"Any fool can buy a new machine; but will it still be working in a years' time?"
This was advice given to me many years ago as a departmental manager in a factory. I have since learnt that the same advice applies to software. Buying new software without considering whether it will meet the specific needs of the organization is a mistake.
A key question is:
"What are the specific business problems and objectives that the software is expected to solve?"
Once there is a clear understanding of what is needed, then different software options can be researched and evaluated. This includes looking at features, pricing, and vendor reputation, as well as any other factors that are important to the organization.
It is critical to choose the correct vendor: will the vendor, and by extension, the platform itself, still exist at the end of the contract?
After the software is purchased, it may take an extended period to implement properly and ensure successful adoption by users.
Workshop
What kind of business is this for?
Any business: from solopreneur upwards
Who is this for?
SME Company Directors
Senior Managers
Management protégés
Management KTP Associates
You are probably accountable for operations or other customer experience.
Why attend?
Understand what can go wrong in selecting software
Business Benefits:
Better understanding of the approaches to avoid expensive mistakes
Topics covered:
Do you have a ranked shopping list of features? What are you willing to do without?
What are the motivations for change?
Research and evaluation
Vendor assessment and selection
What are their pricing models?
Implementation and adoption: Total Cost of Ownership
Software management, best practices, corporate policy
Exercises
There will be exercises during the day plus an overnight 'homework'.
Summer 2023
Dates to be confirmed: a consecutive Tuesday & Wednesday
Pricing
£1,700 for the two days
Includes refreshments and midday meal.
Students: Sponsored students, being booked a place by their college or university, may be eligible for a full 100% fee waiver.
Bursaries: Students may also be eligible for a travel and accommodation bursary from their sponsor.
Micro-Businesses: A discount of 50% is available to micro-businesses.
