Technical Advice vs. Technical Advisory

Attribute	Technical Advice	Technical Advisory
Definition	Recommendations or suggestions provided by experts in a specific field to help solve a problem or improve performance	Professional services provided by a consulting firm or individual to help clients make informed decisions in a specific technical area
Scope	Can be informal and provided by colleagues or mentors	Usually involves a formal agreement and payment for services rendered
Expertise	Can come from internal or external sources, may not always be from a professional consultant	Usually provided by professionals with specific technical knowledge and experience in a particular field
Delivery	Can be given in various formats such as verbal advice, written reports, or presentations	Typically delivered through structured meetings, reports, and ongoing support

Definition

Technical advice and technical advisory are two terms that are often used interchangeably in the business world, but they actually have distinct meanings. Technical advice refers to specific recommendations or suggestions given by a technical expert to help solve a particular problem or achieve a specific goal. This advice is usually based on the expert's knowledge and experience in a particular field. On the other hand, technical advisory involves providing ongoing guidance and support to a client or organization in a more strategic and holistic manner. It often involves a long-term relationship between the advisor and the client, with the advisor playing a more hands-on role in decision-making and problem-solving.

Scope

Technical advice tends to be more focused and specific, addressing a particular issue or challenge that the client is facing. It is often provided on a project-by-project basis and may involve a one-time consultation or engagement. In contrast, technical advisory has a broader scope and involves a more comprehensive approach to addressing the client's needs. The advisor may be involved in multiple aspects of the client's business or operations, providing guidance on a wide range of issues over an extended period of time.

Expertise

When it comes to technical advice, the focus is on the expertise and knowledge of the individual providing the advice. The advice is typically based on the advisor's technical skills and experience in a specific area, such as IT, engineering, or finance. In contrast, technical advisory often involves a team of experts with diverse skills and backgrounds working together to provide a more holistic and integrated approach to problem-solving. This allows for a broader range of perspectives and expertise to be brought to bear on the client's challenges.

Relationship

Technical advice is often transactional in nature, with the advisor providing a specific service or recommendation to the client for a fee. The relationship between the advisor and the client is typically short-term and focused on addressing a specific issue or problem. In contrast, technical advisory is more relationship-driven, with the advisor taking on a more strategic and long-term role in the client's business. The advisor may work closely with the client's leadership team, providing ongoing guidance and support to help the client achieve its goals and objectives.

Value

Both technical advice and technical advisory can provide value to a client, but in different ways. Technical advice is valuable for its specific and targeted recommendations, which can help the client solve a particular problem or achieve a specific goal. It is often sought out for its expertise and ability to provide quick solutions to pressing issues. On the other hand, technical advisory is valuable for its strategic guidance and long-term support, which can help the client navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable growth and success over time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while technical advice and technical advisory are related concepts, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. Technical advice is more focused and specific, based on the expertise of an individual advisor, while technical advisory is broader in scope and involves a team of experts providing ongoing guidance and support. Both can provide value to a client, depending on the client's needs and objectives. Ultimately, the choice between technical advice and technical advisory will depend on the nature of the client's challenges and the level of support and guidance they require.