Choosing the “Right” Software

With such a wide variety of software tools clamoring for your business and so many options among them, it becomes imperative to make calculated, data-driven decisions when considering any new software adoption. You must consider the data, business goals, and your budget, to name a few key factors. A technology plan then must be developed and adopted to focus money and energy where they will provide the greatest positive impact. Once a particular software is considered vital, both the pros and cons of each option must be considered before making the final decision.

The ultimate software choice can provide a critical missing link to help your business, non-profit / organization, or school function more efficiently and effectively! Unfortunately, software chosen too hastily can prove to be a monumental disaster requiring enormous resources of time and money to repair.

By first answering these 10 questions, you can be confident you are making the “right” software decision(s) for your business, non-profit / organization, or school:

According to the data, what is your most critical need? (The most critical need is usually apparent after triangulating data sources).
What other areas of need are causing problems?
What are your business goals? Are they “S.M.A.R.T.”-oriented?
What is your budget for this software adoption? Is it realistic / conservative?
Do you need / want the new software to change your current workflow? Or do you just need the software to speed up and/or simplify your current workflow?
Is it possible to customize your current software to meet your needs / wants? Is there an integration that can improve your current system without undergoing a completely new software adoption?
Does your team have any recommendations? If so, what are they? Why?
Does your professional network have any recommendations? If so, what are they? Why?
Is there a Business Management Consultant who can help determine the answers to each of these questions and do the research behind the pros and cons of each software option? Or are you going to complete every step yourself / in-house?
What software training will be needed to ensure full implementation? Which teams / departments need to be involved in the training? How long is reasonable to train / implement the software?