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37 B U S I N E S S P RO F I L E S B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E S S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N Integration Services: Planning and execution of system, data, and process deployments, conversions, enhancements, and migrations. Policies & Procedures: Crafting process and procedural frameworks. Implementing tools and methods to the right fit and effectiveness. Vendor Management Programs: Designing and implement- ing external vendor risk and value management capabilities. System Blueprinting: Modeling enterprise systems and processes for value mapping, platform replacements, conver- sions, and system improvements. Across-the-board engagement Clients typically engage NCG when they're facing major new initiatives and challenges that they don't have the internal avail- ability and/or expertise to execute. When NCG starts an engage- ment, they begin by learning about the organization — its people, markets, and operating environment. en they develop plans and identify the right tools that will help work the plan. An important piece of this process is NCG's strategic use of tools and technology to perform tasks and track progress. ese tools help NCG identify risks and opportunities, then quickly share those with the client to decide on course corrections or to retarget efforts. Open communication throughout the process is paramount. "We develop strong relationships with our clients," says Bender. "We work together to find solutions and get desired results." Typically, management consultants come in with PowerPoints and fill-in-the-blank templates. Technology firms come with pre- packaged solutions looking for problems that might fit. NCG is different. NCG engages with people and helps them be part of the process, so that they can build their own capabilities. Instead of cookie-cutter templates, NCG uses configurable apps and automation to help guide and connect people. Instead of trying to fit a problem into a solution, NCG uses portal technologies and component functions to craft streamlined capabilities and support, all designed to engage people at different levels of the specific organization. NCG facilitates collaboration to get every- one moving in the right direction, understanding next steps, and facilitating course corrections as needed. Other consultants only work top down. NCG works across the operation. Whether it's acquisitions, cybersecurity, or any other aspect of the operation, tremendous consideration goes into planning and execution. And that means bringing personnel throughout the organization into the process. Larger consultants often use their top brass to engage clients, then pass the work on to personnel with less experience. When you contact NCG, you're getting the thought leaders who will stay with you in a cost-competitive, open-communication environment. Holistic Approach – A Requirement for Success NCG takes a holistic view of the enterprise and all the facets of how things are done on a daily basis — and where the organiza- tion is looking to go. "To be efficient and effective, you need to understand where you are starting from, and all the things that need to get done. You also need to be cognizant of what could go wrong and what your options are to deal with the unexpected," explains Bender. "Many of the challenges we help organizations with are not one-time chal- lenges, but things that need to be dealt with on an ongoing basis. In these cases, that broad perspective and outlook needs to repeatable and sustainable — a programmatic approach. For instance, when NCG helps an organization with their cybersecurity program, they don't just focus on the technical aspects. NCG looks across all of the organization's functions, from HR to accounting to ven- dor management, to understand strengths and vulnerabilities." Improvements are prioritized in such a way that balances risk and business considerations while also maximizing value and minimiz- ing negative disruption. "We help clients understand their current posture and what paths forward look like," Bender continues. "Based on where the organization is currently, how do you institutionalize program con- cepts? What are the management and leadership steps needed to help guide how things should work on a daily basis? What are the tactical and operational pieces that need to start or align with other ongoing efforts? ese are all steps needed to implement programs that are sustainable and scalable as the organization moves forward." e Right Tools for the Job e right tool can make all the difference for success. NCG has developed and evolved tools for its service areas that are designed f rom many years of helping people work together and deliver results. e NCG tools are built to fit each client's organizational structure and markets — and NCG holds a pat- ent on its work in this area. In addition, the use of secure cloud-based tools enables people to be more productive wherever they are. ese centrally managed tools also provide metrics on performance and where challenges exist, thus providing insight on progress and where adjustments may be needed. And, with an eye toward empowerment, NCG tools are available to be used on an ongoing basis as a support and a platform as the organization adjusts to new factors in the future. A Partner When You Need One How do you protect and grow your business? How do you ensure efficiency and maintain compliance? ese are not challenges any organization needs to tackle alone or piecemeal. At NCG, the key is partnership. e proof of NCG's success is in tenure: e very first NCG client is still one of its largest clients today. NCG is committed to being a true partner for clients as they face new challenges. is involves NCG's own continual improvements of skills, processes, and tools, in order to bring the latest and best capabilities to the client's table. l " We help organizations achieve success in challenging situations. We take the time to understand their needs and targets, then bring expertise and tools to help drive success. " — Christopher Bender, Northcross Group President NCG Service Model The NCG Service Model is based on empowering an organization's people for success; accounting for the processes they follow, along with the data and technology that enable their efforts.