Confidential engagements
Custom Research & Strategy Consulting
When a technology decision depends on how your organization operates, published research can only take you so far. Starfleet Research designs confidential studies around the decision you face, whether you’re choosing a platform, comparing performance with peers, or setting priorities for a rollout.
What we see from both sides of the market
Our ongoing research draws on thousands of survey responses from people who choose, manage and use technology. We study what they do, how they measure results and which practices are associated with better performance. We also see new capabilities firsthand through conversations and demonstrations with technology providers.
That combination helps us ask better questions about how technology will work in practice: which systems need to connect, what staff will have to do differently, and what evidence would justify a larger investment. We bring that perspective to work in hotels, restaurants, retail and healthcare, as well as selected enterprise technology markets.
Custom research and strategy consulting have accounted for roughly a third of our business over the past decade.
Read our research methodologyWhat an engagement might look like
These examples illustrate how we might scope the work. They do not describe specific clients or projects.
Hotels · Buying guidance
Compare property management systems
A hotel group needs a common platform across properties with different operating needs. We could interview property and corporate teams and map integration and migration needs. The buying committee could use a requirements matrix and a vendor evaluation scorecard to compare platforms.
Healthcare · Performance benchmarking
Find where administrative work slows down
A multi-site practice wants to understand why check-in and claims workflows vary across locations. We could map where staff reenter data and compare practices with relevant peers. The practice could receive a workflow assessment and a ranked list of improvements to test.
Restaurants · Rollout strategy
Decide what to standardize across brands
A restaurant group is weighing which ordering, payment and reporting tools to standardize. We could assess workflows across brands and identify where flexibility matters. The group could receive a pilot plan with measures to judge whether a wider rollout makes sense.
How we work and what you receive
Define the decision
We agree on what you need to decide, who will use the findings, and what evidence would help. That determines the scope, timing and deliverables.
Gather and compare evidence
Depending on the question, we may interview practitioners, run a targeted survey, analyze competitors, review product demonstrations or benchmark a relevant peer group.
Present the findings privately
Deliverables may include a confidential report, peer benchmarks, an evaluation scorecard or a set of recommendations. We can also brief your team in person or by phone and discuss the tradeoffs and next steps.
We also advise technology solution providers on buyer requirements, competitive positioning and product priorities. These are confidential engagements.
Tell us what you’re trying to decide
A short note about the decision, your industry and any timing constraints is enough to start. We can then discuss what research would help and how to scope it.