Selecting the right system and software for your organisation can be one of the most important decisions you can make. The software a business chooses has far-reaching implications, from directly affecting how the organisation conducts business, to how it satisfies current objectives and supports future growth. Moreover, enterprise software is a substantial investment for many companies, costing both fiscal and human capital in the form of time dedicated to employee training.

​

To support the ever-increasing quantities and complexity of company interactions and data, ICT solutions must also be scalable. This makes the method of search and selection critical in that it lays the foundation for effective long-term execution. Doing it right the first time can save time and money, and boost employee and user satisfaction, as well.

​

Benefits Of Vendor Selection Consulting

Choosing the right enterprise system and vendor requires an organised approach: assessing business processes, analysing key requirements, screening vendors, organising demonstrations, deciding on the product, and finally, negotiating and reviewing the final contract.

​

Digital Agility offers vendor selection consulting services to advise key decision-makers throughout this complex process, helping to ensure that organisations of all kinds obtain the solution they need to operate optimally. Our focused and organised approach ensures that the selected product and/or service both aligns with your goals and that vendors and products are sufficiently vetted and tested before consideration.

​

From needs and requirement analysis to demonstrations and contract negotiation, our Digital Agility team will guide you through each step of the selection process, and can also offer project management throughout the implementation stage.

​

The Vendor Selection Process

Digital Agility take the following 7 phase approach to guide our clients through the selection process. Read more about each phase below.

​

1. Plan/Budget Needs

The initial step in the selection process is to recognise the need for new systems and to begin your internal planning. Here, we will work with key stakeholders, project team members, and functional subject experts to collect solid feedback about current and projected needs. We will also assist in receiving buy-in for the project and compile a budgetary projection and timelines, as needed.

2. Requirement Analysis

An effective selection project begins with analysing and organising a strong requirements document that identifies the strategic requirements needed to appropriately vet the product and service and also evaluate vendors. At this stage, we will assist you in identifying your current and future business requirements from both a functional and technical perspective. From there we will help you document a Business Requirements Document which can be used as a blueprint for your enterprise ICT model.

3. Market Scan

With strong requirements documentation and selection criteria in place, we can then begin the process of researching and selecting vendors. We will present you with an analysis of the market and capabilities of vendors.

4. RFI and RFPs

We will help you locate potential vendors, send out “Requests for Information” (RFIs) to gather basic information about each vendor, and then compare them against your selection criteria. From there, we assist you in the development of a “Request for Proposal” or RFP  that allows for a highly detailed breakdown of each vendor’s software solution while providing you with the needed insight to make informed decisions.

5. Demonstrations With Vendors

Once vendors have been researched and carefully vetted, we will manage the invitations for on-site demonstrations, develop a structured ‘Demonstration Script’ so you can compare vendors on a common footing, and schedule product demonstrations with key stakeholders to ensure that functional concerns are addressed and that sufficient buy-in is established. We will also assist you in the entire process itself, helping to solicit feedback and compare them in an equal and objective manner. Sometimes we recommend a shortened version of this phase after the Market Scan to ensure the vendors can hit the mark with the basic client requirements.

6. Business Case and Vendor Selection

Based on our strong understanding of your unique requirements, we will consult with your organisation’s stakeholders to decide on the best vendor/product for your organisation. In an effort to assist you in making the most informed decision possible, we will ensure that you take all factors into consideration, such as vendor support, ROI, opportunity cost, best practices, scalability, growth, pricing and risk. From there we will conduct due diligence and confirm your final decision.

7. Negotiation and Review/Finalise Vendor Contract

After the decision has been finalised, we will work with the vendor to document and secure a contract that protects your interests and saves you money.

​

Our experts are ready to help you with your vendor selection.  Give us a call today on +612 8005 1923 to set up your first consultation.