Top 54 Electronics Manufacturing Software (Feb 2024)

2023's Best 55 Electronics Manufacturing Systems

Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / Feb 11, 2024

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1. NetSuite Order Management System

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Mar 08, 2022
Compare NetSuite Order Management System Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

NetSuite Order Management System is a software solution that provides clients with a multi-channel order management system that manages all facets of a client’s order process. The software provides control of all orders, from the initial order to the order receipt, to the financial settlements. The ...


2. Global Shop Solutions ERP

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Mar 09, 2022
Compare Global Shop Solutions ERP Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Global Shop Solutions One System ERP Solutions is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) software solution that helps the small to midsize businesses manage their manufacturing activities as well as operations.


3. OptiProERP

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $700 per license
  • Mar 12, 2022
Compare OptiProERP Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

OptiPro ERP is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning solution that is custom made for small-sized and medium-sized manufacturers. OptiPro ERP is designed for growing businesses since it has a highly scalable index.


4. Priority Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $100 per user/month
  • Mar 22, 2022
Compare Priority Software Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Priority Software is a cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software that allows its users to manage financial data under proper compliance to regulations and oversee their organization processes to reduce supply lead times.


5. uniPoint

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $6,000 per license
  • Mar 23, 2022
Compare uniPoint Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

uniPoint is a manufacturing and quality management solution for small and medium businesses. It offers such capabilities as supplier quality management, cost of quality, internal quality, and others. The software was designed and launched by uniPoint Software Inc headquartered in Manitoba, Canada. ...


6. Infor VISUAL

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $12,000 per license
  • Apr 15, 2022
Compare Infor VISUAL Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Infor VISUAL is an Enterprise Resource (ERP) software solution. This ERP software helps companies improve several processes and several aspects of manufacturing such as growing customer pressures, coping with rising globalization, extending the supply chain, growing customer pressures, and increasin...


7. Passport Business Solutions

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $995 per license
  • Jun 02, 2022
Compare Passport Business Solutions Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Passport Business Solutions (PBS) is an accounting software that helps increase business profitability. This software provides entry-level solutions and enables companies to structure a system that is peculiar to their needs.


8. E2 Shop System

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $4,995 per license
  • Jun 14, 2022
Compare E2 Shop System Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Shoptech, the company behind this manufacturing software, was founded back in 1984. The founders are Greg Ehemann and Rich Ehemann, the two Es in the E2 Shop System. The company is providing ERP packages to thousands of customers across North America.


9. Fishbowl Manufacturing

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $4,395 per license
  • Jun 14, 2022
Compare Fishbowl Manufacturing Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Fishbowl Manufacturing is a web based enterprise resource planning solution designed for small and medium businesses. It offers assistance in accounting, business intelligence, HR management, inventory management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Fishbowl headquartered in Utah, ...


10. ONLYOFFICE Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $149 per license
  • Jun 24, 2022
Compare ONLYOFFICE Software Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

ONLYOFFICE software formerly TeamLab is collaborative Open source office suite that is built for business entities of all sizes. The software is available both as cloud-based and on on-premise platforms. ONLYOFFICE software is a product of Ascensio System SIA, a software company that is headquartere...


Pricing Guide - Electronics Manufacturing Software:

Manufacturing Software Pricing

Businesses looking for manufacturing software can expect to pay between $120 to $200 per month. Note that many products are priced per user, per month, so a company planning to deploy software with up to 10 user accounts should expect to pay around $1,500 per month if the software costs $150. Alternatively, some manufacturing software are priced on a per-year basis. For example, PINpoint is priced at $2,000 per user, per year, while Infor CloudSuite Industrial costs $150 monthly per user. Others are SAP Business ByDesign, which costs $149 monthly per user, and Work Instruction Software pricing is around $850 monthly per 15 users.

Also, manufacturing tools in the market can have their prices set based on business size, and some products are specifically designed to serve some sizes of business more.

  • Small Businesses should expect prices that range from $25 to $40 per user per month for manufacturing software. However, many products offer their entry-level package for free for small businesses, although with limited features. Some products within this price range are Pronest and Compass & HQ, which both cost $30 per user monthly each. However, some products can be bought perpetually; an example is DBA manufacturing, which requires a one-time fee of $2,000.
  • Medium Businesses can expect to pay between $40 to $100 per user, per month for manufacturing software, depending on the robustness of the chosen products features. For example, Omono costs around $45 per user, per month and ERPAG pricing is around $50 monthly per user. Enterprise 21 ERP Package is priced at around $3,500 for a lifetime usage per user.
  • Large Businesses can expect to pay between $120 to $200 per user per month for a manufacturing software enterprise plan. An enterprise plan comes with more features, and the prices are adjusted and discounted based on the size of an organization workforce. However, the above price range may not include fees for installation/setup and training. For instance, Dozuki costs $199 per user per month, Infor M3 $150 monthly per user, and Frepple offers a one-time fee of $5,000 for unlimited user accounts.

Manufacturing software best of breeds and their price ranges are as follows:

  • Production Scheduling Software For production scheduling software, users can expect to pay a price that ranges from $10 to $50 and $50 to $150 monthly per user for entry-level offerings. Premium and enterprise offerings of production scheduling software cost between $500 to $1,000 per user, per month. For example, Monday.com pricing starts from $8 monthly per user, Katana costs $100 monthly per user, and MIE Track Pro costs $150 per user. For higher tier products, Optessa costs $5,000 monthly per 5 users, Master Control Manufacturing costs up to $1,000 monthly, and Prodsmart $1,000 monthly for unlimited user entries.
  • Manufacturing Execution Software Many manufacturing software in the market have a one-time fee, while many others have undisclosed fees because they have to be adjusted to suit each organization needs. However, users can expect to pay between $30 to $200 monthly per user for manufacturing and executing products with monthly pricings. For example, Upkeep pricing starts from $35 monthly per user, while Realtrac costs $170 monthly per user. On the other hand, Fishbowl costs $4,500, and Shopkeeper System Jobs Control costs $7,500— both for perpetual licenses.
  • MRP Software Users can expect to pay between $25 and $100 upwards per user, per month for an MRP software; however, the prices largely depend on the tier of products and the robustness of their features. For instance, Odoo pricing starts from $25 monthly per user, Xtuple and Abas ERP pricing starts from $150 each per user per month, and WhereFour costs around $400 monthly for a number of users.
  • Quality Management Most quality management products in the market are priced on a per-user, per month basis. Their prices range from $10 and $50 upwards. These ranges are based on the tier of the products and their starting prices. For example, TRACKMEDIUM pricing starts from around $11 monthly per user, ISO Quality Management costs up to $10 monthly per user, and QualityKick pricing sits around $1,000 yearly per user.

11. Infor SyteLine

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business
  • Price: starts at $150 per user/month
  • Aug 23, 2022
Compare Infor SyteLine Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Infor SyteLine Cloudsuite industrial (SyteLine) software is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution designed specifically for make-to-stock, engineer-to-order, make-to-order, and mixed-mode manufacturers.


12. Cetec ERP Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $40 per user/month
  • Oct 21, 2022
Compare Cetec ERP Software Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Cetec ERP Software is a fast growing cloud-based ERP software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Cetec ERP Software received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


13. LillyWorks Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $100 per user/month
  • Oct 21, 2022
Compare LillyWorks Software Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

LillyWorks is a cloud-based manufacturing software that assists Manufacturers in overseeing delivery and throughput and handling the production scheduling process by prioritizing time-saving operations.


14. Exact Globe Next

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $225 per license
  • Apr 27, 2022
Compare Exact Globe Next Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Exact Globe Next is an enterprise resource planning solution for small and medium businesses. It offers such capabilities as business intelligence, inventory management, manufacturing, project management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Exact headquartered in Califo...


15. SAP Business One

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $56 per user/month
  • Dec 20, 2022
Compare SAP Business One Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

SAP Business One software is an enterprise resource planning solution designed for small and midsized business. The solution offers a number of functionalities that include premium engagements that secure businesses long-term success with the highest level of enterprise and collaboration.


16. Quality Management & Compliance Software

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • May 18, 2022
Compare Quality Management & Compliance Software Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Quality Management & Compliance Software is a manufacturing management solution for businesses of all sizes. It eliminates data redundancy and reduces paperwork in addition to task automation and other services. The software was developed and launched by IQS headquartered in Ohio, United...


17. Advanced supply chain

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • May 25, 2022
Compare Advanced supply chain Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Advanced supply chain is a supply chain management solution for businesses of all sizes. It reduces operational costs, streamlines the cash flow, and improves the logistic services. The software was designed and launched by Advanced Processing Limited headquartered in Bradford, United Ki...


18. Accolent ERP

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $2,500 per license
  • May 25, 2022
Compare Accolent ERP Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Accolent ERP is an enterprise resource planning solution for small and medium businesses. It offers assistance in wholesale distribution management along with inventory and purchasing management capabilities. The software was developed and launched by ADS Solutions Corporation headquarte...


19. WorkWise ERP Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $60 per user/month
  • Jun 10, 2022
Compare WorkWise ERP Software Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Workwise Software is an ERP and CRM software for manufacturers to streamline business processes, automate sales and marketing processes, get a view over activities, and improve communication systems.


20. TrackVia

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $499 per month
  • Jun 16, 2022
Compare TrackVia Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

TrackVia is a web-based solution that can also be accessed on mobile, which helps businesses manage their customer relations, sales, projects, assets and more. What separates TrackVia from similar tools is complete customization for dashboards and modules based on each user’s needs by easy and intui...


21. Resource Manager DB Software

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $490 per license
  • Jul 01, 2022
Compare Resource Manager DB Software Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Resource Manager DB (RMDB) is a production scheduling software designed to adapt to operations, using available data to plan, schedule, track and manage production.


22. ECi M1

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $5,000 per month
  • Jun 24, 2022
Compare ECi M1 Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

ECi M1 is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software product designed for growing manufacturing businesses. Its main features include modules for product and supply chain management, financial management, sales management and shop floor data collection, customer relationship management and ecomm...


23. Arena PLM

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $89 per user/month
  • Aug 24, 2022
Compare Arena PLM Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Arena PLM software is a cloud-based Product Lifecycle Management solution designed to serve the OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). Arena PLM offers users capabilities to manage their design, production as well as products delivery.


24. Fitrix Electronics Manufacturing ERP

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $25 per month
  • Jul 05, 2022
Compare Fitrix Electronics Manufacturing ERP Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Fitrix Electronics Manufacturing ERP is a software solution that features 20 integrated applications including those for CRM (customer relationship management), manufacturing, eCommerce integration, core accounting and financial management, and distribution. The software also features several custom...


25. GuideCX

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 16, 2023
Compare GuideCX Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

GuideCX is a project management software company that specializes in customer onboarding and implementation. Their platform is designed to streamline the customer onboarding process by providing a centralized location for project management, communication, and collaboration between all parties invol...


26. Webtech PLM Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Jul 13, 2022
Compare Webtech PLM Software Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

WebTech PLM is a cloud-based and on-premise hybrid product lifecycle management (PLM) solution that caters to businesses of all sizes across various industries. It enables the users manage projects, tasks, workflows, and has a built-in reporting engine.


27. The Plex Manufacturing Cloud

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $3,000 per month
  • Jul 05, 2022
Compare The Plex Manufacturing Cloud Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

The Plex Manufacturing Cloud is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) software product. It is designed for medium-sized and large businesses. It has modules for production management, inventory management, product and program management, supply chain management, quality management, custom...


28. CommerceBlitz

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $199.95 per month
  • Mar 04, 2022
Compare CommerceBlitz Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

CommerceBlitz is a B2B and Omni wholesale software designed for warehouse managers and wholesalers to handle the onboarding of new personnel, oversees order processes, and track warehouse and inventory operations across various sales platforms.


29. Oracle SCM Cloud

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $300 per user/month
  • Jul 12, 2022
Compare Oracle SCM Cloud Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Oracle SCM Cloud is a cloud-based SCM or supply chain management software that is accessible in various devices that is connected to the web. It allows convenient and easier management of finances, information, and materials or products from the suppliers to the consumers.


30. Infor Nexus

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • May 04, 2022
Compare Infor Nexus Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Infor Nexus is a supply chain management software that enables businesses to gain real-time supply chain visibility, predictive intelligence, collaboration, and planning into supply chain activities.


31. Concept Enterprise Product Configurator Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 24, 2022
Compare Concept Enterprise Product Configurator Software Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Concept Enterprise Product Configurator is a manufacturing software built to help manufacturing companies configure complex products while providing guidelines for the configuration process.


32. Synergy SPC

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $55 per user/month
  • Jul 16, 2022
Compare Synergy SPC Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Synergy is a statistical process control (SPC) software solution for your business. The software was designed by Zontec, Inc., headquartered in Ohio, United States.  The software aims at locating the problems and variations in the production process and eliminating them to increase system efficiency...


33. JOBSCOPE

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $3,000 per license
  • Jul 15, 2022
Compare JOBSCOPE Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

JOBSCOPE Project ERP is a project manufacturing software that can help users to ensure that all the operations are scheduled accurately according to actual plant capacity and customer requirements. The software comes with all the required ERP software modules including production BOM, CRM, engineeri...


34. Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne ERP Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $999 per month
  • Jul 31, 2022
Compare Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne ERP Software Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne is a cloud-based ERP software designed for businesses to help users maximize investment by enhancing entry into new markets and sustaining agility by improving financial knowledge and accelerating time-to-value.


35. PSI ERP

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price:
  • Aug 04, 2022
Compare PSI ERP Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

PSI ERP is an enterprise resource planning solution for small and medium businesses. It offers such services as capacity planning, sales planning, materials resource planning, and others. The software was designed and launched by Profit Solutions International headquartered in Ontario, Canada.


36. Small Mfg

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $995 per license
  • Aug 04, 2022
Compare Small Mfg Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Small Mfg is an accounting and inventory management solution for small and medium businesses. It offers such capabilities as purchase orders, accounts payable, bill of materials, and others. The software was designed and launched by TechnoResources Inc headquartered in Washington, United States.


37. E-Z-MRP Manufacturing Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $4,700 per license
  • Aug 04, 2022
Compare E-Z-MRP Manufacturing Software Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

E-Z-MRP is a manufacturing and production planning solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as capacity planning, material planning, “what-if scenarios”, and others. The software was designed and launched by Weeks Software Solutions LLC headquartered in Idaho, United States....


38. AccountMate SQL Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $4,000 per license
  • Aug 23, 2022
Compare AccountMate SQL Software Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

AccountMate SQL software is a hybrid accounting solution that can be deployed as SaaS, Cloud-based or on-premise. The platform offer functionality tools that help small & midsize businesses manage their financial processes and routines.


39. OfficeBooks

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $9.99 per month
  • Sep 15, 2022
Compare OfficeBooks Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

OfficeBooks is a web based supply chain management solution for small and medium businesses. It offers such capabilities as supply chain monitoring, analytics, order processing, supplier management, and others. The software was designed and launched by OfficeBooks Inc headquartered in On...


40. AcctVantage ERP

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $300 per user/month
  • Sep 16, 2022
Compare AcctVantage ERP Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Acctvantage ERP is an ERP software designed for businesses to manage purchases and production activities. It also enables them to organize warehouse operations, manage cash usage, process customer orders, and carry out other inventory functions.


41. Infor LN Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Sep 29, 2022
Compare Infor LN Software Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Infor LN is a cloud-based ERP software designed for manufacturers and distributors to monitor metrics, improve communication, and gather real-time data in manufacturing processes.


42. Acumatica Cloud ERP

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price:
  • Feb 11, 2024
Compare Acumatica Cloud ERP Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Acumatica Cloud ERP is cloud-based as well as an on-premise enterprise resource planning solution that is designed for use by both businesses as well as individual professionals. The solution offers business the critical functionalities that help support business growth and expansion since the solut...


43. QAD ERP

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $250 per user/month
  • Oct 07, 2022
Compare QAD ERP Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

QAD ERP is an on-premise and cloud-based enterprise resource planning software that built and fully featured for the manufacturing solutions. QAD ERP supports multi- and mixed-mode manufacturing, batch/formula, repetitive, Kanban, in discrete and co-product/by-products manufacturing processes.


44. Aquilon ERP Distribution

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $120 per month
  • Oct 07, 2022
Compare Aquilon ERP Distribution Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Aquilon ERP Distribution software is an affordable and feature-rich enterprise resource planning solution. The real-time data function ensures that the transaction engines update the system in real-time. The user-defined reports give necessary information to manage and guide your business.


45. Jada SCP 4-0

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $35,500 per license
  • Oct 04, 2022
Compare Jada SCP 4-0 Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Jada SCP 4.0 is a supply chain management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as demand planning, inventory optimization, supplier management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Jada Management Systems LLC headquartered in Oregon, United States.


46. Evo~ERP

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $250 per month
  • Mar 24, 2022
Compare Evo~ERP Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Evo~ERP is an enterprise resource planning software with manufacturing control, integrated accounting and inventory management features. The ERP solution makes sure your business gets more than just a simple accounting system by offering a true accounting, manufacturing and order processing suite. T...


47. OmegaCube ERP

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $179 per user/month
  • Oct 07, 2022
Compare OmegaCube ERP Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

OmegaCube ERP is an enterprise resource planning solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as accounting, business intelligence, inventory management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Omega Cube Technologies headquartered in Illinois, United States.


48. Expandable ERP

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $250 per user/month
  • Oct 07, 2022
Compare Expandable ERP Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Expandable ERP is a web based enterprise resource planning solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as accounting, business intelligence, inventory management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Expandable Software Inc headquartered in California, United S...


49. ProfitKey ERP Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Jan 27, 2023
Compare ProfitKey ERP Software Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

ProfitKey ERP Software is a trending cloud-based Inventory Management software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. ProfitKey ERP Software received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


50. Central ERP

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $300 per user/month
  • May 30, 2022
Compare Central ERP Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Central ERP is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that offers users with complete control over their operations and accounts so that they can make improved and better business decision.


51. Decision Builder ERP Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Oct 07, 2022
Compare Decision Builder ERP Software Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Decision Builder ERP Software is a leading cloud-based ERP software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Decision Builder ERP Software received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.6/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


52. epicor Mattec MES

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Feb 01, 2023
Compare epicor Mattec MES Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Epicor Mattec MES is a cloud-based and on-premise manufacturing execution and management software that is suitable for manufacturers of all kind with repetitive manufacturing. Mattec MES helps manufacturers automate their manufacturing operations by helping them organize the manufacturing set up.


53. ICIM ERP and Accelerated ERP Software

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price:
  • Feb 24, 2022
Compare ICIM ERP and Accelerated ERP Software Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

ICIM ERP and Accelerated ERP Software is a trending cloud-based Inventory Management software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. ICIM ERP and Accelerated ERP Software received a rating of 4.2 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.3/5) when compared...


54. Maxx ERP

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price:
  • Feb 01, 2023
Compare Maxx ERP Vs. NetSuite Order Management System

Maxx ERP is an enterprise resource planning solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as financial management, production management, inventory management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Maxxum LLC headquartered in Wisconsin, United States.



A Buyer's Guide to Business Software Solutions

How to Evaluate and Buy Business Software
 
If you’re somehow puzzled if this article is only for a specific size of business, no, it’s not. This is for you SMEs, MNEs and start-ups software buyers. Also, we’re not talking about a specific software solution here. Whether the software solution that you’re planning to buy is for Accounting, Business Intelligence, ERP, CRM, Help Desk, Maintenance Management or other types of application, one thing is for sure; with the help of this article, you will be able to know the right process in evaluating and buying a business software solution.
 
We’ve been into the software business for years and we’re seeing a lot of nitty-gritty things that often bring confusions and hesitations to many companies looking for better software solutions. Some companies can’t afford to let go their legacy systems while a few is encountering technological snags once the new system is in place. While this is the underlying truth behind software acquisition and implementation, what’s exciting about buying a business software solution is that there is a clear and obvious proof that thousands of companies and corporations today are happy with the benefits this technology is bringing into their respective businesses.  There is a significant increase in their revenue and the growth is on-going. And it’s easy to say; many from the Fortune 500 companies are making a lot of money because of their smartly-acquired business software.
 
So, let’s get straight to the point. What should you do in order to acquire that business software that could make your organization achieve its goals? The answer to this is pretty straightforward: evaluate and buy that right business software. Yes, that’s what you need to do and here’s the best manual from ITQlick.com that could certainly help you in doing that strategically.
 
Consider the Needs of Your Organization
Let’s assume that at this point, the entire management team agreed that you are ready to invest on a certain software application. The budget has been compromised and the key persons who will be involved in the acquisition process were already identified. Therefore, it’s time to approach things the project management way.
 
Define the Project
Every business software solution is categorized base on application type, features, deployment model, market size and pricing model. Remember that our objective here is to evaluate and buy a business software product that will fit into the size and present needs of your business. So what the project management team should try to deal with first is to define the real requirements of your business exactly base on the categories set by the software industry. Moreover, by doing this activity, you are already narrowing down your search for the right solution. Now, consider bringing this list of FAQs to the project management and aim to come up with clear-cut answers.
 
  1. What type of software is needed? Is it Integrated-Suite, Best-of-Breed or Industry-Specific? Ask your CEO’s main agenda and find the perfect match from these available options.
  2. What are the core and secondary features? Are you looking for basic, advanced or hi-end features? List down the specific features per category and allow the department managers and supervisors to give their insights on this list.
  3. How are you going to deploy the system? Would it be on-premise, cloud-based, hosted, or mobile-based? Weigh these options with the help of your CIO.
  4. Are you going for Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3 vendors? Their offered solutions are base on the size of their target market - SMEs, MNEs or start-ups. Seek your CFO’s advice as it is important to match your financial capacity against the cost of the solution that the providers have for you.
  5. Are you willing to pay for the perpetuity software license or a subscription-based solution is way better? How many users are there and what would be their roles in using the system? Solicit feedbacks from future end users for they know better what challenges and risks might possibly come along their way when they’re using the system.
 
Finalize the BOM or List of Requirements
After providing definite answers on the above questions, we can say that the project has already been defined. Your procurement team is now ready to do their role in the acquisition process of this solution. However, in order for them to execute their job properly, they must have the complete list of requirements - features, specifications, hardware, and the software product. In other words, the Bill-of-Materials (BOM) that is final, complete and well-prepared must be handed over to the procurement director. Needless to say, it is very important that everybody is following the company purchasing and procurement protocols at all times.  
 
Request for Proposal (RFP)
The RFP process will bring everything into formality. Since you’re more likely in a line of business that doesn’t regularly buy software products, it is of critical importance that your RFP is well-structured before you send it to your prospect solution providers.
 
Draft the RFP
An RFP that contains all the relevant information as discussed during the project management meetings will enable the providers to return back to you their proposal that is complete and substantial. Therefore, your RFP should basically contain the following:
 
Brief Introduction
  • Company Name
  • Mission and Goals
  • Purpose of the RFP (or the need for software solution)
Business Background
  • Organizational Structure
  • Current Situation (IT infrastructure, system currently in-use, system issues and desired solutions, etc.)
  • Major Objectives of the Software Purchase
Request for Specific Requirements
  • Solution Functionality
  • System Specifications
  • Vendor Company Information
  • Price Model, Service Plans, Package Options
Other Important Inquiries (if necessary)
 
Send the RFP
Well-structured RFP will bring a lot of advantages especially when the proposals from various providers are received and then subjected for review and analysis. Send your RFP to at least three to five providers (or prospects which you have already shortlisted during the project definition phase). Depending on the complexity of the solution, most vendors will send their proposal in a matter of time, which could be around 4 to 6 weeks for Integrated-Suite solution.
 
Why still send RFP?
Is there really a need for RFP if your preferred solution (like cloud-based) and the service plans or packages are already displayed on the vendor’s website? Well, yes, you still need to undergo the RFP process. For most sales people, they certainly know that those figures appearing in the vendor’s website are usually the “list price” and not the “actual price”. More importantly, the vendor’s proposal (response to RFP) will serve as your main basis for the negotiation. Therefore, sending an RFP is a strict requirement.
 
Follow up questions relevant to RFP
More often than not, questions and concerns will be raised by the vendors to whom you send the RFP. You have to entertain them with utmost professionalism. Solution providers who are seeking further clarifications relevant to the RFP are consisting of professional software experts who wants to help your organization as much as they can. Entertain them but at the same time, always be cautious when providing additional information which you know is confidential or proprietary.
 
Evaluate the Proposals
Always refer to your finalized BOM when tabulating the contents of each proposal. Part of this process is to check the features that are available from this certain vendor and to cross out those that are not. While using spreadsheet aids the tabulation process, laying down the document proposals on the table and allowing your project management team to review them one by one should always be conducted. Evaluating the proposals in full force can help strengthen your decision-making process. Have another round of brain-storming session and come with the name of your preferred solution provider.
 
When selecting the final vendor, always promote the best interest of your organization. Consider answering these questions with full sincerity.
 
  1. Which vendor can provide the long-term benefits to your organization?
  2. Which vendor can provide the best and honest service from acquisition to full implementation?
  3. Which vendor is willing to devote most of its time in better serving its client?
 
Contact this solution provider and in your own strategic approach, try to get the answers to those three important questions above. In most cases, vendor who really wants to prove its craft will offer product demos on a higher level. Others will even invite you to check their already deployed and working systems. Feel free to connect with this type of vendor. Conduct simulation and testing, be it a cloud-based or on-premise solution. Examine all aspects and angles especially those that your project management team want to really know in-depth. For as long as it could help you arrive at a better decision, consider doing all the options available – for the interest of the organization.
 
Enter the Negotiation Process
Most solutions providers can be flexible in terms of pricing. Although the final say is oftentimes on the mouth of the sales person from the vendor’s side, a good negotiation process can always deliver a win-win situation to both parties involve. While negotiation sometimes cannot be settled in one sitting session, always be honest with your intentions whenever negotiating with your provider. If it’s about your budget, justify it with clarity. If it’s about their service plans, tell them what’s lacking or missing on their solution. At the end of the day, the most important event that should happen is that both of you are shaking hands because of a well done negotiation process.
 
Seal the Contract
So what are you going to do on a contract that involves a significant amount of investment? There are three project management approaches for this.
 
  1. Pass the ball to you legal team. They know what to do and more or less they will tell you if there is something wrong with the contract. Give them enough time to review before they affix their signature and then finally seal the contract.
  2. Hire a consultant base on the technical aspect that you want to clarify in the contract. If it’s the Scope of Work (SOW), a software implementation expert is the right person. If it is related to complex legal terms and conditions, a lawyer can help. If it has something to do with money, invite an accountant to conduct a thorough review and computation if necessary.
  3. Always consider consulting your project management team. Remember that the CIO, CFO and CEO are all team members. They will be the signatories and they know what’s best for the interest of the company when signing a contract agreement.
 
From evaluation to buying stage, it is important that the project manager must take full responsibility of monitoring all the works identified and distributed among team members. This is why delegating the right project manager is also an important consideration when buying a business software solution. And again, ITQlick.com wants to emphasize that whatever the size of your company is, using the project management approach will always lead you into a better outcome – that is getting what you paid for the right business software solution. 

Finding the right business software for your business
Proper business software selections are the precursor to successful deployment and business growth. Finding the right solutions doesnít have to be complicated, and it doesnít have to take days or weeks of your time.

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Auditor - Shlomi Lavi

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Shlomi Lavi is an entrepreneur and founder of ITQlick.com. He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Information Systems Engineering from Ben Gurion University in Israel. Shlomi brings 17 years of global IT and IS management experience as a consultant and implementation expert for small, medium and large-sized (global) companies. Shlomi’s goal is to share the best knowledge and news about information systems so you can make smarter buying decisions for your business.