TGI Software That Drives
Business Performance.
®
SM
Software Selection
Process Steps
Technology Group International
6800 West Central Avenue, Building I, Toledo, OH 43617
Toll Free: (800) 837-0028
Office: (419) 841-0295
Fax: (419) 327-9017
Email:
[email protected] www.tgiltd.com
Copyright © 2004-2009 Technology Group International. All Rights Reserved.
Software Selection Criteria Listing
Introduction
When reviewing potential software suppliers, many companies tend to focus only on the
potential product’s functionality and cost. Although these elements are important to the
selection process, this methodology neglects four additional areas of significant
importance. A supplier’s ability to deliver product services goes well beyond price and
feature options.
Supplier Criteria for Software Selection
Within these six main categories lie additional selection criteria, with each requiring
significant review prior to choosing the final supplier of choice. While understanding the
supplier criteria is only a portion of the entire selection process, it is best to review and
evaluate this alongside other selection factors. This list is best utilized as an element of
the overall software selection process and should be used in conjunction with other
elements such as the RFP response, on-site demonstration, and references.
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Software Selection Criteria Listing
Corporate Vision
What major organizational changes has the supplier made in recent years?
What major product changes have occurred in recent years?
What major product changes does the company foresee or have planned in the
coming years?
What level of involvement does the executive staff have in the company’s daily
operations? Is the executive staff knowledgeable of industry trends and
developing technology?
Technology and System Architecture
Is the technology robust enough to handle current and future transaction load?
Is it scalable?
Is the system’s speed acceptable for daily usage?
Is source code provided so customizations or modifications can be made without
hefty charges? Do customizations hamper upgrading to future software
releases?
Does the package allow a number of database and server options?
Is the software ODBC compliant?
Does the software support eCommerce, RF and bar coding, and EDI
transactions?
Does the software support multi-company, multi-division, and multi-currency
environments? Are there any restrictions to this type of environment?
Product Functionality
Does this package meet the overall requirements listing?
Is the menu structure easy to follow and understand?
Are the help files easily assessable and easy for users to understand? Can the
user customize help to meet the individual needs of the organization?
Is the product overly complex or too sophisticated for the average user?
Are there standard reports available, and are they useful?
Product Cost
Are the license costs justified given the functionality offering?
Is the required database affordable?
Are annual maintenance charges reasonable and in line with the industry
average of 15-22%?
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Software Selection Criteria Listing
Are payments for annual maintenance charges in line with industry norms of
being due within 90 days of contract signing or some other time frame?
What is the true implementation services-to-software ratio for implementations
with comparably-sized companies? This can range from a 1:1 to 5+:1 services-
to-software ratio depending upon the given software supplier and its track record.
Can the estimated ROI be achieved with this product?
How quickly can payback be received?
Service and Support
Was the team comfortable with the sales process and representative? Were the
team’s questions answered in an open and honest forum or were they avoided
by the supplier?
Can the supplier provide a complete turn-key solution?
What type of project management is available?
What type of training is available?
What is the average technical support person’s experience level and tenure with
the company?
How quick are non-critical software bugs fixed?
Is 24/7 support available?
Is ASP available if desired?
Can the supplier meet the required ”go live” date?
Does the supplier offer business process re-engineering as part of the
implementation process?
Does the supplier have experience in industries similar to yours?
Supplier Longevity
How many years has the company been actively engaged in this software
industry?
When was the product’s first release? What is the current release version being
quoted?
Has the company been consistently profitable year over year?
Has there been recent turnover in the management staff?
Over the last year has the supplier increased or reduced overall headcount?
Are customer references available? May I visit a customer reference site prior to
contract signing?
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About TGI
TGI is an industry-leading enterprise software solution provider to small and mid-market
manufacturers and distributors. TGI’s exclusive focus is on the development,
implementation, and support of Enterprise 21, the company’s fully-integrated business
management software solution. TGI is a privately-held organization with one of the
highest revenue per employee ratios in the ERP software industry.
Find out more by visiting our website at www.tgiltd.com or by calling us at (800) 837-
0028 or (419) 841-0295.
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