Our Methodology

At Elder Research, methodology isn’t just a delivery framework—it’s a mindset. It’s how we uncover the root of your challenge, align data with organizational priorities, and drive solutions all the way through to adoption.

And that’s exactly what makes us different.

Too many data science firms start with tools, not problems. They rush into modeling, apply one-size-fits-all frameworks, or hand off disconnected strategy documents that never make it into production.

The result? Project failures, frustrated teams, and wasted investment.

Elder Research has spent three decades years solving hard problems where failure isn’t an option. Our methodology is shaped by that real-world experience—designed to be rigorous, adaptable, and outcome-driven. It’s how we consistently deliver results that others can’t.

Plot twist. Your new analytics solution increased product output by 18%. But that wasn’t the goal—you needed to improve product quality. Now you’re shipping more defective products than ever. The solution technically worked, but it solved the wrong problem.

That’s where most data science efforts go off the rails. You get smart people, you get interesting tools, but you never get to the real issue. And that’s exactly where Elder Research is different.

We don’t just build models—we dig deep to understand your true business objectives, the complexity behind your data, and the unseen factors that shape the challenge.

It’s how we avoid misalignment. It’s how we earn trust. And it’s how we help you solve the right problem the first time.

Now you can:

• Solve the right problem with an honest, humble approach to data analysis rooted in your actual business goals.
• Address your unique challenges with highly tailored models built for your needs, not generic templates.
• See what’s really going on through our transparent, collaborative “test and learn” methodology.

They said your AI solution was performing perfectly.

But that was with training data.

Now that it’s operating on real-world inputs, things aren’t going so well. You’re patching bugs, chasing updates, and still not seeing the results you were promised.

Sound familiar?

It’s what happens when consultants drop in with a pretty model then disappear when it’s time to make it work. The solution may be technically sound, but if it doesn’t deliver under real-world conditions, it’s not a solution.

That’s why Elder Research stays hands-on from day one through deployment. We bring deeply experienced data scientists, engineers, and project leaders to every engagement, and we guide the full lifecycle of the work—from first question to final outcome.

Now you can:

• Work with industry specialists, including over 150 on-staff data scientists, engineers, and support personnel with a pure data focus.
• Move fast with our agile data science process built on decades of cross-sector experience in both government and commercial environments.
• Trust what you’ve built because it’s guided by top-tier professionals who are constantly balancing innovative techniques with Responsible AI practices.

“Business as usual” isn’t cutting it anymore. You just spent seven months building a solution. But now your team is buried in trying to make the output usable. Adoption is lagging. Training gaps are everywhere. And leadership is starting to ask uncomfortable questions.

You didn’t expect this much resistance to change—or this much effort to get value out of the model. What you need now isn’t more code. You need buy-in, clarity, and momentum.

That’s where Elder Research makes the difference.

We believe a great solution only works if your people actually use it. That’s why we prioritize stakeholder alignment, change management, and customized training from day one. We don’t just drop off deliverables—we help you integrate them into your culture, workflows, and long-term strategy.

Now you can:

• Ensure your solution is adopted and sustained with personalized training programs, in-house workshops, and team-specific implementation plans.
• Align analytics with business strategy by engaging leadership early and building shared ownership of success throughout the project.
• Create lasting change through ongoing support that bridges your technical, operational, and organizational teams.

Spotting the real issues. Clinching the execution. Bringing everyone along. It all works because we approach every project holistically—from strategy to science to adoption.

Our services don’t operate in silos. We integrate data management, data engineering, and data science, all wrapped in the support systems that make them stick—strategy, training, change management, and executive alignment.

It’s how we ensure your solution is sound, scalable, and ready to drive impact across your organization.