Cedar Operations vs Centric Consulting: Which Consulting Partner is Right for Your Business?
An honest comparison of Cedar Operations and Centric Consulting for operations and digital transformation. Compare engagement styles, pricing, personalization, and SMB vs enterprise focus to choose the right consulting partner.
Cedar Operations vs Centric Consulting: Which Consulting Partner is Right for Your Business?
You need operations help. Your business is growing, but your processes are breaking. You're considering hiring a consultant, and two names have come up: Cedar Operations and Centric Consulting.
Both offer operations and transformation services. Both have solid track records. But they're fundamentally different in approach, scale, and who they serve best.
The short answer: It depends on your company size, budget, and how hands-on you need your partner to be.
The long answer: Here's everything you need to know to make the right choice.
The Quick Comparison
| Factor |
Cedar Operations |
Centric Consulting |
| Best for |
Small-medium businesses ($500K-$10M) |
Mid-market to enterprise ($10M+) |
| Company size |
5-100 employees |
100-10,000+ employees |
| Engagement style |
Hands-on, embedded, agile |
Strategic, project-based, structured |
| Team structure |
Fractional COO + specialists |
Large project teams |
| Pricing model |
One-time buildout + monthly maintenance |
Time & materials, large contracts |
| Typical cost |
Up to $5K buildout + monthly |
$50K-$500K+ per engagement |
| Implementation speed |
Fast (weeks) |
Slower (months to years) |
| Personalization |
High - tailored to your business |
Moderate - uses frameworks |
| Decision-making |
Direct access to senior leaders |
Multiple layers, account management |
| Change management |
Hands-on implementation |
Strategy + oversight |
TL;DR:
- Choose Cedar Operations if you're a small-medium business wanting personalized, hands-on help with rapid implementation
- Choose Centric Consulting if you're an enterprise with complex multi-department transformation needs and a large budget
Understanding the Two Approaches
Cedar Operations: Fractional COO + Hands-On Implementation
Cedar Operations operates as your fractional Chief Operating Officer—essentially a part-time COO who becomes part of your leadership team.
How it works:
Discovery → Design → Build → Implement → Optimize → Transfer
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
2 weeks 2 weeks 2-4 weeks Ongoing Ongoing Complete
You get:
- A senior operations leader embedded in your business
- Direct access to decision-makers
- Hands-on implementation, not just recommendations
- Agile sprints, not lengthy documentation
- Technology-first solutions using modern automation tools
Example Cedar engagement:
A $3M revenue SaaS company brings Cedar in to fix their operations:
- Week 1-2: Interview team, map current processes, identify bottlenecks
- Week 3-4: Design new client onboarding workflow, select automation tools
- Week 5-8: Build automation in n8n, implement new CRM workflows
- Month 3-6: Optimize based on data, train team, refine processes
- Result: 60% faster onboarding, $50K/year in time savings, complete ownership transfer
Centric Consulting: Enterprise Consulting + Strategic Transformation
Centric Consulting follows the traditional big consulting playbook—large teams, structured methodology, comprehensive documentation.
How it works:
Assessment → Strategy → Design → Build → Deploy → Sustain
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
6-8 weeks 8-12 weeks 12 weeks Varies Varies Ongoing
You get:
- Large project teams with specialized roles
- Comprehensive documentation and frameworks
- Enterprise-grade methodologies
- Multi-department coordination
- Strategic recommendations with implementation support
Example Centric engagement:
A $100M enterprise brings Centric in for digital transformation:
- Month 1-2: Current state assessment across all departments
- Month 3-5: Future state strategy, technology selection, business case
- Month 6-9: Detailed design of new systems and processes
- Month 10-18: Implementation across departments with change management
- Result: Enterprise-wide transformation, new technology stack, cultural shift
Head-to-Head: Company Size & Focus
Cedar Operations: Built for Small-Medium Businesses
Target company profile:
- $500K to $10M in annual revenue
- 5 to 100 employees
- Founder-led or small leadership team
- Growing fast, processes breaking
- Limited budget for consulting
- Need to move quickly
Why SMBs choose Cedar:
They understand our size: Cedar specializes in the unique challenges of growth-stage companies. They've seen your exact problems before.
No enterprise overhead: You don't pay for methodology documentation, extensive discovery phases, or large team structures you don't need.
Direct access to expertise: You work directly with senior operations leaders, not junior analysts with partner oversight.
Speed matters: When you're growing 50% year-over-year, you can't wait 9 months for a strategy document. You need fixes now.
Real SMB scenario:
Your $2M agency is drowning in client onboarding chaos. You need someone who can:
- Understand your business in days, not months
- Build a working solution in weeks, not quarters
- Transfer ownership to your team
- Do it all for $10K, not $100K
Cedar fits. Centric doesn't.
Centric Consulting: Built for Enterprise
Target company profile:
- $10M to $1B+ in annual revenue
- 100 to 10,000+ employees
- Complex organizational structure
- Multiple departments needing coordination
- Substantial budgets for transformation
- Can accommodate longer timelines
Why enterprises choose Centric:
They handle complexity: Multi-department transformations with hundreds of stakeholders require structure and methodology.
Scale of resources: Large implementations need teams of specialists—project managers, business analysts, change managers, technical architects.
Enterprise frameworks: They bring proven methodologies for large-scale change that enterprises trust.
Risk management: Comprehensive documentation and governance reduce implementation risk for complex transformations.
Real enterprise scenario:
Your $200M manufacturing company needs to modernize operations across 10 locations with 500 employees. You need:
- Comprehensive current state assessment
- Stakeholder management across departments
- Large-scale technology implementation
- Formal change management program
- Multi-year transformation roadmap
Centric fits. Cedar doesn't have the scale.
Head-to-Head: Engagement Style & Personalization
Cedar Operations: Embedded & Hands-On
How Cedar engages:
Week 1: Deep dive
- Meet with leadership, key team members
- Shadow actual workflows
- Review systems, data, and processes
- No PowerPoint decks—just observation and questions
Week 2-3: Design together
- Collaborative working sessions
- Rapid prototyping of solutions
- Real-time feedback and iteration
- Choose tools together, explain trade-offs
Week 4+: Build alongside you
- Cedar builds the automation, you watch and learn
- Your team is involved in testing
- Immediate adjustments based on feedback
- Knowledge transfer happens continuously
Outcome: Solutions built specifically for your business, your team, your constraints.
Personalization level: Very High
Every solution is custom. Cedar doesn't have a "client onboarding product" they implement. They build what your business needs, using the tools that fit your budget and technical capabilities.
Example:
Two e-commerce clients both need operations improvement:
- Client A (non-technical team, tight budget): Cedar builds simple Zapier automations with Airtable
- Client B (technical co-founder, growth-focused): Cedar builds advanced n8n workflows with custom API integrations
Same problem. Completely different solutions. Both perfect for their context.
Centric Consulting: Structured & Methodology-Driven
How Centric engages:
Phase 1: Assessment (6-8 weeks)
- Stakeholder interviews across departments
- Current state process mapping
- Gap analysis against best practices
- Deliverable: Assessment report and recommendations
Phase 2: Strategy (8-12 weeks)
- Future state design
- Technology evaluation
- Business case development
- Deliverable: Strategic roadmap and business case
Phase 3: Implementation (varies)
- Project plan with milestones
- Large team deployment
- Weekly status meetings
- Deliverable: Implemented solution and documentation
Outcome: Enterprise-grade solution based on proven frameworks and best practices.
Personalization level: Moderate
Centric brings frameworks and methodologies that have worked for similar companies. They customize within those frameworks, but the overall approach is structured and repeatable.
Example:
Two manufacturing clients both need digital transformation:
- Client A (automotive): Centric applies their manufacturing framework with automotive-specific modules
- Client B (consumer goods): Centric applies their manufacturing framework with consumer goods modules
Same core framework. Industry customization. Proven approach.
Head-to-Head: Cost Structure & Budget
Cedar Operations: Simple, Transparent Pricing
Pricing model:
- One-time buildout fee: Up to $5,000 for initial systems implementation
- Monthly maintenance: Ongoing fee based on scale and complexity
What you get:
- Direct access to senior operations leaders (not junior consultants)
- Hands-on implementation (not just recommendations)
- Technology setup and automation (not just strategy documents)
- Knowledge transfer and team training (not dependency)
No hourly billing, no project fees, no surprise charges. Simple and predictable.
Centric Consulting: Enterprise Pricing, Large Engagements
Pricing models:
Time & Materials:
- $150 - $400/hour depending on seniority
- Project teams with multiple roles (partner, manager, senior consultant, analyst)
- Blended rates often $200-$250/hour
- Monthly invoices based on hours worked
Fixed-Price Projects:
- $50,000 - $500,000+ depending on scope
- Structured engagements with defined phases
- Payment milestones tied to deliverables
- Change orders for scope adjustments
Retainer Arrangements:
- $25,000 - $100,000+/month
- For ongoing transformation support
- Dedicated team allocation
- Strategic advisory + implementation oversight
What you get for the money:
- Large project teams with specialized roles
- Comprehensive documentation and deliverables
- Proven frameworks and methodologies
- Enterprise change management support
Real cost example:
12-month digital transformation:
- Discovery & Strategy: $100,000 (3 months)
- Design & Planning: $150,000 (3 months)
- Implementation: $300,000 (6 months)
- Includes: Assessment, strategy, design, project management, change management, oversight
- Result: Comprehensive documentation, new systems, organizational change
- Total investment: $550,000
ROI calculation:
- Enterprise-wide efficiency: $2M/year in savings across departments
- Revenue enablement: $5M additional capacity
- Payback period: 3-6 months (but requires large upfront investment)
Cost Comparison: Same Problem, Different Scale
Problem: Fix broken client onboarding process
Cedar Operations approach:
- 2 weeks discovery + 6 weeks implementation
- Build custom automation in n8n and CRM
- Train team on new process
- Cost: $12,000
- Timeline: 8 weeks
- Result: Working system, trained team
Centric Consulting approach:
- 4 weeks assessment
- 8 weeks strategy and design
- 12 weeks implementation
- Large project team (PM, business analyst, tech lead, change manager)
- Cost: $120,000
- Timeline: 24 weeks
- Result: Enterprise-grade solution with comprehensive documentation
Which is better?
Depends on your company:
- $3M business with 15 employees? Cedar's $12K solution is perfect.
- $100M business with 500 employees across 5 locations? Centric's $120K approach manages the complexity.
Head-to-Head: Decision-Making & Access
Cedar Operations: Direct Access to Senior Leaders
Who you work with:
- Fractional COO or senior operations consultant from day one
- Same person throughout the engagement
- Direct Slack/email access
- Decision-makers, not intermediaries
Communication style:
- Weekly check-ins (30-60 min)
- Async updates via Slack
- Shared project boards for transparency
- Direct feedback loop
Decision speed:
- Need to pivot? Discuss and decide in a day
- New idea? Test it this week
- Problem arises? Text your Cedar lead directly
Example:
Week 3 of implementation, you realize the original CRM choice won't work. With Cedar:
- 9am: Text your consultant
- 10am: Quick call to discuss alternatives
- 2pm: Decision made on new direction
- Next day: Start building with new tool
- Lost time: 1 day
Centric Consulting: Structured Account Management
Who you work with:
- Project manager as primary contact
- Team of analysts and consultants
- Partner/director oversight
- Periodic executive updates
Communication style:
- Weekly status meetings (1-2 hours)
- Formal deliverable reviews
- Email-based communication
- Scheduled check-ins
Decision speed:
- Need to pivot? Document change request
- Team reviews and scopes impact
- Present to steering committee
- Get approval, update plan
Example:
Week 3 of implementation, you realize the original technology choice won't work. With Centric:
- Day 1: Raise concern in weekly status meeting
- Day 2-5: Team evaluates alternatives and impact
- Day 8: Present change request to steering committee
- Day 10: Approval received
- Week 3: Updated project plan, new timeline
- Lost time: 2-3 weeks
Which is better?
For small businesses where agility is critical: Cedar's direct access wins.
For enterprises where governance and risk management matter: Centric's structure prevents costly mistakes.
Head-to-Head: Technology & Implementation Approach
Cedar Operations: Modern, Agile, Technology-First
Technology philosophy:
Best-of-breed tools, open-source when possible, automation-first approach.
Typical tech stack:
- Automation: n8n, Make, Zapier
- CRM: HubSpot, Pipedrive, Airtable
- Project Management: ClickUp, Notion, Linear
- Communication: Slack, shared docs
- Custom builds: No-code tools, APIs, lightweight code
Implementation approach:
- Start with quick wins: Automate the most painful process first
- Iterative deployment: Ship working solutions in 2-week sprints
- Validate with data: Measure impact, adjust based on results
- Progressive enhancement: Build on what works, kill what doesn't
Example automation built by Cedar:
Problem: Manual lead routing taking 2 hours/day
Solution built in 3 weeks:
- n8n workflow that scores leads from web form
- Routes to appropriate sales rep based on criteria
- Creates CRM record with enrichment data
- Sends Slack notification with lead summary
- Logs everything to dashboard
Result:
- 2 hours/day saved = $20K/year
- Faster response time = higher conversion
- Built for $6,000 all-in
Centric Consulting: Enterprise, Structured, Platform-Driven
Technology philosophy:
Enterprise platforms, vendor partnerships, proven technology stacks.
Typical tech stack:
- ERP: SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics
- CRM: Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics
- Data: Tableau, Power BI, enterprise data warehouses
- Project Management: JIRA, Azure DevOps, enterprise PPM
- Custom builds: Enterprise dev teams, formal SDLC
Implementation approach:
- Comprehensive requirements: Document all needs across departments
- Technology selection: Formal RFP process, vendor evaluation
- Phased deployment: Pilot → Department rollout → Enterprise
- Change management: Training, communication, support
Example transformation led by Centric:
Problem: Disconnected systems across 10 departments, no single source of truth
Solution implemented in 18 months:
- Salesforce CRM with custom objects for all departments
- Integration layer connecting ERP, CRM, support, finance
- Data warehouse for enterprise reporting
- Training program for 500 employees
- Change management across organization
Result:
- Single source of truth for customer data
- 360-degree customer view
- $2M annual savings from eliminated tools
- Implemented for $750,000
Which is better?
For small businesses needing fast, affordable solutions: Cedar's modern stack is perfect.
For enterprises needing scalable, supported platforms: Centric's enterprise approach reduces risk.
When to Choose Cedar Operations
Choose Cedar if:
1. You're a Small-Medium Business ($500K-$10M Revenue)
Cedar specializes in the unique challenges of growth-stage companies. You're too big for DIY, too small for enterprise consulting. Cedar fills that gap perfectly.
2. You Need Hands-On Implementation, Not Just Strategy
You don't need a 60-page report. You need someone to roll up their sleeves and build the solution alongside your team.
3. Budget Matters and ROI Must Be Fast
You can't spend $200K on a transformation. You need to invest $10K-$30K and see results within weeks, not years.
4. Speed Is Critical
Your market is moving fast. You need to fix operations now, not in 12 months after a lengthy discovery phase.
5. You Want to Own the Solution
Cedar transfers knowledge as they build. When the engagement ends, you own the systems and know how to maintain them—no ongoing dependency.
6. You Value Direct Access to Decision-Makers
You want to text your consultant when a problem arises, not submit a ticket to a project manager who escalates to a team.
7. Your Processes Need Automation
You're doing too much manually. Cedar specializes in automating workflows using modern no-code and low-code tools.
8. You Want a Fractional COO, Not a Project Team
You need a part-time operations leader who becomes part of your team, thinks about your business constantly, and cares about outcomes—not just deliverables.
When to Choose Centric Consulting
Choose Centric if:
1. You're an Enterprise ($10M+ Revenue, 100+ Employees)
Large organizations have complexity that requires structure, formal methodology, and comprehensive project management.
2. You Need Multi-Department Transformation
When change affects 10+ departments with hundreds of stakeholders, you need Centric's expertise in enterprise change management.
3. You Have Budget for Comprehensive Solutions
You can invest $100K-$1M+ in transformation and need a partner who can deploy large teams to move quickly at scale.
4. Governance and Risk Management Are Critical
Formal documentation, change control processes, and structured governance reduce risk in complex environments.
5. You're Implementing Enterprise Platforms
Salesforce, SAP, Oracle—these enterprise systems require partners with deep platform expertise and vendor relationships.
6. You Need Industry-Specific Expertise
Centric has specialized practices in healthcare, financial services, manufacturing—bringing vertical knowledge to your transformation.
7. You Value Proven Frameworks
Rather than building custom solutions from scratch, you want proven methodologies that have worked for similar companies.
8. Timeline Is Less Critical Than Comprehensiveness
You can accommodate 12-24 month timelines if it means getting a comprehensive, enterprise-grade solution.
The Hybrid Approach: When You Might Need Both
Here's a secret: Some companies benefit from both types of consulting at different stages.
Common patterns:
Pattern 1: Centric for Strategy, Cedar for Execution
Scenario: Mid-market company ($20M revenue) with some enterprise complexity.
Approach:
- Centric does comprehensive assessment and strategic roadmap (3 months, $75K)
- Cedar implements specific workstreams hands-on (6-12 months, $50K)
- Best of both: Enterprise thinking, agile execution
Pattern 2: Cedar First, Centric Later
Scenario: Growing SMB that started with Cedar, scaled to enterprise.
Approach:
- Years 1-3: Cedar as fractional COO ($4K/month)
- Built systems, automated processes, grew from $2M to $25M
- Year 4: Bring in Centric for enterprise transformation
- Cedar laid groundwork, Centric scales to enterprise platforms
Pattern 3: Centric for Core, Cedar for Innovation
Scenario: Enterprise maintaining core systems while innovating.
Approach:
- Centric manages enterprise ERP and CRM platforms
- Cedar helps innovation team rapidly prototype new automated workflows
- Governance from Centric, agility from Cedar
Making Your Decision: A Framework
Answer these questions:
1. What's your annual revenue?
- Under $10M: Cedar is built for you
- $10M-$50M: Either could work depending on complexity
- Over $50M: Centric handles enterprise scale
2. How many employees do you have?
- Under 100: Cedar gives you senior expertise without overhead
- 100-500: Either could work
- Over 500: Centric manages organizational complexity
3. What's your timeline?
- Need results in weeks: Cedar moves fast
- Can accommodate months/years: Centric is thorough
4. What's your budget for this engagement?
- Under $50K: Cedar fits your budget
- $50K-$150K: Either could work depending on scope
- Over $150K: Centric can deploy large teams
5. What do you need?
- Hands-on implementation: Cedar builds alongside you
- Strategic guidance + oversight: Centric provides structure
- Fractional leadership: Cedar embeds in your team
- Large project team: Centric has the resources
6. How complex is your organization?
- Single location, simple structure: Cedar handles it
- Multi-location, some complexity: Either works
- Enterprise with many stakeholders: Centric manages complexity
7. What's your technology environment?
- Modern SaaS tools, need automation: Cedar specializes in this
- Mix of systems: Either works
- Enterprise platforms (SAP, Salesforce): Centric has deep expertise
8. How important is personalization vs. proven frameworks?
- Want custom solutions: Cedar builds for your exact needs
- Want proven approaches: Centric brings tested frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Cedar Operations and Centric Consulting?
Cedar Operations is a fractional COO service specializing in small-medium businesses ($500K-$10M revenue), offering hands-on, personalized operations implementation with rapid timelines and affordable pricing (averaging under $5K/month). Centric Consulting is a large enterprise consulting firm serving mid-market to enterprise clients ($10M+ revenue) with structured methodologies, large project teams, and comprehensive transformations costing $50K-$500K+ per engagement.
Which is more affordable, Cedar Operations or Centric Consulting?
Cedar Operations is significantly more affordable for small-medium businesses. Cedar uses simple pricing: a one-time buildout fee (up to $5,000) plus monthly maintenance based on scale. Centric engagements typically start at $50K and often exceed $200K-$500K for comprehensive transformations. Cedar delivers ROI faster through quick implementation and lower upfront costs.
Can Cedar Operations handle enterprise-level transformations?
No, Cedar Operations specializes in companies with $500K-$10M revenue and up to 100 employees. For enterprise clients with 500+ employees, multi-location complexity, and large-scale transformations requiring formal change management across many departments, Centric Consulting or similar enterprise firms are better suited.
How quickly can I see results with Cedar Operations vs Centric Consulting?
Cedar Operations typically delivers initial results within 2-4 weeks and completes implementations in 8-12 weeks, using an agile, sprint-based approach. Centric Consulting engagements typically take 6-24 months, with comprehensive assessment and strategy phases before implementation begins. Cedar prioritizes speed for SMBs, while Centric's timeline accommodates enterprise complexity and governance.
Do I get direct access to senior consultants with both firms?
With Cedar Operations, you work directly with senior operations leaders (fractional COOs) from day one, with direct Slack/email access and no intermediaries. With Centric Consulting, you typically work with a project manager as your primary contact, with a team structure including analysts and consultants, and periodic partner/director oversight. Cedar offers more direct access, while Centric provides structured account management.
Which consulting firm is better for process automation?
Cedar Operations specializes in modern automation using tools like n8n, Make, Zapier, and no-code platforms, with hands-on implementation of automated workflows typically completed in 2-6 weeks. Centric Consulting handles automation as part of broader enterprise transformations, often using enterprise platforms with longer implementation timelines. For SMBs focused specifically on workflow automation, Cedar's technology-first approach delivers faster, more cost-effective results.
Can I use both Cedar Operations and Centric Consulting together?
Yes, some mid-market companies use both strategically. A common approach is having Centric develop comprehensive strategy and enterprise architecture (3-6 months), then Cedar implements specific workstreams hands-on (6-12 months). This combines enterprise-level strategic thinking with agile execution, though it requires budget for both engagements ($100K+ total).
Final Verdict
Cedar Operations is better for small-medium businesses wanting personalized, hands-on operations help at an affordable price with fast implementation.
Centric Consulting is better for enterprises needing comprehensive, multi-department transformations with proven methodologies and large project teams.
For most companies reading this comparison, Cedar Operations is the right choice. You're likely a growing business that needs operations expertise now, at a price you can afford, with someone who actually implements rather than just recommends.
But if you're a $100M enterprise with 500 employees and need to transform multiple departments simultaneously, Centric's structure and scale make sense.
The best consulting partner is the one that fits your size, budget, and timeline. Both Cedar and Centric excel at what they do—they just serve very different markets.
Ready to fix your operations without enterprise complexity or cost? Cedar Operations delivers hands-on transformation for growing businesses. Book a free consultation →
Related reading:
CEDAR OPERATIONS