Question 1

What is RIFTER and what do you do?

Accepted Answer

RIFTER is an independent digital transformation consultancy specialized in SMEs. We help companies navigate digitalization through the RIFT Method — a structured 4-phase approach: Review (assessment), Identify (solutions), Forward (strategy), and Transform (implementation). We're vendor-neutral, meaning we don't sell software and only recommend solutions that truly match your needs.

Question 2

What does the RIFT Method mean?

Accepted Answer

RIFT stands for Review, Identify, Forward, Transform — the four phases of digital transformation: (1) Review — we assess your current state, processes, and existing systems; (2) Identify — we find opportunities and the right solutions; (3) Forward — we build the strategy and implementation roadmap; (4) Transform — we support implementation and help you achieve concrete results. This methodology ensures digitalization is driven by real business needs, not by technology.

Question 3

Why choose RIFTER over a software agency or a Big 4 consultancy?

Accepted Answer

RIFTER sits in a unique position between software agencies (who want to sell you their product) and Big 4 consultancies (too expensive and too generic for SMEs). We're vendor-neutral — we don't sell software, so recommendations are objective. We have specific experience with SMEs (1,000+ audits). Pricing is transparent and accessible (starting at €2,000), and the process is pragmatic — not theoretical consulting, but concrete results. Plus you get direct access to the founder, not a junior consultant.

Question 4

What type of company is RIFTER a good fit for?

Accepted Answer

RIFTER is ideal for SMEs with 10-250 employees that: (1) are growing and feel current processes can't keep up; (2) have fragmented IT systems or are still working in Excel; (3) want to digitalize but don't know where to start; (4) implemented software that isn't being used; (5) want to access EU digitalization funding. We work with companies in distribution, manufacturing, services, construction, and retail.

Question 5

What's the difference between RIFT Discover, Navigate, Transform, and Excellence?

Accepted Answer

RIFT Discover (from €1,500, depending on company size) = Assessment: conversation with management, interviews across departments, report with optimization solutions and their approximate cost. Ideal for understanding where you stand. RIFT Navigate (€3,000 for an ERP, €2,000 for each other solution) = Vendor selection: for each solution we connect you with 2-3 vendors, help you compare the offers, you choose, and we negotiate alongside you. For when you know what you need, but not who should deliver it. RIFT Transform (€2,500/month) = Implementation: active support during implementation, vendor coordination, team training — when you're in the process. RIFT Excellence (custom) = Strategic partnership: CTO as-a-Service, ongoing consulting — when you want a permanent partner.

Question 6

Can I order just one package or do I need all of them?

Accepted Answer

You can order any package independently, but most clients follow a natural flow: (1) Discover for assessment → (2) Navigate to choose the vendors → (3) Transform for implementation. If you know exactly which solution you need, you can go straight to Navigate after a €450 diagnostic. If you're already implementing and need support, you can start with Transform. Each package is designed to be valuable on its own.

Question 7

How long does each RIFT package take?

Accepted Answer

RIFT Discover: 2-3 weeks (roughly 10 hours of effort from your side). RIFT Navigate: 3-4 weeks (roughly 15 hours of effort from your side). RIFT Transform: variable, usually 3-12 months depending on project complexity (consistent effort, but we integrate support into your daily work). RIFT Excellence: ongoing relationship, typically 12 months minimum.

Question 8

What's included in the service price?

Accepted Answer

Prices are all-inclusive for consulting. They cover: (1) consultant time; (2) all reports and documented deliverables; (3) presentation and Q&A sessions; (4) ongoing communication via email/phone; (5) access to RIFT templates and frameworks. They do NOT cover: (1) third-party software licenses; (2) vendor implementation services; (3) advanced training or custom system development (these are paid separately to the chosen vendor).

Question 9

Does RIFTER also provide technical implementation services?

Accepted Answer

No — RIFTER doesn't do direct technical implementation (programming, system configuration). Our role is to guide you strategically, choose the right vendors together, coordinate the process, and ensure implementation heads in the right direction. In the Transform package, we handle project management, quality assurance, and internal training, but the actual technical implementation is handled by the chosen software partner (whom we select and negotiate with together).

Question 10

What does the RIFTER working process look like?

Accepted Answer

The process starts with a free 30-minute intro call to understand what you want to change. If it's a good fit, you choose the right package. For Discover: (1) Kick-off and planning; (2) Conversation with management and interviews with people from every department; (3) Process and systems analysis; (4) Report with optimization solutions and its presentation. For Navigate, per solution: (1) Preparing the solution and approximate budget; (2) Meetings and demos with 2-3 vendors; (3) Comparison of offers, and you choose the vendor; (4) Negotiation of the chosen offer. For Transform: (1) Weekly planning; (2) Implementation coordination; (3) Regular check-ins; (4) Course corrections along the way.

Question 11

What level of involvement is needed from my company?

Accepted Answer

Discover: ~10 hours spread across 2-3 weeks (interviews, data access, Q&A). Navigate: a few hours per solution, over 2-4 weeks (vendor meetings and choosing the offer). Transform: ~4-8 hours/month (weekly meetings, progress validation, team training). Involvement from the owner/CEO is critical — digital transformation fails without leadership support. That's why we only work with companies where leadership is committed to the process.

Question 12

Do you use subcontractors, or does RIFTER do everything?

Accepted Answer

RIFTER consulting is done 100% by the founder — you won't be passed to a junior consultant. For technical implementation in the Transform package, we work with vetted partners (ERP integrators, developers, etc.) whom we select and manage together with you. You keep control over vendors, and we ensure the work is quality and on schedule.

Question 13

How does RIFTER guarantee results?

Accepted Answer

We don't offer money-back guarantees because success depends on execution, not just strategy. But we do offer: (1) Full transparency — you see exactly what you're getting before you pay; (2) Concrete deliverables — detailed reports, actionable roadmaps, not vague PowerPoints; (3) Proven experience — 1,000+ audits, hundreds of funded companies; (4) Verifiable references — we can connect you with prior clients; (5) Commitment — if we can't bring value, we'll tell you during the first call (we don't waste your time or ours).

Question 14

Are the displayed prices final, or are there additional fees?

Accepted Answer

Displayed prices (diagnostic €450; Discover from €1,500, depending on company size; Navigate €3,000 for an ERP and €2,000 for each other solution; Transform €2,500/month) are for consulting and are final, with no hidden fees. VAT may apply depending on your location and registration status. Vendor license, equipment and implementation costs are separate, and in Navigate we negotiate them alongside you.

Question 15

Can I access EU funding for RIFTER services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. RIFTER services (Discover, Navigate) may be eligible under several EU funding programs when part of a larger digitalization project. We have experience with EU-funded companies and know the requirements for national and regional digitalization programs. In the Navigate package, we help you structure the funding application and documentation. Important: we don't guarantee funding approval (it depends on the specific program and your eligibility), but we guide you through the process.

Question 16

Is the first call with RIFTER free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer a free 30-minute intro call: you tell us what you want to change in your business, and we tell you honestly whether we can help and what the right first step is. It's not a sales call, and we don't analyze your business in depth during it. If a closer look is needed, we'll suggest the right next step, and if you don't need a RIFT package, we'll tell you so directly.

Question 17

How does payment work? Can I pay in installments?

Accepted Answer

For Discover and Navigate: 50% upfront at project start, 50% on final delivery. For Transform (€2,500/month): monthly payment at the start of each month, minimum 3-month commitment (you can stop after that if no longer needed). For Excellence: custom terms based on scope. We accept bank transfers and online invoicing. For larger projects (>€15,000), custom payment schedules can be negotiated.

Question 18

What types of software/solutions does RIFTER recommend?

Accepted Answer

It depends 100% on your needs — that's why we're vendor-neutral. We frequently work with: ERPs (Odoo, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP Business One, local systems); CRMs (HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive); Cloud & Productivity (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace); Automation (Make, Zapier, n8n); BI & Analytics (Power BI, Google Data Studio). Rule: we pick the right solution for your challenge, not the one that earns us the biggest commission (because we don't take commissions).

Question 19

Does RIFTER only work with cloud solutions or also on-premise systems?

Accepted Answer

We work with both, but we prioritize cloud/SaaS solutions for SMEs because: (1) lower upfront costs (no servers); (2) easier scalability; (3) maintenance handled by the vendor; (4) accessibility from anywhere. However, if you already have significant on-premise investments or strict security/compliance requirements, we build the strategy around those. Pragmatic over dogmatic.

Question 20

Does RIFTER help with integrating different systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes — integration is an essential part of digitalization. In the Navigate package, we identify which systems need to be integrated and how (APIs, middleware, RPA, etc.). In Transform, we coordinate technical implementation with the chosen partners and make sure systems talk to each other. Many "failed implementations" are actually integration problems — if the ERP doesn't talk to the CRM, you've just created two new silos.

Frequently Asked Questions

About RIFTER and the RIFT Method

Services and Packages

Process and Methodology

Pricing and Funding

Technologies and Solutions

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