Tips for preparing, selecting and implementing new business management software.

1. How to Select the Right
Business Management Software
Tips for Preparing, Selecting and
Implementing New Software

2. Implementing software
without the proper
preparation is chaotic.
You’ll be unhappy.
Employees will be unhappy.
And money will be wasted.

3. Contents
• Preparation
Understanding how to prepare your business for selecting new software
• Vendor Selection
Selecting the right vendor with the right solution
• Implementation
Learn what to expect (and plan for) during the implementation process

4. Preparation
Choosing the right software
isn’t a decision to be made
lightly. Take time to analyze
your business before you
make a purchase.

5. Analyze Your Business
Spend time understanding how your business operates to
identify weaknesses and prepare for change.
• Do you understand all the processes and procedures within
your business?
• How will software improve these processes?
• Do your employees consistently follow existing internal
processes? If not, why?
• Are the procedures you have in place organized?
• Which processes are efficient? Which processes waste time?
• How do you expect new software to improve your existing
processes?

6. Look into the Future
Spend time thinking about where you want your company to be
in 5 – 10 years and how this impacts your software decision.
• Will you open a new store?
• Will you add recurring maintenance to your services?
• Will you add a new big ticket product line?
• Are you opening a service department?
• Do you expect rapid expansion?
• Are you retiring soon?

7. Create a List of Needs & Wants
Write down what the software NEEDS to do versus
what you WANT it to do.
• What features would you like to see?
• What kind of data would you like to get out of the system?
• What departments will use the software?
• What kind of integrations do you expect?

8. Vendor Selection
Work with a company that
knows your industry, your
products and your
distribution channels.

9. Create a List of Possible Vendors
Do your research and create a list of vendors that appear to
meet at least 75% of your wants/needs list.
• Speak to your friends and business colleagues
• Perform a Google search
• Check with trade associations in your industry
• Review trade publication ads and articles
• Review industry and trade publication directories

10. Evaluate Your Options
Narrow down your list by conducting in depth reviews of each vendor.
Don’t forget to research the company as well as the product.
• Check out their website for features
• Check out social media to get a feel for the company
• Watch available videos and read blogs
• Ask yourself if the vendor provides:
• Integrated software and vendor integrations
• Implementation project manager and tools
• Online and onsite training
• Support services
• Data conversion tools and resources
Download our free Software Feature Comparison Worksheet!

11. Prepare for the Demo
Take time to prepare for your demonstration and make sure you share
questions and key features with the vendor so they can cater the
presentation to meet your needs.
• Identify key employees to participate in the demo
• Ensure key decision makers are present during the demo
• Identify questions to ask (about the software and the company)
• Identify key features you want to see
• Identify processes that should be covered
• Outline your concerns about switching or implementing
software

12. Implementation
Purchasing a software
program is an investment in
your future and should be
allotted the appropriate time,
attention and commitment.

13. Setting Expectations
The implementation process should not be minimized. It is no small
undertaking and there may be challenges; however, with the proper
preparation, you can limit frustration and increase success.
1. Understand your time commitment
2. Address staffing issues
3. Understand your data conversion needs
4. Train your employees
5. Prepare your team for change

14. Your Time Commitment
• Prepare for an 8 – 10 week implementation period
• Expect assigned employees to spend up to 2 hours per day on
the project
• Make a purchase during your busy season and implement
during your off-season

15. Address Staffing Issues
• Assign a project manager to the implementation - someone
with broad knowledge of your organization
• Review your staffing situation and hire temporary staff or
reassign existing staff to support the implementation

16. Your Data Conversion Needs
• Consider the health of your data - is it worth it?
• Is it uniform and organized?
• Is it helpful?
• Should it be moved to the new software?
• Consider cleaning up your data before converting
• Consider using vendor integrations to download SKUs and
pricing

17. Training Employees
• Ensure key players are trained by the vendor
• Use a “train-the-trainer” approach to train remaining employees
• Complete training before you go live on the new software
• Practice in a training or demo database

18. Prepare for Change
Implementations fail when business owners and stakeholders
refuse to change.
Old processes you used on paper or in an old system may not be
an option in the new system.
That’s okay! Remember – there is a reason you CHOSE to move
forward with a new program.
Listen to the software expert’s recommendations as you learn the
software and collaborate to identify new processes.
Be open to change!

19. Interested in learning more
about Evosus Business
Management Software?
Check out our website
evosus.com
or visit us on social media!