Function fit of the software is where most companies start. The fit of the vendor’s software to your requirements is done with a demonstration of the software. The team should provide the vendors with a list of needs. This list should be as comprehensive as possible and possibly presented as A/B/C requirements.  The vendor then demonstrates how the software meets these needs.

Technology review is normally done by the IT representative on the team. Your company’s IT department should determine the technology direction of the firm. This direction is often a qualifier for a vendor in a selection project. For instance, which technology platform best suits your needs? The answer to this question (and other similar questions) needs to be determined at the start of a selection so you do not waste time with vendors that do not fit the technology direction. It is OK to say, we are open to the technology of the software selected because the software fit is the most important criteria.

In addition to the technology direction, it is important to examine the technology tools available from the vendor for report development, application program interfaces (API), business intelligence, mobility, and proprietary development tools.