Our Methodology

The eSolia Way

Our methodology is the foundation of every successful engagement. Refined over 25 years of consulting in Japan, it provides a structured yet flexible framework that ensures consistent quality while adapting to each client’s unique context.

This proven approach applies across all our services—whether implementing a new telephone system, managing an office move, optimizing business processes, or providing strategic IT consulting.

Core Methodology Framework

Five Phases to Success

Our methodology consists of five interconnected phases, each with clear objectives and deliverables:

1. AGREE - Setting the Foundation

Objective: Establish mutual understanding and clear expectations

Activities:

• Define project scope and objectives
• Identify stakeholders and their roles
• Establish success criteria
• Document constraints and assumptions
• Create engagement agreement

Deliverables:

• Statement of Work (SOW)
• Project charter
• Communication plan
• RACI matrix

Key Questions:

• What are we trying to achieve?
• How will we measure success?
• What are the boundaries?
• Who needs to be involved?

2. DISCOVER - Understanding the Landscape

Objective: Gain comprehensive understanding of current state and requirements

Activities:

• Current state assessment
• Stakeholder interviews
• Process mapping
• Gap analysis
• Risk identification
• Requirement gathering

Deliverables:

• Discovery report
• Requirements documentation
• Risk register
• Current state documentation

Key Questions:

• What exists today?
• What are the pain points?
• What are the opportunities?
• What are the risks?

3. PLAN - Designing the Solution

Objective: Create detailed roadmap for achieving objectives

Activities:

• Solution design
• Architecture planning
• Resource planning
• Timeline development
• Budget estimation
• Risk mitigation planning

Deliverables:

• Solution design document
• Project plan
• Resource plan
• Risk mitigation strategies

Key Questions:

• What’s the best approach?
• What resources do we need?
• What’s the timeline?
• How do we mitigate risks?

4. IMPLEMENT - Executing with Excellence

Objective: Deploy solution with minimal disruption

Activities:

• Phased deployment
• Change management
• Testing and validation
• Training delivery
• Issue resolution
• Progress monitoring

Deliverables:

• Deployed solution
• Test results
• Training materials
• Issue log and resolutions

Key Questions:

• Are we on track?
• Are stakeholders engaged?
• Are issues being addressed?
• Is quality maintained?

5. SUPPORT - Ensuring Sustainability

Objective: Ensure long-term success and continuous improvement

Activities:

• Knowledge transfer
• Documentation finalization
• Performance monitoring
• Optimization
• Lessons learned
• Transition planning

Deliverables:

• Operations documentation
• Performance reports
• Lessons learned document
• Improvement recommendations

Key Questions:

• Is the solution sustainable?
• Can the team maintain it?
• What can be improved?
• What’s next?

Methodology in Practice

Adaptation by Service Type

While the core framework remains consistent, we adapt our approach based on service requirements:

For Technology Implementations

• Extended technical discovery phase
• Proof of concept development
• Phased rollout with pilot groups
• Comprehensive testing protocols
• Technical documentation focus

For Process Improvements

• Detailed current state analysis
• Stakeholder workshop emphasis
• Change impact assessment
• Training and adoption focus
• Metrics-driven validation

For Strategic Consulting

• Executive stakeholder engagement
• Market and competitive analysis
• Strategic option development
• Business case creation
• Governance structure design

For Managed Services

• Service level definition
• Operational procedure development
• Monitoring and alerting setup
• Continuous improvement cycles
• Regular service reviews

Key Principles

Client Partnership

We view every engagement as a partnership:

• Collaboration - Working together, not in isolation
• Transparency - Open communication about progress and challenges
• Flexibility - Adapting to changing needs
• Empowerment - Building client capabilities

Quality Assurance

Quality is embedded throughout our methodology:

• Standards - Consistent use of best practices
• Reviews - Regular quality checkpoints
• Testing - Systematic validation
• Improvement - Learning from each engagement

Risk Management

Proactive risk management at every phase:

• Identification - Early detection of potential issues
• Assessment - Impact and probability analysis
• Mitigation - Preventive and contingent actions
• Monitoring - Continuous risk tracking

Knowledge Transfer

Ensuring client self-sufficiency:

• Documentation - Comprehensive and accessible
• Training - Hands-on skill development
• Mentoring - Ongoing support and guidance
• Tools - Providing frameworks and templates

Communication Framework

Stakeholder Engagement

Structured communication throughout the engagement:

Executive Level

• Monthly steering committee meetings
• Executive dashboards
• Strategic decision points
• Risk escalations

Management Level

• Weekly status meetings
• Detailed progress reports
• Issue resolution sessions
• Change control reviews

Operational Level

• Daily stand-ups (when appropriate)
• Technical workshops
• Training sessions
• Knowledge transfer activities

Reporting Standards

Consistent, clear reporting:

• Status Reports - Weekly progress updates
• Dashboards - Real-time project metrics
• Risk Reports - Issue and risk tracking
• Financial Reports - Budget and resource utilization

Tools and Techniques

Project Management Tools

• PROdb - Our proprietary project database
• Gantt charts and work breakdown structures
• Risk and issue registers
• Decision logs and action trackers

Collaboration Methods

• Bilingual documentation
• Cultural bridging techniques
• Consensus-building approaches
• Virtual and in-person workshops

Quality Controls

• Peer reviews
• Testing protocols
• Acceptance criteria
• Performance metrics

Success Factors

Why Our Methodology Works

Structure with Flexibility
The framework provides consistency while allowing adaptation to unique situations.

Focus on Outcomes
Every phase is oriented toward achieving business results, not just completing tasks.

Cultural Sensitivity
Developed specifically for the Japanese business environment while incorporating global best practices.

Continuous Improvement
Regular refinement based on lessons learned and industry evolution.

Proven Track Record
Successfully applied across hundreds of engagements since 1999.

Application Examples

Example: Office Move Project

1. Agree: Define move requirements, timeline, and budget
2. Discover: Survey current and new locations, inventory assets
3. Plan: Create move schedule, vendor selection, communication plan
4. Implement: Execute move, coordinate vendors, manage issues
5. Support: Post-move support, snagging list resolution, documentation

Example: Security Assessment

1. Agree: Define assessment scope and compliance requirements
2. Discover: Review current controls, identify vulnerabilities
3. Plan: Develop remediation roadmap and priorities
4. Implement: Deploy security improvements, update policies
5. Support: Ongoing monitoring, incident response, training

Getting Started

Our methodology ensures your project’s success from day one. The structured approach provides:

• Clear expectations and deliverables
• Predictable timelines and costs
• Reduced risks and issues
• Sustainable results

Contact us to learn how our proven methodology can be applied to your specific challenges and objectives.

Related Pages