We develop business tools following a
four-phase process:
1. Feasibility analysis and tool
strategy
A tool is a means to an end. A specific tool is feasible when you can get measurable benefits from a repeatable process in your business. We consider the following questions:
A tool is a means to an end. A specific tool is feasible when you can get measurable benefits from a repeatable process in your business. We consider the following questions:
- Are clients experiencing similar problems or challenges that could be met with a similar approach?
- Is there a way to define the problem and the solution in a structured way that the client can comprehend and accept?
- Does enough knowledge exist about the subject matter in order to turn it into a systematic method?
- Is there a large enough, possibly global market for the tool?
2. Concept definition and business
model
The concept is a definition of the service or product from the client’s perspective. A concept consists of core benefits, the visible service, and service extensions.
The business model describes the logic of value creation: how the proprietor of the tool is going to make money with it.
The concept is a definition of the service or product from the client’s perspective. A concept consists of core benefits, the visible service, and service extensions.
The business model describes the logic of value creation: how the proprietor of the tool is going to make money with it.
3. Design and development
The tool’s physical composition varies. Even if the final product is going to be an online service, you can make pen-and-paper prototypes. Prototyping usually reveals interesting new opportunities or problems.
The next step is to design the actual customer experience. The first generation of the tool may be a set of Office documents. However, instances of publishing the tool online at the outset are on the increase.
The tool’s physical composition varies. Even if the final product is going to be an online service, you can make pen-and-paper prototypes. Prototyping usually reveals interesting new opportunities or problems.
The next step is to design the actual customer experience. The first generation of the tool may be a set of Office documents. However, instances of publishing the tool online at the outset are on the increase.
4. Delivery and maintenance
Once the tool is finalized, it’s ready for commercial use. Depending on the business model, we either sell the tool online or, if it’s customer-specific, we permit the customer to commercialize it.
Repeated use creates valuable feedback. Updating the tool at least annually is good practice.
Once the tool is finalized, it’s ready for commercial use. Depending on the business model, we either sell the tool online or, if it’s customer-specific, we permit the customer to commercialize it.
Repeated use creates valuable feedback. Updating the tool at least annually is good practice.