System Selection

Using our experience and proven methodology, we can help you select the right solution for your business. Our process helps you identify your true technology needs and provides a proven methodology of selecting vendors that meet your requirements resulting in the right solution for your business.

System Selection Projects recently completed or in progress:
Quarry and cut stone manufacturer (two projects)
Printed circuit board manufacturer
Electrical contractor (two projects)
Landscape contractor/retailer
Lighting distributor
Specialty cheese and milk product manufacturer

Contact Steve Krueger for an initial consultation to determine if a system selection engagement is right for you.  Steve will provide you with work plans and examples of prior engagements to help you understand the process and benefits of a system selection engagement.

Requirements Definition

·         Requirements Definition engagements are free engagements to define or review requirements for a new system and then quickly determine the best fit for those requirements.

·         Initial meeting to determine if this is the right type of engagement

·         Requirements definition/review - two to four hour meeting to review requirements by functional area included process and forms.

·         Develop spreadsheet of requirements by functional area

·         Determine vendors for review (Peachtree by Sage, Sage BusinessWorks, Sage MAS 90/200, Sage MAS 500, Sage Accpac, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NV, etc)

·         Send spreadsheet to vendors to reply to requirements with estimated cost

·         Compare vendor replies and determine vendors for demo

·         Vendor demonstrations (usually one or two lasting 4 to six hours)

·         Vendor selection

·         Implementation (usually in one to three months)

System Selection Engagements

·         System Selection Engagements are fee based engagements for larger companies with extensive needs or industry specific requirements.  A selection committee made up of four to ten people is typical.  Business Technology Systems manages the engagement which typically lasts three months.

·         Define requirements (including narrative, flowchart, requirements and report and form examples by functional area

·         Vendor research for fit.  This may include general software, industry specific software, etc.

·         Submit request for information to vendors.  Determine six to eight vendors to receive a formal request for information (usually a 20 to 25 page document)

·         Analysis of vendor replies for fit and cost estimates

·         Develop demonstration script

·         Determine vendors for demo (two to three)

·         Vendor demonstrations(demo's usually last 8 to 10 hours and may cover multiple days)

·         Additional information from vendors may be needed

·         Vendor finalist selected

·         Vendor negotiation (software, implementation, training, ongoing maintenance, etc) to develop three year cost of ownership

·         Vendor decision

·         Implementation planning meeting

·         Implementation (usually over three to six months)

Please see the following guides to selecting a new accounting system:

Steve's March 18, 2008 Article on Selecting a New Accounting System published by Marketplace Magazine

Steve's February 2007 Article on Selecting a New Accounting System

Sage Software's Guide to Selecting a New Accounting System

CTS Guides - 20 Insights to Smart Software Buying

Carlton Collins - ASA Research

Randy Johnston - Accounting Software World