SOFTWARE SELECTION

While it is technically feasible to select a software package within a few short weeks, it is often the stakeholder component of the system selection process that can take much longer.  A balanced framework focused on both stakeholders and the technology is recommended.  

Our methodology consists of four distinct phases to facilitate selection, create stakeholder buy-in and foster commitment that will lead to reduced resistance to change and accelerated system adoption. 

• Step I – Initiating & Planning: Step 1 begins with forming a cross-departmental steering committee to assist in gathering data to understand the key drivers leading to the initiation of the selection project as well as the overall goals and objectives held by the organization to ensure they are aligned. Next we develop a project charter to mobilize the team.
• Step 2 – Requirements Gathering: We begin Step 2 by conducting workshops & surveys to gather high-level requirements from stakeholders. In this phase, we also prepare a request for information (RFI) or request for proposal (RFP) to gather data about the vendor’s software. We recommend this step as it is the best way to communicate the full project requirements to potential software suppliers while conducting an objective evaluation.
• Step 3: Vendor Evaluation: Most software suppliers offer literature and self-service demonstrations on their websites, as well as customer success stories; however, to ensure the team is not sold by the glitz and glamor of sales presentations, we recommend both remote and on-site demonstrations to allow a much more focused look at the software and its potential fit for the organization’s needs.
• Step 4: Supplier Selection: The final phase is to create a business case that is used to gain both organizational and sponsor support for the preferred vendor. In the business case, the business problem (or opportunity) is defined, alternative solutions are listed and, based on each solution’s individual merits, a preferred solution is recommended. The last step taken when creating the business case is to define a plan for the implementation of the agreed solution