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10 Things to Consider Before Buying Procurement Software: Part 2

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Page 1: 10 Things to Consider Before Buying Procurement Software: Part 2

10 Things to Consider Before Buying Procurement Software: Part 2

http://bellwethercorp.com/

Page 2: 10 Things to Consider Before Buying Procurement Software: Part 2

We all know the rapid rate of change for software. You buy alaptop with the best specs and a year or two later and it hasno room left on the harddrive, it is too slow, the latestsoftware is too large or your laptop is not powerful enough tomake full use of its capabilities. How well will yourprocurement software handle changing needs of yourbusiness? Can you customize and change the software asyour business grows over the next couple of years? You wantsoftware that can grow with your needs, not software whereyou jump through hoops, extensive training, connectivity toyour other systems, only to need replaced a year or twodown the road because you’ve outgrown it.

6. Is the Software Scalable?

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Page 3: 10 Things to Consider Before Buying Procurement Software: Part 2

It is rare that software meets your exact needs right out ofthe box. Some amount of customization is to be expected. Canthe software be customized or will you have to make due oruse workarounds to get it to accomplish what you need foryour business. Is this something you’ll have to accomplish onyour own or does the software provider offer customizationas part of the setup. If so, is that included in the cost or iscustomization an extra charge? As a general rule of thumb,customization should be more that one-third of what youhave spent for buying procurement software. So beforebuying the software considers the factors of partnering withsofter developers, outsourcing, and in-house development toachieve the level of customization you need.

7. Is the Software Customizable?

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Page 4: 10 Things to Consider Before Buying Procurement Software: Part 2

No matter how advanced the software and experienced theprovider, there are likely to be some challenges or obstaclesfaced during the installation. Having done a number ofinstallations, the company should also be able to warn you ofpotential challenges. But don’t let this be a cause for concern.This should be considered a good thing. Companies that trackthese challenges can research to find better ways toovercome and bypass these challenges in the future.

8. What Installation Challenges can be Expected?

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Page 5: 10 Things to Consider Before Buying Procurement Software: Part 2

Whether you buy from a company in town or on the otherside of the world has an impact on the type of supportavailable, but it shouldn’t affect the ability of the company toprovide the support you need. Be aware of the support that isoffered, whether it is in person, on-site, phone, or email.Basically you want to know what to do when problems arise.Can you get someone on the phone immediately or will youneed to submit a trouble ticket and wait for a response? Whatis the typical response time? Is after-hours support available?

9. What Support is Available?

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Page 6: 10 Things to Consider Before Buying Procurement Software: Part 2

Ask if they have a list of features requested from otherclients. If they do that will give you some idea of areas of usethat may be missing once you get into it. It can help you planyour business, but also give you an idea of what may becoming as well.

10. What Features have been Requested?

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Page 7: 10 Things to Consider Before Buying Procurement Software: Part 2

Contact US:

If you want to see for yourself the positive impact that our software canhave on purchasing, be sure to visit the FREE LIVE DEMO page of ourwebsite or try our FREE 30 DAY TRIAL-no credit card needed.

Purchasing Software for small & Mid Market Purchasing Managers

Business Address:9900 Shelbyville Road, Suite 6B, Louisville, KY 40223, USA

Business Phone: (866)698-1398

http://bellwethercorp.com/