The process for evaluating and selecting a software package is a major decision that brings multiple risks to a business. Especially when the software selected is critical to the growth and scalability of the company. I often recommend getting consulting help early in the process so that the results and return on investment can be achieved. Let’s face it; you may only go through a software technology selection a few times in your carrier and therefore should not go it alone.
The first place to start will be to develop a questionnaire for the evaluation and to weight each question so you can measure the responses when returned. The questionnaire becomes the key requirements for the product and should also include items on maintainability, fit to your technology plan, security, and business continuity technology. When sending out the responses, I recommend you notify the potential supplier that the responses will be tied to the agreement when the selection is completed. I have witnessed many companies skip the strategic questionnaire evaluation step and go directly to the software demo. Decisions made from the demonstration only approach yield disappointment, frustration, and significantly higher costs.
In addition to the requirements and the questionnaire, you should put time into developing measurable goals on what a successful implementation will achieve for your business and tie this into the statement of work. These goals usually can be lifted from your business and financial plan. Having well communicated goals understood by both companies will increase the chance for a long term partnership.
I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on these suggestions and I would welcome the opportunity to share more strategies on software selection.
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