Finding the right business software for your company can be a daunting task. With so many different software and programs available, how do you know you’re choosing the right one?
This process doesn’t have to be stressful and complicated. By following these four simple steps, you’ll have new and effective business software implemented in your business in no time.
Identify the Problem
You wouldn’t be searching for new business software if you didn’t have a problem to fix. The very first step to finding the right business software is to identify the problem you are trying to solve. Are you losing track of your customers and need a more in-depth CRM software? Or do you need a better project management tool to keep your team on track?
Whatever the problem may be, identifying it first will help you narrow down what type of business software to research.
Establish Your Requirements
Now that you’ve narrowed down your options to the type of software you’re looking for, it’s time to make a list of features you need the software to include. The best way to establish these requirements is to make three different lists:
- Essential Features – features that your software must include
- Preferred Features – features that would be useful, but are not necessary
- Luxury Features – features that you would like to have, but don’t weigh your decision
These features can include system integrations, the number of users allowed, customization, and much more.
If you already use a business software, make a list of the features you like and a list of features you wish it had. This will help you narrow down your search as well.
Start Demos and Trials
Once you have made a list of business software you would like to consider, it’s time to start demos and trials.
The team members who will be using the program the most should be the ones to participate in these trials. They should spend some time exploring, organizing, and partially implementing the software to their everyday activities. This will tell them if it has all of the features they need.
Be patient during this process. You don’t want to settle on a software that doesn’t fully meet your needs.
Make a Decision
After testing different business software and finding what works for your business, it’s time to make a decision and start implementing it.
Schedule training sessions for your team and employees so they become familiar with the new software and use it to its full potential. This can take some time, but it will benefit your business in the long run.
If you are looking for an experienced IT consulting company in the Detroit area to help update your businesses software, contact us today!