Technical Survey to develop Business Consulting.
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A technical survey for consulting purposes is the systematic process of collecting, measuring, and analyzing data in the workplace (on-site) or within an organization's processes, with the objective of understanding its current situation (an "AS-IS" diagnosis) before proposing improvements or solutions. It involves documenting in detail how things work today to identify problems, bottlenecks, and opportunities.
- Key components of the Technical Survey.
- 1. Technical Visit and Measurement (Field): This involves physically going to the site to take measurements, evaluate the infrastructure, take photographs, check equipment, or carry out topographic or architectural surveys if applicable.
- 2. Interviews with Key Personnel: Talk with those responsible for each area to understand the "step-by-step" of the activities and their operational pain points.
- 3. Direct Observation: The consultant observes how tasks are performed in real time, identifying variations between what is said to be done and what is actually done.
- 4. Document Review: Analysis of manuals, process diagrams, production reports, plans, service invoices, current regulations, among others.
- 5. Process Analysis: Mapping of activities to detect inefficiencies.
- Steps to perform a technical survey.
- 1. Define the Scope: Define which specific processes or areas will be surveyed.
- 2. Choosing Techniques and Tools: Define which methods to use (surveys, interviews, checklists, observation, direct measurement tools).
- 3. Gather Information (Fieldwork): Conduct the visit and apply the instruments.
- 4. Validate the Information: Review the data obtained with the stakeholders to ensure that the "map" of the current situation is correct.
- 5. Document the Report: Record everything in a technical document (the "Survey Report") that serves as the basis for the final diagnosis.
- What is obtained with a technical survey?
- • Accurate diagnosis: Identifying the root cause of the problems, not just the symptoms.
- • Reliable data: Organized information for decision-making.
- • Project basis: The inputs needed to design the final solution proposal of the consultancy.
A good technical survey avoids assuming problems and allows the consulting to be based on real facts.
- DATA:
- DATA FOR CREATION:
Creating a successful consultancy requires a combination of strategic planning, technical knowledge, and gathering specific data about your market and your customers.
Here I detail the fundamental data divided by key areas:
- 1. Definition of the Business Model and Specialization.
- • Area of specialization: Clearly define your niche (e.g., human resources, digital marketing, finance, processes, technology).
- • Value proposition: What specific problem do you solve and why are you better than the competition?
- • Type of consultancy: Will it be in person, online, or a hybrid model?
- • Pricing structure: Will you charge per hour, per project, or through a monthly retainer?
- 2. Market Analysis and Ideal Customer (Buyer Persona).
- • Ideal customer profile: What type of companies will you target? (Size, sector, location, revenue, organizational culture).
- • Pain Points: What are the unmet needs of your potential customers?
- • Competitive analysis: Who are they, what services do they offer, how much do they charge, and what gaps do they leave in the market?
- 3. Operational and Legal Aspects.
- • Legal formalization: Company registration, articles of incorporation, and registration with the tax authority (e.g., RFC in Mexico, SII in Chile).
- • Contracts and documentation: Creation of service provision contracts, confidentiality agreements (NDAs) and proposal letters.
- • Work tools: Project management software, CRM (for managing clients), communication tools (Zoom, Teams) and a professional website.
- 4. Value Proposition and Brand.
- • Name and brand: Definition of corporate identity.
- • Service portfolio: Detailed description of what each service includes and does not include.
- • Methodology: How do you diagnose, plan, and implement solutions?
- 5. Data for Customer Diagnosis (During the service).
- • Client brief: Document where the client describes their needs, goals, and resources.
- • Diagnostic interviews: Qualitative information gathered from leaders and key employees.
- • Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Historical company data to measure the impact of the consulting.
- Summary of skills and resources needed.
- • Technical/professional experience: In-depth knowledge of the sector.
- • Soft skills: Communication skills, active listening, analytical thinking, and patience.
To begin, focus on specializing and defining who your ideal client is, as this facilitates the creation of a solid value proposition.
- DATA FOR ADMINISTRATION:
To manage a consulting firm efficiently and scalably, you must collect and manage structured data across four fundamental pillars: clients, projects, finance, and internal operations.
Here are the essential facts organized by category:
- 1. Customer Data (CRM and Commercial).
- • Basic Information: Company name, sector, size (employees/turnover) and location.
- • Key Contacts: Names, positions (decision-makers), emails and phone numbers.
- • Interaction History: Record of meetings, emails, proposals sent and sales follow-up.
- • Needs Profile: Pain points, strategic objectives and preliminary diagnosis.
- 2. Project Data (Management and Operations).
- • Scope and Objectives: Clear definition of the deliverable, SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound).
- • Schedule: Start dates, intermediate milestones and final delivery date.
- • Resources: Assigned consultants, estimated hours vs. actual hours worked.
- • Documentation: Contracts, meeting minutes and follow-up reports.
- 3. Financial Data (Administration).
- • Pricing Structure: Hourly rates, fixed rates per project or retention scheme (monthly fee).
- • Billing and Collection: Invoices issued, due dates, payment status and record of reimbursable expenses.
- • Profitability: Direct costs (man hours, subcontracting) vs. revenue per project.
- 4. Performance and Quality Data.
- • Customer Satisfaction (CSAT): Post-project surveys, testimonials and referrals (word of mouth).
- • Management Indicators: Proposal closure rate, average project time and milestone achievement.
- Recommended Tools.
To collect and manage this data, it is recommended to use:
- • CRM (Customer Relationship Management): Hubspot, Salesforce or Salesforce.
- • Project Management: Trello, Asana, ClickUp or Jira.
- • Finance: Quickbooks, Xero, or specialized templates.
The key is that the data is reliable, protected, and easily accessible to the entire consulting team.
- Additional Requirements:
- List of processes.
- List of procedures.
- List of machinery.
- List of machines.
- List of systems.
- List of departments.
- List of personnel.
- Customer list.
- List of roles.
- List of production lines.
- List of production plans.
- List of main faults.
- List of current problems.
- List of losses.
- List of kpi's main departments.
- If you are not yet convinced about purchasing our product, service, or course, we can conduct a technical assessment at your facility to provide greater clarity and precision regarding the scope of the report we deliver. This assessment costs USD $60,000.00 and will be carried out over two weeks at your location. This fee will be refunded upon purchase of the product, service, or course; otherwise, it will not apply.
- Technical Assessments: Service Description.
- We offer these options to clarify the technologies.
- Courses for:
- Executives.
- Beginners.