The CAST Framework
A proprietary 100-point evaluation matrix ensuring zero wasted introductions.
Precision over Volume
Traditional advisor matching relies on superficial directories, basic keyword searches, and self-reported broad categories. The result is a slow, error-prone process that yields incompatible matches, wasting both the business's time and the advisor's bandwidth.
The CAST Framework fundamentally changes this paradigm. CAST is a proprietary 100-point evaluation matrix that algorithmically evaluates every potential connection across four critical dimensions: Capability, Availability, Specialization, and Trust. By demanding precision, CAST guarantees that you only ever engage with advisors who are fundamentally equipped to solve your specific challenges.
The 4 Pillars Deep Dive
A transparent breakdown of the scoring matrix.
Capability
55 Points MaxEvaluates fundamental competence and technical ability to solve your specific problem. Capability measures not just what an advisor claims to do, but the verifiable depth of their expertise.
Compares all of your request's challenge types against the advisor's focus areas and problem areas, evaluating exact or partial overlaps to find the best match and ensure high applicability.
Evaluates semantic overlap against our standardized capability taxonomy. Advisors earn up to 15 points based on direct tag matches to ensure they possess the necessary skills.
Analyzes word-level and fuzzy matching of specialized terminology (e.g., specific regulatory frameworks). Grants points for full matches and significant shared terms.
Bases foundational points on verifiable years of professional experience in relevant fields to guarantee senior-level oversight.
Availability
15 Points MaxEnsures logistical alignment so execution isn't blocked by practical friction. The best advisor in the world is useless if you can't connect and communicate effectively.
Evaluates communication compatibility — matching preferred interaction models (retainers, project scopes, video calls) and the advisor's demonstrated communication capabilities, including language proficiency.
Grants points based on geographic alignment, offering 10 for city-level, 6 for state/region, and 3 for country-level matching where on-site presence matters.
Specialization
25 Points MaxMeasures deep domain expertise versus generalized consulting knowledge. Generalists are valuable, but specific problems require specific context.
Compares your request's challenge types against the advisor's capability domain, subdomains, and declared challenge categories. Provides up to 10 points for challenge-domain overlap and up to 5 points for subdomain overlap, rewarding cross-industry advisors who match the core challenge.
Utilizes standardized NAICS codes to provide granular industry classification, scoring 10 points for an exact match, 7 for industry group matches, and 1 for sector matches.
Trust
5 Points MaxOur behavioral firewall ensuring high intent, responsiveness, and historical quality. The Trust Quotient is a living metric.
Derived from the Master TQ baseline and historical rating averages. Ensures consistent top-tier delivery quality.
How Scoring Works
The CAST Framework computes a final normalized score out of 100 points. This determines the overall match grade. We instantly map these numerical values to human-readable confidence tiers, so you immediately understand the strength of the recommendation.
- Perfect Match99+
- Excellent Match90 - 98
- Great Match80 - 89
- Strong Match70 - 79
- Good Match60 - 69
CAST Score Breakdown
Challenge alignment: 8/8 pts, Industry alignment: 7/7 pts.
Taxonomy capability alignment.
Matched 4 keyword(s) fully, 1 partially.
8 years of professional experience.
Supports your preferred communication format. Strong language proficiency.
Same city.
Challenge-Domain overlap: 8/10 pts, Subdomain overlap: 5/5 pts.
Exact NAICS match.
Based on advisor's platform trust and rating history.
The Fundamental Capability Gate
A high overall score isn't enough if the core competency is missing. The CAST framework incorporates a Fundamental Capability Gate. To even be considered a viable match, an advisor must score a minimum of 20 points across the Capability pillar and demonstrate direct challenge alignment—meaning their focus areas must verifiably overlap with the request's core challenge types. Requests can specify multiple challenge types, and an advisor needs to align with at least one to pass the gate. Furthermore, to maintain our high standard of quality, only matches achieving an overall score of 60 or above (rated "Good Match" or higher) are ultimately surfaced to requestors; matches falling below this baseline are filtered out. If an advisor fails these foundational thresholds—regardless of perfect alignment in availability or specialization—they are immediately disqualified. This strict gating mechanism completely eliminates false positives.
Our Transparency Promise
Total transparency. No black boxes. Every single recommendation delivered by Advisory Navigator comes fully unpacked. You will always see the exact score breakdown across all four CAST pillars. Know exactly why an advisor was surfaced, where their strengths perfectly align with your needs, and where a match might be slightly weaker—empowering you to make confident, data-driven decisions.
Ready to find your match?
Join the businesses and advisors already connecting through Advisory Navigator.