The 20 Steps to compare and select software
The 20 Steps to compare and select software
Selecting software can be a daunting task for most business owners. You don’t get taught how to do it and it is something that is done infrequently.
Here is a 20 Step formula that you can apply to your search. It will remind you of the steps to take and things to evaluate and look out for along the way.
First note what gave rise to the search. This will give you context around how important this piece of the puzzle is to the business that you are trying to build.
Before looking: Note the solutions / features that the software must have to be considered in the running
List the nice to have s – e.g. easy to navigate, open look and feel etc
Who will use the software – are they tech literate – does ti have to be suer intuitive and simple or will the user be able to navigate lots of features and deep menus?
Consider your budget - how much are you willing to pay to make the problem go away?
Review the section on Software Showcase
List the products
Visit each website
List the features
Check the comments on any review sites – beware that they are relevant to the way you want to use the software.
Knock out the “Also Rans”
Get a demo on the top 3 or 4 – asking them to specifically show you how it would overcome the issue and also show you the features that are important to YOU – not just their wow factor or USP features
Involve the people who will be the daily users in the demos
Ascertain how the install works / data migration
Does the software integrate well with other platforms you already have?
Ascertain how the Training and support functions work
6 Questions to ask them
When did you get it
How painful was the install / Data transfer?
How was the training?
How long did it take tile you felt you were a “proficient user of the software?
Which features do you love/use – Why?
Which features do you not use - why?
Would you go with this software again?
What is the support like?
Ask to speak with other users in non-competing locations
Consider the ways that this software may “future-proof” your business. Is it cutting edge and evolving or old technology – even in its look and feel. When was the last time it had a complete new version release or major facelift?
Discuss with your team and apply an evaluation weighting next to each feature – its not just a chat but it is a formula
Lock in the final selection
Create the time-plan for purchase, implementation and training so you get productivity as quickly as possible
Obviously in the case of a $29 piece of software you would not go through all these steps but they are included here for completeness so you can apply this model to your software purchases including the complex ones.
