Top 54 Fuel Management Software (Feb 2023)

2023's Best 55 Fuel Management Systems

Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / Feb 01, 2023

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1. Fleetio Software

  • Best for: Large business
  • Price: starts at $5 per vehicle
  • Jun 01, 2022
Compare Fleetio Software Vs. Fleetio Software

Fleetio is a fleet management solution designed to help the user track, analyze and improve the fleet operations. Fleetio suite helps automate the fleet operations and manage the asset lifecycles for fleets across multiple industries.


2. Verizon Connect Reveal

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $45 per vehicle/month
  • May 14, 2022
Compare Verizon Connect Reveal Vs. Fleetio Software

Verizon connect reveal is a fleet management software built for companies with fleets to manage. The software provides a GPS-embedded 360-degree view of vehicles daily operations, thus giving insights on cost, vehicle maintenance needs, and how to increase productivity.


3. Samsara

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $33 per month
  • Apr 17, 2022
Compare Samsara Vs. Fleetio Software

Samsara is a fleet management software that helps companies increase the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of their vehicular operations, and it also manages operations from the point of dispatch to delivery.


4. AUTOsist

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $59 per vehicle/month
  • Oct 31, 2022
Compare AUTOsist Vs. Fleetio Software

AUTOsist is a cloud-based Fleet Maintenance software that enables its users to optimize operations cost through record-keeping and reminders.


5. Fleet Complete

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 02, 2022
Compare Fleet Complete Vs. Fleetio Software

Fleet Complete is a cloud-based fleet management software that provides commercial vehicle space and mobile management using IoT solutions. The software is geared towards improving in-field staff management, dispatch, fleet dispatch, and regulatory compliance.


6. GPS Insight

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $39.95 per vehicle
  • Apr 03, 2022
Compare GPS Insight Vs. Fleetio Software

GPS Insight is a fleet management software designed to help organizations with a fleet of vehicles and heavy equipment gain accountability-driven insights on vehicles/equipment locations and how they are being used.


7. Silent Passenger

  • Best for: Large business
  • Price: starts at $16.99 per month
  • Jun 01, 2022
Compare Silent Passenger Vs. Fleetio Software

IntelliShift Vehicle Telematicsis a cloud-based Fleet Management that enables managers to oversee multiple-use fleet operations through Business Intelligence tools.


8. TomTom WEBFLEET

  • Best for: Medium business
  • Price: starts at $20 per month
  • Jul 16, 2022
Compare TomTom WEBFLEET Vs. Fleetio Software

TomTom WEBFLEET is a cloud-based fleet management software solution that is focused on reducing mobile workforce cost as well as improve efficiencies with businesses. TomTom WEBFLEET allows the users to track the locations of their vehicles with the GPS tracking feature.


9. ITS Dispatch

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $39 per user/month
  • Jul 06, 2022
Compare ITS Dispatch Vs. Fleetio Software

ITS Dispatch is a cloud-hosted transport management system (TMS) intended for small to mid-level fleets & freight brokerage agencies. The software incorporates a suite of fleet management tools such as dispatch & scheduling, freight brokerage, GPS tracking, as well as rates and quote management amon...


10. Tailwind

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $9.99 per month
  • Sep 05, 2022
Compare Tailwind Vs. Fleetio Software

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


Pricing Guide - Fuel Management Software:

Supply Chain Management Sotware Price Range

The typical starting price range for Supply chain management software is between $0 to more than $1000 a month. Most vendors offer tiered subscription plans which might also include extra services and features. The price analysis of Supply Chain Management software products based on the size of the business is as follows:

  • Small companies can expect to pay between $0 and $200 for a Supply Chain software unit. For example, FreightPOP begins at $199 a month, Determine Contract Lifecycle Management at $3 a month, and Agiliron charges $99 monthly. ContraxAware also pricing starts at $59 a month for each user, ShipperEdge pricing goes for $199 monthly and Rose Rocket charges $69 monthly for its base subscription. CoreIMS at $50 a month and Symfact plans costs up to $59 a month.
  • Supply Chain Management software for Medium-sized Businesses have base subscriptions which cost up to $625 a month. For example, GoFrugal POS pricing starts at $375 a month, with a standard plan which costs $625 per month. Infoplus pricing goes for $379 per month.
  • Large Organisations can expect to start to pay up to $1000 for a Supply Chain software. For instance, Oracle Netsuite charges $999 for its base license, Logistically costs $300 monthly for its base plan, and NorthStar WMS pricing starts at $600.

There are some of the best breeds regarding Supply Chain Management software, and they have their price ranges for users who might be considering a specific Supply Chain software product.

The price ranges are as follows:

  • Warehousing Management Software Users can expect to pay up to $49 monthly for Warehousing Management Software. For example, EZOfficeInventory pricing starts at $35 a month, Zoho Inventory cost price begins at $49 per month and Handifox Online for $39 per month. Other vendors charge a one-time licensing fee as well; RetailOps, for example, goes for $2500, and FishBowl Inventory has a starting price of $4395.
  • Transportation Management Software Users can expect to pay up to $1500 a month for transportation Management software products. Some other vendors would offer one-time licensing, which could cost up to $20,000. For example, Trucker Helper pricing plan starts at $30 a month, Husky Intelligence costs up to $29 per month, and Viewpoint Logistics pricing goes for $1500 monthly. Furthermore, TMWSuite charges $20,000 one-time licensing, EnVision costs $3500 and Nova Transportation Solutions goes for $200 a month.
  • Contract Lifecycle Management Software This software subcategory pricing ranges is $19 - $1050 monthly. PandaDoc, for example, starts at $19 a month, Gatekeeper pricing starts at $450 per month, and MochaDocs pricing goes up to $44 monthly for each manager. Agiloft begins at $45 per month for its hosted services and $1050 per user for the software.
  • Demand Planning Software Software in this subcategory can cost up to $750 a month. For context, SkuBrain starts at $150 monthly, Skulocity pricing begins at $495 a month and PlanetTogether costs about $250. However, Some vendors charge a one-time licensing fee; an example is Demand Works Smoothie, which charges $5000.Also, StockIQ has its subscription plan at $750 a month.
  • Dropshipping Software Dropshipping Software has a price range of $19-$525 per month. For instance, EcomDash pricing starts at $60 a month, with other plans running up to $350 a month. Solid Commerce begins at $450 monthly, the Pro plan for SellerCloud goes for $525 a month, and Spocket pricing starts at $19 per month.
  • Freight Broker Software Freight Broker Software Users can expect to pay $69-$4000 a month for this product. For illustration, Descartes Aljex costs $290 per month, AscendTMS pricing goes for $69 per month, and 3G-TM pricing plan starts at $4000 monthly. Lastly, DAT Broker TMS pricing begins at $100 per month, and Dr Dispatch cost price goes for $99 a month.
  • Order Entry Software This subcategory has products that cost between $85 and $850 a month. For example, TotalETO pricing starts at $85 a month, SYSPRO at $199 per month and Epicor E10 ERP at $175. Also, Bizowie Cloud ERP costs $850 per month. Other vendors charge a perpetual licensing fee as well. Active ERP costs a one-time charge of $6000 per user.

11. Whip Around

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $5 per vehicle/month
  • May 16, 2022
Compare Whip Around Vs. Fleetio Software

Whip Around is a cloud-based fleet management software solution that enables logistics departments and drivers to inspect their vehicle condition on their mobile devices.


12. Arcfleet

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $135 per license
  • Apr 26, 2022
Compare Arcfleet Vs. Fleetio Software

Arcfleet is a fleet management and trucking dispatch solution for businesses of all sizes. It also offers work order, load, and transportation management among other services. The software was designed and launched by ARC Fleet Solutions Ltd headquartered in Nottingham, United Kingdom.


13. Teletrac

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $40 per vehicle/month
  • May 19, 2022
Compare Teletrac Vs. Fleetio Software

Teletrac is a web based GPS fleet tracking solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as dispatch management, fuel management, mileage tracking, and others. The software was designed and launched by TELETRAC Inc headquartered in California, United States.


14. Plug N Track GPS

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $49.95 per license
  • May 31, 2022
Compare Plug N Track GPS Vs. Fleetio Software

Plug N Track GPS software, now AutoConnect GPS software, is a fleet management software for field service companies to monitor vehicle activities.


15. Forward Thinking Systems

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jun 23, 2022
Compare Forward Thinking Systems Vs. Fleetio Software

Forward Thinking Systems is a fleet management software designed to help businesses manage their fleet and increase profit. The software does this by tracking maintenance, fuel usage, driver performance, and vehicle activity.


16. OPT Runner Software

  • Best for: Large business
  • Price: starts at $15 per month
  • Jun 22, 2022
Compare OPT Runner Software Vs. Fleetio Software

OPT Runner is a route planning software that uses artificial intelligence, simulations, predictive analytics, and mathematical optimization to boost productivity, reduce costs & risks, manage crises, and predict behaviors and trends.


17. GPS Fleet Tracking

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $16.95 per device/month
  • Jun 27, 2022
Compare GPS Fleet Tracking Vs. Fleetio Software

GPS Fleet Tracking is a growing cloud-based Fleet management software, it is designed to support medium and large size fleet. GPS Fleet Tracking received a rating of 2.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.4/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


18. Titan GPS

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 02, 2022
Compare Titan GPS Vs. Fleetio Software

Titan GPS is a fleet tracking software built to increase visibility over fleets, monitor drivers activities, track and manage fleet business equipment, and trim maintenance costs.


19. Azuga

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $28 per month
  • Jul 04, 2022
Compare Azuga Vs. Fleetio Software

Azuga is a fleet management software designed to help businesses monitor drivers behavior and offer rewards for good driving behavior. The software helps to provide fleets performance updates directly to the drivers and notify them of vehicle maintenance.


20. EcoTrack Fleet Management

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • May 25, 2022
Compare EcoTrack Fleet Management Vs. Fleetio Software

Eco Track Fleet Management is a fleet management software designed to track and monitor fleets using a GPS tracking system, track and reduce vehicle idle time by providing insights on drivers and fleets, and automatically schedule and carry out maintenance activities.


21. Webtech PLM Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Jul 13, 2022
Compare Webtech PLM Software Vs. Fleetio Software

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.


22. FleetLocate

  • Best for: Large business
  • Price:
  • Jul 09, 2022
Compare FleetLocate Vs. Fleetio Software

FleetLocate is a fleet management solution designed to assist in managing a company off-the-field assets such as vehicles and drivers. It gives real-time info on vehicle location, drivers behavior, and overall insights on how to reduce cost and improve productivity.


23. ClearPathGPS Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $20 per user/month
  • Jul 13, 2022
Compare ClearPathGPS Software Vs. Fleetio Software

ClearpathGPS is a fleet management software designed to help the transporting department of establishments keep track of their drivers and vehicles activities, review daily routes, and increase productivity.


24. 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. Fleetio Software

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.


25. Drivewyze PreClear Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $17.99 per month
  • Jul 13, 2022
Compare Drivewyze PreClear Software Vs. Fleetio Software

Drivewyze Preclear is a fleet management software designed to assist drivers bypass weigh stations and inspection sites, keep them safe, deliver goods faster, and eliminate transponder management.


26. RASTRAC

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 24, 2022
Compare RASTRAC Vs. Fleetio Software

RASTRAC is a fleet management software powered with GPS tracking technology that businesses can use to track assets and fleets anywhere.


27. GPS Leaders

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $10 per month
  • Jul 29, 2022
Compare GPS Leaders Vs. Fleetio Software

GPS Leaders is a cloud-based fleet management software that is designed with the specification for work in small-sized businesses, medium-sized businesses, and large enterprises in the service industry. The users can monitor the location of any cargo or any of their fleet using the solution.


28. Fleet GPS tracking by High Point GPS Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: Has a free version
  • Jul 31, 2022
Compare Fleet GPS tracking by High Point GPS Software Vs. Fleetio Software

High Point GPS is a fleet management software with a plug & play technology that enables businesses to track all vehicles from a single solution. The software also provides dashboards, reports, and events that businesses can use to stay alert and increase productivity.


29. Trucklogics Software

  • Best for: Large business
  • Price: starts at $29.95 per month
  • Jul 31, 2022
Compare Trucklogics Software Vs. Fleetio Software

Trucklogics is a trucking management software designed for transportation businesses to track and manage all vehicle activities like dispatches, scheduling, and drivers.


30. FleetMatics GPS Tracking

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $45 per user/month
  • Aug 26, 2022
Compare FleetMatics GPS Tracking Vs. Fleetio Software

Fleetmatics GPS Tracking also Verizon Connect is a SaaS-based GPS tracking platform designed to help small and medium-sized businesses uncover hidden costs in fleet management. The solution offers field service solution that enables the user organizes schedules, manage and monitor the progress of th...


31. TMWSuite

  • Best for: Large business
  • Price: starts at $20,000 per license
  • Aug 01, 2022
Compare TMWSuite Vs. Fleetio Software

TMWSuite is a supply chain management software that can help users to manage all the transportation process in an effective way. This trucking software can make every process of the supply chain cycle easier and can help business owners to take informed business decisions. It can manage all the info...


32. FleetCommander Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $16,000 per year
  • Sep 05, 2022
Compare FleetCommander Software Vs. Fleetio Software

Fleet Commander is a fleet maintenance software designed to help businesses manage fleets and motor pools. It also helps in sharing vehicles, understanding each vehicle utilization, right-sizing fleet, and reducing idle vehicles.


33. Tracks TMS Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $99 per month
  • Sep 05, 2022
Compare Tracks TMS Software Vs. Fleetio Software

Tracks TMS Software is a growing cloud-based Fleet management software, it is designed to support small and medium size fleet. Tracks TMS Software received a rating of 2.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


34. ProTransport

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $250 per license
  • Sep 28, 2022
Compare ProTransport Vs. Fleetio Software

ProTransport is a trucking software that integrates fleet operations into a single system, thereby helping businesses save time, measure truck performance, and make more strategic decisions.


35. FleetHolder Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $5 per month
  • Sep 29, 2022
Compare FleetHolder Software Vs. Fleetio Software

FleetHolder is a fleet management software designed to help businesses manage mobile workers and all moving assets remotely and from anywhere. The software enables users to monitor, in real-time, the overall performance of their business, thereby allowing them to make more informed decisions.


36. Limo Anywhere

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $99 per month
  • Oct 11, 2022
Compare Limo Anywhere Vs. Fleetio Software

Limo Anywhere is a cloud-based booking and dispatch solution designed to help run the limo and livery services. Some of its core features include vehicle tracking, billing & invoicing and customer database and more.


37. Nextraq

  • Best for: Medium business
  • Price: starts at $34.95 per month
  • Oct 19, 2022
Compare Nextraq Vs. Fleetio Software

NexTraq is an ELD-compliant fleet management solution for companies to get real-time insights on mobile assets and equipment. From the drivers behavior to how vehicles are being used, the software provides data-driven reports so as to improve drivers accountability and vehicle maintenance.


38. Omadi

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $50 per month
  • Jan 30, 2023
Compare Omadi Vs. Fleetio Software

Omadi is a growing cloud-based Field Service software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Omadi received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.8/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


39. Telogis Fleet

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Oct 06, 2022
Compare Telogis Fleet Vs. Fleetio Software

Telogis Fleet is a fleet management solution for businesses of all sizes. Its services include delivery management, vehicle management, inventory management, fuel management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Telogis headquartered in California, United States.


40. Linxup Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $99 per license
  • Jan 27, 2023
Compare Linxup Software Vs. Fleetio Software

Linxup Software is an award-winning cloud-based Fleet management software, it is designed to support small and medium size fleet. Linxup Software received a rating of 4.2 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


41. CRO Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Feb 20, 2022
Compare CRO Software Vs. Fleetio Software

CRO Software is a leading cloud-based Fleet management software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size fleet. CRO Software received a rating of 4.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.6/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


42. Strategy Live Trucking Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Feb 01, 2023
Compare Strategy Live Trucking Software Vs. Fleetio Software

Strategy Live Trucking Software is a web based trucking and freight management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as dispatch management, billing management, fuel tax management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Strategy Systems Inc headquartered i...


43. FleetSoft Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: Has a free version
  • Mar 23, 2022
Compare FleetSoft Software Vs. Fleetio Software

FleetSoft Software is a growing cloud-based Fleet management software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size fleet. FleetSoft Software received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


44. Track-POD

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $35 per driver/vehicle/month
  • Feb 14, 2022
Compare Track-POD Vs. Fleetio Software

Track-POD is an award-winning cloud-based Fleet management software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size fleet. Track-POD received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.4/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


45. RTA Fleet Management

  • Best for: Large business
  • Price: starts at $69 per user/month
  • Feb 14, 2022
Compare RTA Fleet Management Vs. Fleetio Software

RTA Fleet Management is an on-premise or on-cloud fleet management software created for large businesses. It has driver data management, data tracking, inventory management, costing, work order management, truck dispatch, maintenance inventory management, and work order management capabilities.


46. FLEETMATE

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $400 per license
  • Feb 14, 2022
Compare FLEETMATE Vs. Fleetio Software

Fleetmate is a fleet management and maintenance solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as fuel and cost tracking, maintenance scheduling, tire management, and others. The software was designed and launched by SCB Consulting LLC headquartered in Pennsylvania, United States.


47. Transport Pro

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $500 per month
  • Apr 13, 2022
Compare Transport Pro Vs. Fleetio Software

Transport Pro works with customers on an individual basis to ensure all transportation management needs are being met. Our system eliminates the need to manually enter crucial information.


48. GPS Trackit

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $19.95 per month
  • Feb 21, 2022
Compare GPS Trackit Vs. Fleetio Software

GPS Trackit is a fleet management software that gives a 24/7 bird-eye view of vehicles and employees operations right from the point of dispatching. It has an interactive map with which geofencing can be integrated to set parameters to vehicle movements and monitor the drivers compliance.


49. NOVA

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $200 per month
  • Feb 19, 2022
Compare NOVA Vs. Fleetio Software

NOVA is a transportation management solution for businesses of all sizes. Other than transportation operations, it handles back-office tasks and dispatch operations. The software was designed and launched by Aurora Software Inc headquartered in Pennsylvania, United States.


50. GFI Systems Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $24 per year
  • Feb 21, 2022
Compare GFI Systems Software Vs. Fleetio Software

GFI Systems Software is a growing cloud-based Fleet management software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size fleet. GFI Systems Software received a rating of 2.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


51. eeedo

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1 per month
  • Mar 15, 2022
Compare eeedo Vs. Fleetio Software

eeedo is a growing cloud-based Project Management software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. eeedo received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


52. Roadcast Delivery Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $5 per user/month
  • Feb 26, 2022
Compare Roadcast Delivery Software Vs. Fleetio Software

Roadcast Delivery Software is a growing cloud-based Fleet management software, it is designed to support small and medium size fleet. Roadcast Delivery Software received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


53. Route4Me

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $149 per month
  • Mar 02, 2022
Compare Route4Me Vs. Fleetio Software

Route4Me is an on-premise or on-cloud fleet management software created for medium and large businesses. It offers 3PL management, barcoding/RFID, order management, dispatch management, routing, fuel management, GPS tracking, driver management, and more features.


54. Truckers Helper

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $20 per 2 users/month
  • Feb 28, 2022
Compare Truckers Helper Vs. Fleetio Software

Truckers Helper is a fleet and trucking management solution for small and medium businesses. It offers such services as billing and invoicing, dispatch management, mileage tracking, and others. The software was designed and launched by Truckers Helper Online headquartered in Florida, 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. 

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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.