Top 54 Maid Service Software (Feb 2023)

2023's Best 55 Maid Service Systems

Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / Feb 03, 2023

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1. Jobber

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $39 per user/month
  • Mar 07, 2022
Compare Jobber Vs. Jobber

Jobber, a Field Service Management software launched in 2011, makes field service work easy by neatly organizing everything from a customers list to invoicing and billing. Fast and easy to use, Jobber’s flexible features were designed to get your serious on-site service work done with ease. Jobbe...


2. HouseCall Pro

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $49 per user/month
  • Mar 08, 2022
Compare HouseCall Pro Vs. Jobber

HouseCall Pro is a cloud-based field management system which is designed for use in businesses of all sizes starting from small-sized businesses, medium-sized businesses, and large enterprises. The solution provides mobile support that comes in an application, which can be used on iOS and Android ph...


3. eMaint X4

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $33 per user/month
  • Mar 08, 2022
Compare eMaint X4 Vs. Jobber

eMaint X4 is a cloud-based computerized maintenance management software (CMMS). eMaint X4 was launched by eMaint Enterprises and follows the Software as a Service (SaaS) implementation model. It incorporates a wide range of features divided into various dedicated modules.


4. Service Fusion

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $126 per month
  • Mar 08, 2022
Compare Service Fusion Vs. Jobber

Service Fusion is a field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as billing and invoicing, customer and contract management, inventory management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Service Fusion headquartered in Texas, United...


5. Mhelpdesk

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $374 per 10 users/month
  • Mar 09, 2022
Compare Mhelpdesk Vs. Jobber

MHelpdesk is a web-based field service management that systematizes requests, customer data, billings and reports. It takes pride in providing complete visibility to field staff all in one place. MHelpdesk is developed by the company of the same name. It was released in 2007 and is headed by Ry...


6. Service Autopilot

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $47 per month
  • Mar 09, 2022
Compare Service Autopilot Vs. Jobber

Service Autopilot is a web based field service management solution for small and medium businesses. It offers such capabilities as dispatch management, payroll management, routing and scheduling, and others. The software was designed and launched by Backtell LLC headquartered in Texas, United States...


7. Kickserv

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $31 per month
  • Mar 10, 2022
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Kickserv is a cloud-based field management solution that is designed to work well in small-sized businesses. It provides them with functionalities and tools that enable them to manage invoices and payments, jobs, team schedules, estimates and leads in one interface.


8. Vonigo

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $98 per user/month
  • Mar 14, 2022
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Vonigo is a web based field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as scheduling and routing, work order management, billing and invoicing, and others. The software was designed and launched by Vonigo Software Ltd headquartered in British Columbia, Canad...


9. RazorSync

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $55 per 2 users/month
  • Mar 19, 2022
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RazorSync is a cloud-based Field Service Management solution and Mobile App that helps businesses to schedule jobs, process payments and manage workers. It helps to reduce time wastage, update customer records and reduce the billing cycle. RazorSync is a product of RazorSync Company founded in 2010...


10. Launch27

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $59 per month
  • May 06, 2022
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Launch27 is a field service software that enables cleaning businesses to increase their customer base, ultimately resulting in profitable ventures.


Pricing Guide - Maid Service Software:

Price Range on Field Service Management software

Companies can expect to pay between $5 and $300 a month for a Field Service Management (FSM) software, with a "per user/agent/asset" payment option. The cost could be between $500 and $5,000 for one-time subscriptions. However, vendors may also charge for installation and other features such as asset reporting, analytics, client portal, and so on. The range based on the business size is as follows:

  • Small-sized businesses (with up to 25 employees) would have to pay between $20 to $75 monthly for Field Service Management software. The one-time cost range is $500-$1500, and additional installation costs could reach $700. For example, TrackerPal pricing starts at $5 a month for each user; Freshdesk cost up to $15 monthly per agent, and YourTradebase pricing goes for $33 a month.
  • Medium businesses can expect a price range of $69-$199 for FSM software. Service Fusion begins at $99 a month, ServiceBridge at $69 a month, and PestRoute pricing goes for $199 a month, excluding startup service charges.
  • Large establishments would pay upwards of $375 per month for Field Service software units. The price range is between $3000 and $5000 for one-time licensing, and additional charges may run up to $5000. For example, ServiceMax starts at $100 per month, RazorSync at $40, and Fleetio pricing goes for $6 per month for each asset. BellaSolutions offers a one-time setup of $7500.

There are other best of breeds under Field Services; some of which include:

  • Maid Service Software This type of Field Service Software typically costs between $0 and $49. For instance, ZenMaid pricing goes for $49 a month, DoTimely for 25 cents per month, and The Service Program costs $49 a month.
  • Maintenance Management Software Users can expect to pay around $6-$40 for Maintenance Software units. For example, EZOfficeInventory starts at $40 a month, Odoo costs about $20 monthly, and Limble CMMS goes for $35 per month. Also, OneSoft Connect pricing starts at $6 a month with plans up to $33 a month.
  • Service Dispatch Software Most vendors offer Service Dispatch software units between $49-$100 a month. Also, one-time pricing for the software could also reach $6700. Route4Me, for example, has a base subscription of $99 a month but also offers a free trial version for a start. vWork pricing starts at $49 a month, and HCSS Dispatcher charges a one-time payment of $6700.
  • HVAC Software Users would have to pay between $25 and $350 monthly for HVAC Software units. For instance, the base subscription for Solves costs $25 a month, RepairShopr pricing starts at $49 a month, and HVACbizPro starts at $349 per month. Husky Intelligence cost price begins at $29 a month, with plans up to $49 per month. Husky Intelligence also has optional features costing around $99 per month.
  • Plumbing Software Plumbing software has a price range of $20-$49. For example, JobSite pricing goes for $49 per month, Routezilla for $19 a month, and ProBusinessTools for $40 a month.
  • Work Order Software Users can expect to pay between $0 and $50 per month for Work Order software units. The price can go up to as high as $600 if the vendor charges annually. Snapii, for example, starts at $1 a month, WorkStraight goes for $19 a month, and RoadFS costs $50 per month.

11. BookedIN

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $24 per month
  • May 31, 2022
Compare BookedIN Vs. Jobber

BookedIN is a web based booking and scheduling solution for small and medium businesses. Its services include marketing management, customization, appointment management, payment management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Coldwin Software Inc headquartered in Canad...


12. ScheduFlow Online

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $39.95 per month
  • Jun 09, 2022
Compare ScheduFlow Online Vs. Jobber

Scheduflow Online is a SaaS-based Employee Scheduling software that enables employers to manage their workforce and client appointment information in centralized information and interact with new leads through consultations and appointment scheduling.


13. Sergeant Schedule

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $100 per user/month
  • Apr 30, 2022
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Sergeant Schedule is a cloud-based construction software for project managers and schedulers to track time, plan projects, merge estimates, and manage staff members.


14. ClickSoftware

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $25 per user/month
  • Apr 28, 2022
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ClickSoftware is a field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as business intelligence, customer management, scheduling and routing, and others. The software was designed and launched ClickSoftware Inc headquartered in Vermont, United States.


15. Coresystems Field Service

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $29 per month
  • Apr 28, 2022
Compare Coresystems Field Service Vs. Jobber

Coresystems Field Service is a field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as billing and invoicing, service history tracking, work order management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Coresystems headquartered in Switzerland.


16. ProntoForms for Construction

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $15 per user/month
  • Apr 26, 2022
Compare ProntoForms for Construction Vs. Jobber

ProntoForms for Construction is a construction mobile form software designed to help construction companies manage workers and data more efficiently from Android, iOS, BlackBerry and Windows phones. Users will be able to send and fill out forms on site with or without connectivity from their...


17. FarEye

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $20 per user/month
  • Apr 28, 2022
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FarEye is a web based field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as electronic signature, communication logs, GPS location tracking, and others. The software was designed and launched by RoboticWares Private Limited headquartered in New Delhi, India. ...


18. Canvas

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $20 per user/month
  • May 18, 2022
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Canvas is a mobile business app and form management solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include signature and image capture, barcode scanning, app customization, and others. The software was designed and launched by Canvas Solutions Inc headquartered in Virginia, Unite...


19. Nexterna Clearview

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,500 per license
  • Dec 13, 2022
Compare Nexterna Clearview Vs. Jobber

Nexterna Clearview is a field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as billing and invoicing, dispatch management, electronic signature, and others. The software was designed and launched by Nexterna headquartered in Ontario, Canada.


20. FieldPower

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $70 per license
  • May 26, 2022
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FieldPower is a web based field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers help in billing and invoicing, customer management, inventory control, and other aspects. The software was designed and launched by Zylog Systems Ltd headquartered in New Jersey, United Sta...


21. BookingKoala

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $27 per month
  • Jun 14, 2022
Compare BookingKoala Vs. Jobber

BookingKoala is a booking and scheduling software that helps users set up customized forms, price, location, and branding. This software offers marketing features that enable businesses to get more clients online.


22. Verizon Networkfleet

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $50 per month
  • Jun 20, 2022
Compare Verizon Networkfleet Vs. Jobber

Verizon Networkfleet software is a cloud-based GPS fleet management platform built for enterprise organisations and government agencies. The solution offers various functionalities such as fleet tracking, vehicle diagnostics, monitoring, GPS Tracking & roadside vehicle assistance, all from a single ...


23. Mobile Inspection Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jun 18, 2022
Compare Mobile Inspection Software Vs. Jobber

Mi-Corporation’s Mobile Inspection Software is a web based field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include database inspection, data capturing, invoicing, and others. The software was designed and launched by Mi-Corporation headquartered in North C...


24. IFS Field Service Management

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $65 per month
  • Jun 24, 2022
Compare IFS Field Service Management Vs. Jobber

IFS Field Service Management software is a service management solution that streamlines and automates processes. The solution offers a number of features that include a mobile application that enables field workers to access data through their devices.


25. SmartField Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $10 per user/month
  • Jun 26, 2022
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SmartField Software is an award-winning cloud-based Field Service software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. SmartField Software received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


26. Maidily

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $25 per month
  • Apr 18, 2022
Compare Maidily Vs. Jobber

Maidily is an automated customer communication software that helps cleaning businesses assign tasks, create schedules for maids, and set reminders for maids.


27. FieldLocate

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $70 per user/month
  • Dec 19, 2022
Compare FieldLocate Vs. Jobber

FieldLocate is a field service management software that can help users to keep track of their assets and streamline service operations. Users don’t have to chase behind money and will be able to add more time to the bottom line by streamlining invoices, work orders, quotes and payments. The software...


28. Maxoptra

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $35 per vehicle/month
  • Jul 06, 2022
Compare Maxoptra Vs. Jobber

Maxoptra is a web based routing and scheduling solution for small and medium businesses. It offers such services as planning, dispatching, and controlling. The software was designed and launched by Magenta Technology headquartered in London, United Kingdom.


29. WorkWave Service

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $59 per user/month
  • Aug 23, 2022
Compare WorkWave Service Vs. Jobber

Workwave is a field service management software built to help businesses reduce paperwork, expenses, and save time.


30. FieldEZ Software

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $15 per user/month
  • Jul 07, 2022
Compare FieldEZ Software Vs. Jobber

FiledEZ is a field service software designed to help businesses digitalize and transform their field operations. Customizable to suit each business workflow, the software can increase operational efficiency, enhance customer experience, and improve employee satisfaction.


31. ServiceMinder

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $124 per 2 users/month
  • Jul 18, 2022
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ServiceMinder is a web based customer relationship management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as marketing and sales automation, customer service, reporting, and others. The software was designed and launched by Acuere Software LLC headquartered in Texas, Uni...


32. Fergus

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $40 per user/month
  • Jul 24, 2022
Compare Fergus Vs. Jobber

Fergus is a field service software designed to help field serve SMBs get control of their operations. It allows owners to manage cost-effectively, keep jobs on track, and improve overall profitability.


33. WorkDeskPro

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Jul 18, 2022
Compare WorkDeskPro Vs. Jobber

WorkDeskPro is a cloud-based field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as billing and invoicing, call center management, inventory control, and others. The software was designed and launched by WorkDeskPro Ltd headquartered in the United Kingdom.


34. JobLogic

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $30 per user/month
  • Jul 19, 2022
Compare JobLogic Vs. Jobber

JobLogic is a field service management software that centralizes business and data processes to maximize team output.


35. RoutePoint

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $49 per vehicle/month
  • Jul 18, 2022
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RoutePoint is a field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as contract management, customer management, inventory management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Marathon Data Systems headquartered in New York, United Stat...


36. Scheduling Manager

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $795 per license
  • Aug 05, 2022
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Scheduling Manager is a field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as call center management, dispatch management, work order management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Thoughtful Systems Inc headquartered in New York, United Sta...


37. PestScan

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $35 per feature/month
  • Sep 21, 2022
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PestScan is a web based field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as contact management, inventory management, work order management, and others. The software was designed and launched by PestScan headquartered in the Netherlands.


38. Oneserve

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Feb 01, 2023
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Oneserve is a web based field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as billing and invoicing, business intelligence, work order management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Oneserve Ltd headquartered in the United Kingdom.


39. Foundation 3000

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price:
  • Jan 31, 2023
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Foundation 3000 is an accounting and enterprise resource planning solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include archiving and retention, configurable data searching, and others. The software was designed and launched by SOFTREND Systems Inc headquartered in British Colum...


40. ZenMaid

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $85 per month
  • Feb 03, 2023
Compare ZenMaid Vs. Jobber

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


41. BookSteam

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $19.95 per user/month
  • Feb 08, 2022
Compare BookSteam Vs. Jobber

BookSteam is a fast growing cloud-based Professional Services Automation software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. BookSteam received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


42. Call of Service

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $40 per feature/month
  • Feb 15, 2022
Compare Call of Service Vs. Jobber

Call of Service is a web based field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as billing and invoicing, customer database, service history tracking, and others. The software was designed and launched by Call of Service headquartered in Sydney, Australia. ...


43. Real Scheduler Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $75 per 2 users/month
  • Feb 16, 2022
Compare Real Scheduler Software Vs. Jobber

Real Scheduler Software is a fast growing cloud-based Field Service software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Real Scheduler Software received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


44. TrackGo

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $95 per 3 users/month
  • Feb 23, 2022
Compare TrackGo Vs. Jobber

TrackGo is a web based field service management solution for small and medium sized businesses. It offers such services as GPS mapping, route planning, contact management, and others. The software was designed and launched by TrackGo LLC headquartered in Texas, United States.


45. Field Force Tracker

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $20 per user/month
  • Feb 23, 2022
Compare Field Force Tracker Vs. Jobber

Field Force Tracker is a web based field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as dispatch management, QuickBooks integration, customer database, and others. The software was designed and launched by Field Force Tracker headquartered in New Jersey, Unit...


46. Service Pro

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Aug 26, 2022
Compare Service Pro Vs. Jobber

Service Pro is an on-premise or on-cloud field service management software developed for the various businesses of all sizes. Its key capabilities include billing and invoicing, contract management, dispatching, routing, scheduling, work order management, time clock, and more.


47. vx Field

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Feb 28, 2022
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vx Field is a cloud-based field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as scheduling and dispatching, schedule optimization, service performance management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Verisae headquartered in Minnesota, United Stat...


48. Field Promax

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $49 per 2 users/month
  • Mar 09, 2022
Compare Field Promax Vs. Jobber

Field Promax is a web based field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as electronic signature, job management, QuickBooks integration, and others. The software was designed and launched by Field Promax headquartered in Minnesota, United States.


49. Form-com

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 09, 2022
Compare Form-com Vs. Jobber

Form.com is a field service software solution that provides a client with features and tools that help clients optimize and streamline the workflow that is involved with the usual field service operations. The software triggers events that are appropriate to the situation based on different kinds of...


50. Fleetmatics WORK

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price:
  • Oct 29, 2022
Compare Fleetmatics WORK Vs. Jobber

Verizon Connect Work formerly Fleetmatics Work is cloud-based scheduling software designed for all-size businesses in service companies including HVAC, electricians and plumbers and more.


51. Scheduleflow Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $66.97 per month
  • Mar 25, 2022
Compare Scheduleflow Software Vs. Jobber

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


52. Synchroteam

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $24 per user/month
  • Mar 24, 2022
Compare Synchroteam Vs. Jobber

Synchroteam is a cloud-based field service management solution designed to help the user manage the mobile workforce. Some of its core features include job management, field tracking, and schedule & dispatch and more.


53. HomeWised

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $40 per user/month
  • Oct 31, 2022
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HomeWised is a web based home maintenance solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include automation of workflows, asset management, invoice management, and others. The software was designed and launched by HomeWised headquartered in Texas, United States.


54. MindYourService.com.

  • Best for: Medium business
  • Price: starts at $39.99 per user/month
  • Nov 10, 2022
Compare MindYourService.com. Vs. Jobber

MindYourService is web based field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as contract management, dispatch management, service history tracking, and others. The software was designed and launched by MindYourService Ltd headquartered in the United Kingdom...



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.