Here’s how you can select the right software solution for your business.
1) Identify your needs
The first step is to determine the business’ problems which the software must solve. Identify your requirements much before you reach out to software vendors. List down the must-have features. Make it a point to consult your team about their requirements, and reconsider your priorities accordingly.
2) Shortlist the products
The second step is selecting the software. Make a list of the software products which seem to fit your requirements. You can use websites like G2 Crowd to read user reviews and check user ratings of the software tools, or marketplaces like G Suite, Chrome Web Store, and Apple Store to check out some great solutions.
Ensure you review each product based on your business’s needs to avoid purchasing something which doesn’t serve a purpose.
3) Understand the pricing
While you’re trying to look for a software tool, make sure it’s the best value for money solution to your problem. Don’t be too stringent and end up buying a low-quality, disappointing product. While checking the pricing, also find out what the vendor’s policies are—the services that are paid and those which are free, and hidden charges such as setup or annual maintenance fees, in-person training, document management services, and the like.
4) Schedule a demo
Schedule a demo with each of the vendors to find out the pros and cons of each software product. Demos are great for you because you can have a live chat with a real person and clear up all your doubts. Ask questions such as whether the software is easy to customize if it can integrate easily with the company’s existing systems and the like.
5) Test the software
Most SaaS companies offer a free trial of their software products, which is great because you can see how well the software works for your business, and whether it meets the business’s needs and goals.
6) Finalize a product
Make the final decision only after you are sure you feel comfortable with the product and the vendor. Don’t fall into the trap of choosing short-lived solutions. Look for a software tool you’re sure will meet your business’s requirements.
Follow these steps to find a software tool that matches your business’s goals and yields top-notch results.