Photo from Unsplash

Originally Posted On: https://www.mirrorreview.com/selecting-software-company-for-business/

 

The application development software market was valued at $168.71 billion in 2019.

The world is constantly evolving, with business practices subjected to novelty and progress. Currently, there are hundreds of business technology tools.

For every need, there is a software solution.

Are you a company looking for a software development company? Or have you had trouble dealing with a software company in the past and looking for an alternative?

Then you have come to the right place. Today, we will offer you 10 tips on selecting a software company for your business.

1. Determine Your Need

 

The saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” comes in handy here. It’s important to be conservative when using funds to develop business software.

Apart from the amount required, there are other costs involved, including time and resources needed during implementation. While these costs may be worth it in the long run, it’s always best to spend when necessary.

Know what you want first before reaching out to a software company. Knowing what you want makes it easy to determine the solution you need. Gather accurate and thorough requirements needed in the business software.

For instance, if you are looking for an Enterprise Resource Planning software, you will likely come across the IFS ERP Software. This software touches every aspect of your firm, accomplishing various goals for each department.

2. Generate as Many Candidates as Possible

 

It’s always a good idea to cast your net wide when you begin the search. This means that you should develop a long list of potential candidates.

Is this really necessary? Yes, it is. If you limit yourself to only two service providers, you only have two options. On the other hand, if you seek the best candidate out of twenty options, you are more likely to land on the best service provider there is near you.

Start generating your list early by asking around. Friends and acquaintances will provide you with ideas on where to begin your search. It’s always a good idea to talk to people who understand the software industry.

3. Research the Software Company Before Your First Meeting

 

It’s always a good idea to learn more about a software company before committing yourself. If it is a famous company, everyone is probably talking about it.

Again, if the company has built a good brand, then you are making the right choice. Never leave your software development needs to a company that is suspicious or incompetent. Make a point to verify the following before your first meeting;

Existence of the company- based on the company’s location, check for local registries online. This should help you discover how long the company has been operational and whether it’s officially registered.

Information about managers- Research information about the company managers and stakeholders. This may include their biography, professionalism, and personal qualities. It’s easy to find such information on Linkedln and on their website.

Online Customer reviews- Make use of Yelp and Google to learn about clients and projects. Don’t believe all the reviews available online—a few companies go ahead to write fake reviews to convince customers into hiring their services. Go ahead to contact their recent customers directly for a better insight.

Ensure you focus on a software company that others have tried and proven capable of. This is the only way to land on a company that will clearly understand your goals and translates them into a real product.

4. Find a Software Company With the Right Type of Experience

 

The next step in the search procedure should be to narrow down your list. You need to eliminate candidates that cannot serve you.

The most powerful way to sort service providers and companies is by considering experience. You want to work with a company that has been around for a long time. Again, it should be the right kind of experience.

Consider whether prospective service providers have solved similar problems in the past. More importantly, consider whether they have solved problems for people in your industry.

It’s best to settle for a service provider with a proven track record of helping firms in similar situations to yours. Call your top candidates and ask them about the type of people they worked with in the past.

This way, you will get an honest answer easily. Avoid candidates who are not specific. More so, those that claim they have tons of experience but cannot provide references.

5. Consider The Market Position Of The Software Company

 

There is more to finding the best software provider than looking at experience. Some facets require that you look beyond experience.

For instance, to determine the reputation of a software company, you need to spend some time reading online reviews. This is a great way to narrow down your options. Smart business owners don’t bother investigating further when a candidate does not have sufficient online reviews.

To learn a company’s market position, read online reviews and consider the overall ratings of the service provider. Written reviews provide extra information to determine whether the candidate is reliable or not.

6. Take Time to Compare Software Costs

 

Comparing software costs is essential to help you remain with favorable candidates. At this point, it’s best to settle for a product that provides a solution at the best price.

Take time to understand the available business software options. Again, base your buying decision on the business software features offered. Evaluate whether these features are in a position to fulfill your needs or not.

Additionally, be on the lookout for hidden costs and additional fees in the contract. Examples of costs you should check include in-person training, annual maintenance, and monthly support costs.

7. Try Out The Free Trial

 

Before you invest money in a business software solution, make sure you take it for a test drive. Fortunately, most companies offer clients a free trial period to examine the software’s features and benefits.

During the free trial, weigh whether the software has the features you desire and the functionality. Again, don’t be shy to ask the software company questions. Raising your concerns is the only way to be certain the software is a perfect fit for your firm in the long run.

8. Agree On KPIs Before Signing The Contract

 

Before signing the agreement, make sure you’ve developed key performance indicators. With KPIs in place, both parties understand what is required to succeed in the software implementation process.

Your primary worry should be whether the program will connect seamlessly with current systems. It would be a waste of money and time to invest in software that does not integrate with your current system.

Another consideration should be how simple it is to train personnel and set up the software. Top software vendors provide training on how to utilize the product. To minimize additional out-of-pocket charges, ensure that training is included in the implantation cost.

9. Data Sharing and Privacy

 

You have probably seen news stories about how SaaS companies abuse personal information. Since your clients entrust you to keep their personal information safe, look for a Software Company willing to do the same.

This is essential as disclosing your client’s personal information like social security numbers has repercussions. Considering the amount of data being keyed in the software, make sure you know how the provider will keep you safe.

Keenly review your provider’s license agreement and ask questions where necessary. This will help you understand a provider’s data privacy stance.

10. Future Maintenance and Complementary Services

 

Normally, software development should be a long-term partnership. You will require support services every time you experience a glitch.

Again, as your needs change, you will need to change your plan. For these reasons, look for a long-term partner with agile methodology to meet your ever-changing needs.

Verify the provider’s agility and response by proposing hypothetical changes in your business needs. The best partner should suggest fast solutions at a minimal cost. All their solutions and support system should focus on helping you grow.

Some companies go ahead to provide complementary services to help firms attain a competitive advantage.

Simplify Selecting a Software Company for Your Business by Following These Tips

 

Budding and well-developed companies understand the value business software offer. Unfortunately, most go through a lot of trouble selecting a software company that matches their needs.

Follow our top 10 tips on selecting a software company for your business for the best outcome.

Did you enjoy this article? For more content like this, make sure that you check out the rest of our website now!