Software Selection

We work with a software selection team drawn from a cross-section of the client’s organization to select a new accounting, estimating, and/or project management system. Conduct the needs analysis, prepare the RFP, analyze the results, facilitate the vendor demonstrations, and help the team finalize their decision. After a system is chosen, facilitate the implementation planning process with the team and the chosen vendor.

    STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
Select Team
  • Assemble selection team
  • Ensure cross functional representation
  • Define mission and responsibilities
Set Objectives
  • Work with upper management to define business direction and goals
  • Determine role of information system within the business  
  • Develop near-term and long-term objectives for the information system
Analyze Needs
  • Define key business processes  
  • Interview personnel, by department or function, to document software requirements using proprietary software checklist  
  • Compare existing business processes to desired work flow
Prepare Request for Proposal
  • Complete transaction volume survey  
  • Document company background and existing system components  
  • Determine software vendor short-list
Response Analysis
  • Score vendor responses to software specifications  
  • Prepare detailed comparison of system costs, vendor references, and technology  
  • Present response analysis and short-list vendors for demonstration
Facilitate Demonstrations
  • Coordinate vendor demonstrations  
  • Prepare and mail agendas to vendors and demonstration participants  
  • Facilitate demonstrations
Reference Calling
  • Follow-up with vendor(s) as necessary after demonstration  
  • Prepare committee for reference calling and assign contacts  
  • Coordinate site visit, if appropriate
Contract Review
  • Review license and support contracts
  • Review specifications for any customization  
  • Ensure all costs are included in agreement(s)
Decision Support
  • Review reference calling results and vendor responses to open issues  
  • Solicit input from all selection team members  
  • Prepare recommendation memorandum for management team or board of directors
Implementation Planning
  • Develop implementation team and coordinate planning session
  • Facilitate implementation planning session
  • Prepare and distribute planning document and schedule

Whitepapers and Resources

Software License Agreements

Crafting a balanced agreement can lead to a balanced long-term relationship with your IT business partners.

Additional Projects

General Contractor - Texas

A large, not for profit, health care organization owns an $80 million, for profit, general contracting business that performs much of its own trade work and specializes in doing its own electrical and mechanical work. In addition to performing lump sum and cost plus fee projects, the construction company has a significant work order requirement and a large inventory used in their millwork shop. Seven other companies, for profit and not for profit, also fall under the same corporate umbrella. This organization also reports up to a parent corporation with its own software.

Mechanical Contractor - Illinois

This $30 million-a-year commercial and industrial contractor is based in a large Midwestern city. They provide piping, boilermaker, and HVAC services to their commercial, institutional, and industrial clients.

Equipment Rental Services - California

An equipment rental company, closely related to a construction firm, rents equipment primarily to its sister company. To make better use of its resources and improve the company's revenues, management wanted to establish controls to better track and maintain equipment and to position itself to rent to outside parties efficiently.