Relevant enterprise software selection methodology is crucial for the success of each project. Whether you are looking for ERP software, software for human resources and wage, or any other type of software, pay attention and try to follow these steps. Each step has a clearly defined goal, which is a prerequisite for the next step. Therefore, it is important to always continue moving forward. ibm cloud services will tell you how to recognize the right time for a change.
Is it Time for Change? Is it Time to Start using New Software?
The key question at this stage is: Why change business software? The answer must present the motives and reasons of change. If the motives and the reasons are not clear, unambiguous and meaningful, the sequel does not make much sense. First of all, how can you know whether it’s time for a change or not? Why should you be replacing the existing software? Is it because of high maintenance costs or the inability to obtain adequate reports? Are all business processes covered by the existing software?
Then think about what you want to achieve with the change. Save time? Reduce costs (long-term or short-term)? Automate the process? Provide more efficient work? Does the business have technical problems? Then consider what exactly you want to change by implementing the software in the company. It is important to have realistic expectations before you start to work with the new software. Set high standards, but keep realistic expectations. The software is primarily a long-term strategy.
Companies on average are changing business software every 10 (or more) years. Are you ready for a change? Carefully consider whether there is organizational readiness for a change: people, finances, technology, strategy. Technology is a tool that helps you get the efficiency and facilitates some business processes. It is essential that all levels of the company are included (according to the needs of each) in the process.
Planning and Budgeting
The logical next step is to make a plan and set a budget. But how to plan and what should be planned? There are two key components: time and money. The time required for the selection and time to implement. At this stage of the project probably you will not know about the implementation, because it largely depends on the software you choose, or you can set a rough estimate which is better than nothing.
The second component is money. Budgeting represents the financial component of the plan for software. Creating a budget for business software is probably one of the most difficult tasks because at the beginning you do not know what will be the final cost. It is important to distinguish three types of initial cost: software licenses, software maintenance, and implementation services. Different pricing models for licenses have almost as much as the software manufacturer. The same applies to maintenance: this is an annual fee you pay for the software company updates, upgrades and some level of support.
Business software needs time to implement: it means to install, configure and customize the company’s business.