IT advisory
The introduction of new business software whether financial or wider management information systems can be an important decision.
There are potentially severe consequences regarding suitability, timescales or budget if the wrong decision is made.
Many business leaders often have insufficient time, knowledge or confidence to perform this activity. We have experienced staff who can assist.
Our approach
Why do we recommend that the selection is split into distinct project stages?
- helps ensure that business managers review at clearly defined intervals the progress to date
- ensures that the objectives and requirements for the new system are being satisfied
A typical project might comprise:
Stage 1: Initial assessment
A concise summary:
- assessment of current systems and reasons for replacement
- key information needs both current and future foreseeable
- principal likely solution providers
- timetable and resource plan for future stages of the project
Stage 2: Requirements specification
The requirements specification should represent a clear definition of the software requirements. It should be prepared in commercial terms, with the onus being on the supplier to provide the technical solution for the defined commercial problem. For more straight-forward applications, a checklist approach may be sufficient.
The purposes of a statement of requirements:
- opportunity for all members of the business team to comment on their needs
- straight-forward way of communicating business requirements to the supplier
- provides tenders which are comprehensive in scope, comparable with each other, and which should ultimately form part of a contract
Stage 3: Supplier selection
Usual steps during the supplier selection process:
- add requests for information to the statement of requirements to form a complete tender document
- shortlist potential suppliers
- liaise with suppliers to obtain suitable competitive tenders
- evaluate the tenders and perform an initial assessment
- attend demonstrations and supplier meetings
- review of suppliers’ contracts
- select preferred supplier
Stage 4: Implementation
A well planned implementation is essential for a successful software launch.
The implementation will require careful planning, and is likely to be the most resource intensive part of the project. Issues to consider will include resources, code structures, report definitions, training, testing, security and disaster recovery.
Our experience
We have assisted a considerable number of clients with accounting software selection, ranging from business startups to FTSE-100 companies.
Our approach helps ensure that maximum benefits are gained and minimum risks are taken when selecting new software. The approach is tailored to the size and sophistication of the required system.
We are happy to have hands-on involvement, assisting with and guiding many of the required activities ourselves but always involving the relevant business managers at key points in the process.
Alternatively we are happy for the management team to drive the selection and implementation process. We use our knowledge and experience at key times to e.g. shortlist suppliers, review the content of the statement of requirements, or assess proposals received from suppliers.
Contact us
For further details on any of our IT advisory services:
email: Roland Brook
tel: 020 7131 4173
