Selecting Packaged Software

Selecting business software can be difficult. You know you need a new system, but how do you go about finding the correct solution for your needs? 

Finding the right software can be a challenge but the correct approach to selection will hopefully enable you to avoid the pitfalls, and having the right supplier to implement the chosen solution is just as important. 

Hopefully the following will help you to avoid some of the common pitfalls that companies make:

1. Selecting software is a project in its own right. It needs a plan and it needs a Project Manager. Most organisations have specific target dates for implementing new software, whether it be a strategic initiative or a legislative requirement. But without a plan, as in all things, you probably will not achieve it. 
2. Involve all stakeholders. Whether the original impetus for changing the solution was business led or technology led you need the input and buy-in from all the constituent parts that make up your organization. Ensure you understand the procurement process and that all the correct people are engaged from the beginning
3. Why are you buying a new system? Too many businesses purchase software thinking it will solve their problems when, in fact, the problems are actually due to business processes. Software is only a tool, although it may help you to focus attention on the bad processes and other internal problems that need to be addressed.
4. Do you know what you want? Do you know your requirements for the new system? If not stop and go no further until this has been done. It doesn’t have to be laborious but you should at the initial stage be able to document your key requirements, those criteria which differentiate your business, onto just a few pages. As a minimum you should know your key processes, end-to-end, and that includes their impact on other systems or organisations and hopefully the key areas that you are looking to improve. Knowing your requirements also includes knowing your budget. There is little point in looking at a Ferrari if you can only afford a Fiat, even if the Ferrari meets all your other requirements.
5. Assessing the software through a scripted software demonstrations. Initial software demos may be guided by the supplier but when you get to the shortlist you need to assess the solution based on your requirements. So at that point it should be a scripted demo. If the supplier can’t or won’t do what has been requested you should be asking why.
6. Assess the solution implementer. Some software packages will be implemented by a third party. so not only are you assessing the solution but you also need to assess the company that will implement.No matter how good the software, the set-up and configuration will only be as good as the company implementing it. So when you get to site reference visits you need to be referencing not only the system but also the implementer.