How do I pick the right software to buy?

When you are looking to buy software, the choices can be overwhelming. How do you pick the right one for your business? What if you overlook a key need and end up with software that doesn't fit your requirements? In this post, we will walk you through the process of choosing off-the-shelf software. We'll explain what to look for and how to make sure that your new software is a perfect fit for your needs!

What problem are you trying to solve?

Before you start looking at different software solutions, make sure to spend some time thinking about what problem you are trying to solve. This will help narrow down which type of software is best for your needs and ensure that the solution meets all of them before making a purchase decision.

Problems software will not solve

When considering how to solve a problem with software, it's important not to get caught up in the idea that everything can be solved by technology. Many people assume this and end up wasting money on “solutions” that don't actually address their underlying needs or issues - so make sure you know what those are first!

Software will not fix your processes. If you have a process that is not efficient, adding software will not make it more efficient - in fact, it may make it worse. Make sure to fix your processes first and then look at technology as a possible solution.

Software will not create new customers for you. If you are looking for ways to bring in more business, software is not the answer. Software can help you better serve your existing customers, but it will not create new ones for you or find them!

Software will not fix a broken business model. If your business isn't profitable because of other problems with its foundation (not enough revenue from sales), then buying software won't make that problem go away either - so make sure to address those underlying issues first.

What you need to consider

Once you have a good understanding of the problem you are trying to solve, it's time to start looking at specific software solutions. But how do you know which one is right for your business? There are many factors to consider, so make sure not to overlook any key needs!

The following are some of the most important things to think about and to ask your vendor when choosing software:

• Date transfer to new software. Before you choose any software you have to inventory all the data you need to be transferred. You need to be detailed and explicit about your needs for data transfer. If you are not, you may find later in the project you will have to either pay extra fees or that some data may not be transferable in a way you hoped.

• The size of your business. It is not a bad way to evaluate software through the richness of its features. But how hard is it to maintain? You wouldn't scale down a 747 to make a school bus. A large system may be too much work for a 15-person firm. Consider your resources, not just the features. Your company might be simple enough that off-the-shelf software can solve all its needs without any customization. But if you are in a more complex industry, or have very specific needs, then you will likely need to have the software customized in some way. The size and complexity of your business will dictate the type of customization you need: Is this something that can be done on my own? Do I need a consultant or specialized developer?

• How much of your time will it take to implement Implementation of off-the-shelf software can be a surprising amount of work. Make sure you know how much time this will take. Do you have the manpower to do it? Will it require hiring a consultant? Will this be a full-time job for someone or can it be done part-time?

• What are the costs for licensing or subscription fees. Be upfront about the costs of software, and make sure you understand what is included in those fees. There may be hidden costs down the line, so it's important to get all the information upfront. How much are support and maintenance? What is included in maintenance? Ask for examples of what is included in support and what is not.

• How often are updates released? This is especially important if you are considering a subscription model. Make sure that the frequency of updates meets your needs. Online and subscription-based software often changes its user interfaces. Sometimes these changes can be disruptive to a business. Sometimes the changes require a business process change to accommodate it. Make sure to know how long you can expect to use your software in its current form. Do you have 1 year, 5 years, 3 months?

• How much training and support you will need? Make sure to know the answers to these questions: What training is offered? Is it included in my costs or will I have to pay extra for this service? Do they provide support on their website, via phone line, email etc.? If so, how much does that cost as well?

• What type of user interface do you prefer? How easy it will be for your employees to use? How customizable is the interface? Make sure to try out a demo before purchasing. You don't want to purchase software that will be difficult for your employees to use. The user interface should also be customizable to fit different areas of your business.

• Make sure it is compatible with your current systems. You don't want to purchase software that can't communicate with other programs you currently use, for example, accounting software, CRM system, etc. Make sure that it can easily integrate with other systems so they don't have their own "islands of automation" where only one part of the business is automated. Is the information available in a well-known database that can be queried directly?? Is there an API for it? Can anything you do on the screen be done via an API? An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of protocols that allows your software to communicate with other programs you're likely to use.

• Online vs. On-Premises software: It really depends on the needs of your business, but it's useful to consider these differences. With online (SaaS) software, you can use the software without having to run a server or install it in your office. However, you don't have any control over how the data is stored. You are relying on the company to protect your data, and if lose it it is gone. With On-Premises software, you have control over where the software and data are stored. This makes it easier for security purposes but increases maintenance costs. A third alternative is to run the "On-Premises" program in a private cloud. Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are just a few of the providers known for providing this service.

Make sure to consider all of these factors before committing to any software solution!