If you’re in the market for a new business software, be it a new project management software or accounting tool, the process of selecting a new software should be a well thought out and researched decision. It is important to consider the needs of all the parties involved in the daily functioning of your business.
Alienating the needs of any group could lead to a wrong decision and a waste of your time and resources. There are two key groups you need to consider while deciding what kind of business software you need:
Employees: How many people will be using the software? Does your team operate from the same office, or are they working from home? What software are they using currently? Are there any features they would like the new software to have?
Customers: Do your customers need a level of personalization? Does the product need to give them access to a dashboard?
Once you’ve accounted for the needs of your employees and customers, you need to start looking at the options available in the market. According to experts, the best way to gauge if the software is right for your business is by cross-referencing its features to the list of criteria you’ve created based on the needs and demands of your employees, customers, and leaders.
Here are some factors you should look at:
Price vs. Value: Pricing versus value has always been a very subjective debate when it comes to choosing software. In our opinion, the real concern is always the value particular business solution promises. Take the time to carefully assess which software offers the best value for money depending on your business needs and the functionality you’re looking for. Also, look at its overall suitability, scalability, and longevity.
Accessibility: Accessibility plays a huge role in determining if the software is easy to use. Is the solution restricted to certain people, or can it be easily accessed by everyone who needs it? More importantly, can it be accessed remotely, or is access restricted to certain devices or locations? If you’re investing in expensive software, accessibility plays a huge role in determining if it will last you several years.
Collaboration: Ideally, the software you choose should allow for easy collaboration between your team. Look for a solution that facilitates communication between different teams, support staff, clients, and yourself.
