SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS
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STEPS TO SOFTWARE SELECTION Purchasing software can mean making big decisions. Depending on the type of system you are seeking, a multitude of products may seem legitimate at first glance, but it pays to evaluate with a critical eye.
O
f course it is important to find the best solution, but identifying the right vendor can be easier said than done. There are many avenues to explore including web searches, associa-
tion references and peer recommendations. While it may seem counterintuitive, starting with a broader set of options may actually help you narrow your search more quickly. It’s possible that you’ll identify elements you absolutely don’t want during a cursory review,
dor provide these now, or do they have a future path? • What third-party add-ons may be necessary? • What strategic advantages will the software provide? • What enhancements will be necessary to make it work with your company? • Will these enhancements take you off the upgrade path? • Can you leverage current systems and hardware?
which will help you identify the elements
• Is your current technology outdated?
that are most important.
• Is your IT group proficient in the offered
It’s as much about the provider as it is about
• Can you retrain staff or will you need to
technologies? the product, and asking the right questions will provide quality information, enabling you to maximise the chance of successful
hire new skillsets? • What development tools were used to write the software?
selection and implementation. Try the fol-
• Will you be able to easily customise?
lowing as a starting point.
• Can it be easily integrated with other
Functionality and technology fit
• Does the software employ open application
systems? • Can the vendor handle your functional
program interfaces (APIs)?
requirements? • What industry-specific requirements will be necessary in the future? Can the ven-
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Software vendor relationship • How much information do you have on
FSB AUGUST 2015
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