FAQ
Everything you wanted to know about working with Simplified Data Solutions, and a few things you did not know to ask.
We help businesses, especially manufacturers, close the gap between the data they are collecting and the value they are getting from it. That includes cleaning up messy systems, building dashboards people actually use, and applying AI to real operational problems. We are not a software vendor. We are a partner that identifies what is broken, builds a plan, and helps you execute it.
We work with businesses of many types and sizes, but we specialize in manufacturers in the $50M-$500M revenue range. These are often companies that have outgrown spreadsheets but have not yet built the data infrastructure they need to scale.
Most consultants lead with tools. We lead with your business problem. SDS combines leadership, operations, and data expertise so solutions are designed for adoption and measurable results, not just technical completion.
We follow three steps: Consultation, Discovery, and Collaboration. Consultation is a free conversation about your goals and pain points. Discovery is a focused, affordable assessment that delivers observations, recommendations, and a high-level roadmap. Collaboration is implementation, where we execute with your team.
Discovery is a structured review of your systems, workflows, and operational challenges. You receive written observations, specific recommendations, and a prioritized roadmap you can act on immediately, whether or not you continue with SDS.
Consultation is 30 minutes. Discovery typically takes two to four weeks. Implementation timelines vary by scope. Some clients see meaningful results in 60-90 days; others partner with SDS longer term as their data infrastructure evolves.
No. Work is structured in phases, starting with Discovery. You decide whether to continue at each stage.
Usually one of three things is blocking value: disconnected systems, low trust in data quality, or unclear ownership of data definitions and accountability. We help diagnose the root issue and build the right fix.
Readiness depends on the use case. Key indicators are data trust, a clearly defined business problem, integration across core systems, and leadership willingness to act on insights.
Tools usually do not fail on their own; adoption fails when insights are disconnected from real decisions or when data is not trusted. SDS designs from business questions backward and includes users early so the final output gets used.
We are platform-agnostic. We work with your existing ERP, MES, CRM, cloud tools, and spreadsheets, then improve how they work together. If a new platform is truly needed, we provide unbiased guidance.
Common projects include predictive maintenance, production yield analysis, demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and operational dashboards. The starting point is always your specific business problem.
Pricing is scoped to the problem. SDS is built for mid-market businesses, not enterprise consulting fee structures. Discovery is intentionally priced to deliver early value with low commitment.
No. Some clients use only Discovery, others do focused projects, and others choose an ongoing partnership. Engagement size depends on your goals and stage.
Nothing formal. Bring your biggest operational headache, the issue costing the most time, frustration, or missed opportunity.
Book a free 20-minute conversation and we will discuss where you are and whether SDS is the right fit. You can also reach out directly at erik@simplifieddata.net.
Book a free 20-minute conversation or email Erik directly.