Approach
Each assignment requires an approach to suit both the client and nature of the work involved. However, prior to starting each assignment we prepare and agree a set of Terms of Reference or Brief that is reviewed as the assignment progresses.
In addition to this we encourage regular reviews to assess progress and any changes in direction or scope that may be required or are necessary. This provides you, the client, with overall control of the assignment.
Our typical approach to an IT systems selection
Our approach allows you to both review any potential new software against the way you work, or seek to work, and also ascertain how well you can relate to the software supplier and its team. Remember, the best long term solutions are those with a good client / software supplier relationship.
A brief overview of how we have successfully assisted companies to select an IT system to suit their requirements is as follows:
- Review and document the key business processes
identifying any issues that are important to each process and any that must be
improved. This is done using flow charts with supporting notes against key
activities.
- Prepare a brief paper describing the selection
procedure, the key processes and a checklist to assess each supplier’s
capabilities.
- Agree this paper with you the client. We refer to
this paper as a Request for Information (“RFI”)
- Review your requirements against known software
solutions on our database and knowledge.
- Offer the RFI to a selected list of software
suppliers, requesting a written response and budget costs.
- Review these replies and select up to three
suppliers for closer scrutiny.
- Invite these suppliers to give a demonstration of
their software against the RFI processes. This normally takes about two days
per supplier and is presented to your selection team.
- Decide on the preferred supplier and negotiate contract.