Consulting Tools & Methods

One of the key differences in the VDC Consulting approach is the set of tools and methods that we use and share with our clients. We share every aspect of our tools with our clients - the logic behind its creation, the mechanics of using it, the way to derive maximum value from it - so that they can revise it and redeploy it as they see fit. We believe that our clients' maximum benefit comes from integrating our tools into their core decision-making processes.

Examples of the tools and methods that we deploy and deliver include:

Targeted Surveys

A cornerstone of our work is our direct-contact, primary market research. This research is focused on gathering structured feedback from end users and channel partners. Working closely with the client, we define the information that is most critical to them. Working backward from this definition, we develop highly customized survey and output guides. These guides produce specific answers to the most important questions our client faces and include profiles of individual contacts, companies, applications or market segments.

Market Estimate and Forecasts

Our market estimate and forecast models are developed using multiple sources in order to maximize their accuracy. Depending on the specific engagement, the source of the modeling could be the primary market research we gather from supplier, end-user or channel communities. Models provide forecast trends in unit shipments, supplier revenue, and/or end user spending plans. To ensure that the output is actionable our models almost always include multiple layers of granularity.

Stakeholder Maps and Profiles

As the tech markets outside single-unit-high volume core consumer and enterprise markets are fragmented, so too are their supplier communities, technical and commercial value chains and reseller networks. Each segment of a market in unique and so too is the stakeholder map we crate. Further, there may be multiple business models that describe leading, fast growing and otherwise exceptional participants in each of those segments. In order to help clients more accurately, deeply and powerfully understand who they are - or might be - competing or collaborating with, we build detailed, flexible maps of the markets that we cover. And then we open these maps up to our clients for their commentary - and in some cases, their own brand of customization.

Industry Development Scenarios

There is no singular, meaningful answer to questions about the future of any technology market. The differing rates and directions at which they develop are a result of a complex interplay of many forces. Our industry development scenario tools help clients track industry trends and apply them to their specific business. The scenarios do not provide one specific answer, however they logically narrow the list of possibilities, so that clients can focus and succeed.

Market Opportunity Fit Screening, Rating and Ranking

Our opportunity fit screening, rating and ranking tools allow our clients to define what matters and what doesn't and what they can and can't do within a given framework. The power of this process extends far out into the future, long after our team has finished the engagement and the client has assessed the early results. Our experience shows that they will go back to the screening frameworks to review their thinking, revise their strategies and improve their results.

To learn about how your company can benefit from VDC's unique approach to research-based consulting, please contact us at 508.653.9000 or consulting@vdcresearch.com