Our end products are built on a strong foundation of findings - the facts underlying the situation we have been asked to address. These findings are used to support any conclusions we draw, and we discuss both the findings and conclusions with our clients prior to making any final recommendations to ensure that we have not missed anything of relevance. Final recommendations are based on the conclusions, that are in turn based on the facts. This approach provides a strong basis for explaining, defending, or understanding what may be perceived as unconventional or "out-of-the-box" action recommendations.

We are strong advocates of analytical tools and methodologies. We are pioneers in the use of object oriented methods in the analysis of all types of problem domains - not just those limited to computer systems. We believe that an object oriented approach to analysis enables us to maintain a focus on what is really important to our clients, and avoid the traps of excessive concentration on less important issues that may be easier to quantify. This approach pays tremendous dividends when the demands of a new strategy or program call for the creation or revision of supporting computer systems. Our business analysis forms the basis for the detailed problem definition that systems professionals require if they are to do their jobs effectively.

Similarly, we are strong advocates of understanding a company's cost structure at a fundamental level, and we use activity based costing methods to developing that understanding. Used in conjunction with object oriented problem analysis, such methods allow us to more quickly identify the full cost implications of decisions or recommendations without expending unnecessary energy on unimportant details. We believe that without a full understanding of the costs in a business, there can be little understanding of the keys to that business' success or failure.

Our systematic approach allows us to build business plans from the bottom up quickly and effectively. We recently completed a project where we created a business plan and detailed supporting, departmental level budgets for a company in severe financial straits. The investors had never seen such a thorough job completed in such a short period of time. Such detail is occassionally dismissed as irrelevant in today's market, running as it does on "Internet Time". "Business Plans" are produced in Power-Point slide shows, with the goal of securing funding in weeks instead of months. This approach works until an investor asks a question during the "due-diligence" process, and management "wings it" using numbers that do not add up. Our approach allows us to get the work done rapidly but completely, and can significantly shorten the due diligence process.

Understanding the critical factors that drive revenues and costs leads to rational decisions. This is important in any company, but in the case of a troubled organization can be critical to making the right decisions relative to the conservation and generation of cash.