Questions to Ask Any Business Management Software Provider
If only purchasing business management software was as easy as a trip to your local office supply store. Choosing the right solution can be a very scary, overwhelming and lengthy process. You need to be comfortable with the software vendor you select. The good news is there are some key things to look for.
Ask yourself - How well does this vendor know me and my business? Make sure they are making suggestions to specific challenges you face. Ask as many questions upfront as possible. The more you unearth, the fewer hurdles you will have to cross later. Inquire about other successful customers, especially those that share similar challenges. Do they have public forums where you can ask questions of other users?
Does the company seem forward looking? Does their software grow as you grow? Is their development team listening to the needs of their customers? Can you make suggestions on future product direction? These are all important questions to ask. Remember the lifecycle of your software will be 10 or more years. You need to be comfortable with the future direction of their products. Don’t be afraid to ask how they determine how features and functionality are added. Do they listen to their customers? Or does the company decide the future direction. Customer feedback should always drive the direction of any solid software solution.
Training should be an integral part of your decision to purchase any software product. Remember no matter how cool the software is, it will only be as good as the person’s knowledge of it. What type of training do you receive? How much training do you get? What is available after formal training? Is there any self-service options such as video learning, virtual training or self-paced training?
Do they offer a comprehensive product support program, tailored to meet your unique needs? The truth is that few people initially understand what a support plan is. A support plan is an added peace of mind; if something should go wrong or you're struggling to figure out answers, a live person is there to help you through it. When evaluating support plans, ask yourself, how many incidents are included? What is the standard time for response? Where is the support team located? Are they outsourced or within the organization?
As important as in the beginning, being comfortable with what happens after the sale is crucial. Make sure that you have a dedicated account person to contact after the sale.