Deciphering the TEV Report: Your Key to Smart Project Funding Decisions
24-Nov-23
A techno-economic viability report plays a decisive role in shaping the funding journey of a new project. It forms the basis on which lenders, investors and stakeholders examine whether the proposed plan can deliver on its objectives. The report provides a structured breakdown of critical factors such as technology readiness, operational feasibility, projected returns and market sustainability. This allows stakeholders to weigh potential benefits against identified challenges well before resources are allocated.
A detailed TEV report also aligns expectations between promoters and financiers, ensuring there is a shared understanding of timelines, capital requirements and risk mitigation strategies. By presenting verified data and realistic forecasts, it helps reduce uncertainty and strengthens the credibility of the project proposal.
Business environments are closely linked with the changes in financial investment. Whether it’s catalysing a startup, fueling the expansion of an established enterprise, or sustaining daily operations, the quest for funding is a continuous journey. Traditional avenues like internal cash reserves or business loans may suffice for some. However, many companies venture further, tapping into external investor funding. The domain of investment, while lucrative, carries inherent risks – risks that can lead to financial loss and tarnish an investor’s reputation.
In this high-stakes environment, the key to making wise, informed decisions lies not just in conventional financial reports for companies, but in a powerful yet often overlooked instrument – the Techno-Economic Viability (TEV) report.
To demystify TEV, let’s dissect the term. Techno indicates technical or technological aspects of a project or business. It includes determining the costs associated with developing, manufacturing, commercializing a technology and the relevance of the technology used/deployed and thus comments on the overall technical viability/feasibility assessment of the project. Economic indicates the financial feasibility/viability of a project and if it has the potential to generate sufficient Returns on Investment (ROI).
Viability/feasibility means the ability to succeed or be sustained. Thus, TEV provides valuable insights for lenders to make informed decisions about funding projects and mitigating potential risks. This triad forms the cornerstone of the techno-economic viability report, offering a panoramic view of a project’s strengths and vulnerabilities and guiding lenders and investors through a decision-making labyrinth lined with uncertainties and opportunities.
The value of a TEV report extends far beyond mere number crunching. It serves as a beacon, guiding investors through:
Examining various factors such as market demand, technological feasibility, and financial projections
Providing a systematic approach to assess projects based on concrete data and analysis
Anticipating challenges within the supply chain and associated costs, financial losses, or credit risks
Forecasting production capabilities and quality management
Creating periodic financial projections to balance income, expenditure, and investment
Creating transparency of business operations and financial returns for investors
Providing risk management solutions for anticipated challenges
Serving as an objective evaluation tool rather than solely relying on subjective opinions
A TEV report covers different aspects to help stakeholders make informed choices. Each section evaluates the project from a unique angle, ensuring a complete picture.
This section aims to assess whether the project can operate successfully using available technology, resources and expertise. It covers details about the production process, equipment specifications and infrastructure requirements. The focus is to ensure that the project’s technical framework is practical, scalable and suited for the intended purpose.
Market analysis in a TEV report studies the demand for the product or service, both current and future. It considers market size, growth trends and competition to give realistic projections. This helps investors and lenders to understand how the project can secure market share and sustain growth.
The financial section measures the project’s profitability, cash flow and return on investment. It includes revenue forecasts, cost estimates and funding requirements. The aim is to present a clear financial roadmap that highlights the project’s capacity to generate sustainable returns over time.
Strong leadership is vital for project success and this section evaluates the management team’s qualifications and experience. It looks at organisational structure, decision-making processes and the ability to handle risks. A capable management team increases confidence among stakeholders.
The SWOT analysis identifies the project’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It gives a balanced view by considering both internal and external factors. This helps decision makers to plan strategies that build on strengths while reducing risks.
A TEV report can help understand the situation of a business better. Here are some common checkpoints in every business that investors must be aware of:
Assessment of the overall estimated project cost as factored in the project report. Whether the estimated project cost is inflated and higher or is it realistic.
Assessment of the projected market demand, projected cash flows, operational efficiencies basis the technology deployed, availability of critical resources and raw material for the manufacturing plant and the logistical aspects for the manufactured goods.
Procuring original parts, spares, hardware, software, or subscriptions to cloud technology can be a significant investment. The more authentic the basic parts are, the more reliable the final product and its quality will be.
Payouts to vendors and suppliers can also be a glitch for businesses, creating a cash flow deficit.
Appointment of consultants, experts or advisors is often necessary to ensure compliance with technological norms and legal regulations.
Often, businesses may successfully manufacture the product but struggle with making the creation known to their customers, creating a financial bottleneck. Financial profits may also depend on whether the business deals with volume-selling or niche products.
Creating a solid marketing strategy and brand presence is a huge investment and quite a complex process involving constantly evaluating and meeting market demands.
Financial deficits may also be created due to lesser or delayed collection from customers.
Investors can ask businesses for action plans or contingencies to counteract challenges in the supply chain, sustenance, and make a profit. When a business submits a detailed project report, investors, in turn, are able to create a credibility report for the business.
Embracing a TEV report is not merely a procedural step; it’s a strategic decision that benefits borrowers and lenders alike. It’s about delving into the depths of technical feasibility, market readiness, and financial soundness. The meticulousness of a TEV report can mirror the thoroughness of business owners in anticipating and planning for various contingencies. For investors, it becomes a measure of assurance, aligning them with ventures that are not only genuine but also deeply committed to fostering mutually beneficial relationships.
In the final analysis, a TEV report transcends its role as a document. It becomes a guiding light in the complex journey of project funding. For investors, it provides clarity and confidence, and for businesses, it stands as a testament to their credibility and foresight. Indeed, to TEV is to navigate the intricate dance of investment with eyes wide open, ensuring every step is taken with informed precision and strategic insight.
Dun & Bradstreet, the leading global provider of B2B data, insights and AI-driven platforms, helps organizations around the world grow and thrive. Dun & Bradstreet’s Data Cloud, which comprises of 455M+ records, fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to grow revenue, increase margins, build stronger relationships, and help stay compliant – even in changing times.
Helps to assess new, expansion and stressed projects; highlight probable risk areas; and establish techno-economic viability.