7Factor’s Process: From Discovery to Delivery and Beyond
At 7Factor, we believe in transparency and clear communication. From discovery to delivery, our approach isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about forging real partnerships that create solutions tailored to your business needs.
Discovery: Where It All Starts
The discovery phase is the bedrock of our partnerships. It’s like a first date, with no flashy presentations or hard sales. We show up with genuine curiosity. We’re there to learn about your business, challenges, and goals. We ask questions to see if we’re the right fit to help you and if you’re the right fit for us. Our job isn’t just to “win the work” it’s to understand whether we can move the needle for your team.
The discovery call is about qualifying the opportunity. We’re asking if it’s a problem we can solve and if there’s good chemistry between us and the stakeholders. We never show up with a polished presentation about 7Factor. We’re there to see if there’s real alignment.
Solution Architecture: No Cookie-Cutter Plans
If we see a good fit, that’s when we roll up our sleeves and get technical. We bring in our engineering managers and any technical folks from your team. We’re not dropping a one-size-fits-all blueprint. Instead, we’re co-creating a custom approach that fits your context.
Our goal? To qualify ourselves as the right team for the job. Sometimes, that means telling you that an off-the-shelf solution might be a better (and cheaper) fit. Because we care more about doing right by your business than getting another client on our list.
The Roles that Make it Work
Throughout the process, three key roles ensure that we’re always aligned with your goals and delivering with excellence:
- Engineering Manager (EM): Your strategic partner, working with stakeholders to understand your vision and ensure our technical direction supports it. The EM bridges the gap between business context and engineering execution—guiding the project at a high level and identifying risks to keep the bigger picture in focus.
- Principal Engineer (PE): Experienced technical leaders who combine hands-on engineering with strategic influence. PEs contribute directly to delivery while shaping the technical direction of their teams. They’re problem-solvers who ensure solutions are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with client needs and engineering best practices.
- Distinguished Engineer (DE): The cornerstone of 7Factor’s technical leadership. As our most senior engineers, DEs bring deep experience and the ability to tackle complex, large-scale challenges. They guide teams through technical ambiguity and ensure the integrity and quality of our solutions.
- Staff Software Engineer: Senior engineers who understand both the breadth and depth of building great software. They’re skilled at leading small teams, navigating ambiguity, and making smart tradeoffs between speed, cost, and quality—always grounded in your business needs.
- Software Engineer: The foundation of every engineering team. Our software engineers turn requirements into reliable, effective software while keeping client goals and user experience in mind. Adaptable across stacks and comfortable in various environments, they’re the steady hands that make great software real.
These roles work together to create a fast feedback loop, adapting to your evolving needs and making sure every piece of the puzzle fits.
Blueprinting the Work
Once we’re aligned, we put together a proposal, not a rigid contract. Think of it like designing the layout of your house before you pick out the appliances. It’s about setting up the right structure so we can build on solid ground.
Delivery: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
After contracts are signed, the real work begins. Our team shift into delivery mode, focused on building great software while staying agile and adaptable. This isn’t just heads-down coding; it’s active collaboration.
We continue to engage with you as the work progresses, constantly checking in to make sure we’re still solving the right problems. Discovery doesn’t end once we start coding; we keep the conversation going, adjusting and iterating to make sure we’re delivering the best possible value.
We ask questions like:
- Are we still on track to meet your goals?
- Do these features still align with your evolving priorities?
- Is there anything we’re missing or should be rethinking?
This is all part of our fast feedback loop. We’re not afraid to challenge assumptions or pivot when it’s clear there’s a better way forward. Because for us, partnership means having the tough conversations, not just saying “yes.”
Handoff & Beyond
When the project wraps up, we don’t just hand over the keys and walk away. We provide thorough documentation, share our knowledge, and make sure your team is equipped to own what we built together. Because ultimately, the best outcome is a solution you can keep growing with long after we’re gone.
And if you ever need us again, you’ll know you have a trusted partner in your corner. Ready to help you take the next step?
Ready to Build a Partnership That Works?
If you’re looking for a team that listens, challenges, and ultimately delivers something that truly moves your business forward, let’s connect. Reach out today to see how we can build something together.