Systems Selection

SERVICES

Financial cost is not the only factor to consider when choosing a new business system:

Current business processes and methods of working are not documented.
The breadth or scope of the new system is not understood or inconsistent across business units.
The IS strategy and the technology landscape doesn't support technologies proposed by software vendors.
The expected time and effort of internal staff, for the selection and subsequent implementation, is under-estimated.
Budget is unrealistic from the outset.

We adopt a robust selection methodology that has been developed and enhanced over the last 20 years.

We use standard project management tools to set the project up correctly from the start. We build and publish a project initiation document and a full project plan for the selection project. This is approved and signed off by stakeholders.
We interview staff and document the business requirements that the new system will provide.
We work with IT to ensure that the new system meets infrastructure and security requirements.
We explore the software market and compile a vendor long-list. We already have a good understanding of the major software markets, especially the ERP landscape. We are impartial and independent and have no ties to any particular vendor.
We use the business requirements to short-list the vendors to those most likely to provide the best fit.
We produce an 'invitation to tender' or 'request for proposal' document that we ask the vendors to formally respond to.
We manage the vendor's submission processes.
We draft and publish a demonstration pack that contains real business examples.
We manage vendor presentations and ensure that each vendor is measured and contrasted consistently.
We facilitate sessions with the business to determine the recommended vendor.
Finally, make a commercial contract review.