Every now and then, I see a posting in a LinkedIn group asking for software recommendations for some particular business category.

Let’s be real for a moment – if there are 100 software options available, maybe half of them can work for any particular company.  The recommendation that you receive could be for an option that won’t work for your business.

Start with your requirements

I have come to this position from my experience.  If you start with your requirements, you will not be looking at software that doesn’t really fit your business needs.  And, your requirements may get you looking at solutions that fit your business better than others.

A while back, I worked with a company that implemented proprietary software for their email solution at a time when there were many cheaper, easier options.  Once they spent the money on proprietary software, they didn’t want to dump it [lose the investment] for one of these cheaper, easier solutions.  So, today they continue to spend money for maintenance and customization.

Mitigate your risk

Any company can end up purchasing a solution that is not the best fit.  A good first step to mitigating risk is to start with a requirements document.  You will be able to ask more informed questions of your potential suppliers.  You will be better equipped to make sense of their answers.  You will increase your chances of making a better decision.

Your Thoughts…

What has been your experience?

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