You need a line-item breakdown in order to negotiate and verify any previously stated prices.Īre the roles and responsibilities clearly laid out? At the very least make sure it includes the following information: What to look out for in the documentationĭoes the RFP include the total cost, broken down by licensing, implementation, ongoing support, and custom code costs? It is usually a formal document but not always. This is often called a request for proposal (RFP). Unless one completely bombed in their demo, ask both to supply documentation of what the implementation will look like. Hopefully, the product demos have helped you make your final decision-but don’t tell the vendors your pick just yet. You may change your mind on the original steps and decide to go with how the vendor says the software is designed to perform it.Īfter the product demo: Get everything in writing But since this isn’t a unique business process, ask the vendor how they recommend doing the handoff. It’s possible that the way in which you’ve stated you want something to work-say how to do the handoff to the accounting team in an ERP-is custom code. ![]() Is there an alternative way to perform this function? ![]() Your technical resource should have already asked this question, but don’t skip over it in case they haven’t. Sometimes they’re not as optimized for smaller screens as you’d assume.Īre the integrations I’m asking for “plug and play” or do they need to be built? If there’s a mobile app, you’ll want to see what intake forms and dashboards look like. In general, it’s best to avoid whenever possible. While some custom code may be unavoidable, it’s costly and complicated to maintain during upgrades. Of the features I’ve asked for so far, what is custom code? Here are my recommendations to help you get started. Most software vendor demos are somewhat scripted on the vendor’s part, which is why it’s important to come prepared with questions that will knock them out of autopilot and force them to engage with you more honestly. During the demo: Questions you need to ask This feature may not be in your original ask but you certainly don’t want to miss out. You should present at least one use case for the daily user with the workflow they’ll need, and another for an executive who would need approval thresholds and a high-level dashboard.Įxample for project management software: Perhaps this vendor offers something you haven’t seen or thought of before, such as the ability to automatically switch a project’s tasks from a Waterfall to Kanban views. Give the vendor at least two use cases the software should support For example, ask about the expected downtime for upgrades and where data will be stored. Make sure to have IT reps from your company and from the vendor attend this one so they can discuss technical compatibility. ![]()
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