How engagements run

Why this page exists

Consulting work fails quietly when clients do not know what happens between the first call and the findings meeting. This page sets out how DataCluster Advisory runs supply chain resilience and vendor planning engagements so you can judge whether the rhythm fits your team.

Stage 1 — Discovery call

A thirty- to forty-minute conversation. We ask about product mix, current vendors, recent disruptions, and whether you need a review, a workshop, or a retainer. You leave with a clear yes/no on fit and, if relevant, a written estimate window.

Stage 2 — Scoping note

For reviews and retainers we send a short scoping note: categories in scope, documents needed, interview list, timeline, and fee. Work begins once the note is accepted and any booking deposit is received.

Stage 3 — Evidence gathering

You share purchase extracts, key contracts, and lead-time notes. We schedule interviews with buyers, planners, and warehouse contacts. On-site visits are optional and priced when they add clarity that remote calls cannot.

Stage 4 — Synthesis

We map concentration risk, clause constraints, and practical dual-source or buffer options. Recommendations stay proportional to your volume and cash position.

Stage 5 — Handover

You receive a written brief (review), a vendor map summary (workshop), or ongoing call notes (retainer). We walk through priorities live so owners and dates are assigned inside your organisation.

What we need from you

• A named internal contact
• Access to category-level purchase history (anonymised is fine)
• Honest constraints: budget caps, preferred geographies, customer-driven SKUs that cannot fail

Natural next actions

Browse consultations for the flagship resilience review, or request a call if you already know the category under pressure.