Top 54 Non-Profit Software (Feb 2023)

2023's Best 55 Non-Profit Systems

Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / Feb 06, 2023

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1. NetSuite

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $99 per user/month + $999 per month for the platform fee
  • Jan 25, 2023
Compare NetSuite Vs. NetSuite

NetSuite is a cloud ERP solution software that offers its users an all-inclusive platform that enables them to organize most office procedures and processes, such as eCommerce, CRM, and accounting for optimum efficiency.


2. DonorPerfect

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $99 per month
  • Mar 08, 2022
Compare DonorPerfect Vs. NetSuite

DonorPerfect provides a complete fundraising and donor management solution to help you reduce your workload and build relationships with your constituents. Discover all you can do with DonorPerfect:


3. eTapestry

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $99 per month
  • Mar 19, 2022
Compare eTapestry Vs. NetSuite

eTapestry is a cloud-based fundraising and donation management solution designed for small and midsize nonprofit organizations. The solution helps streamline fundraising activities such as scheduling & organizing fundraising events and reaching out to potential donors.


4. Sign Up Genius

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $8.99 per month
  • Aug 23, 2022
Compare Sign Up Genius Vs. NetSuite

SignUpGenius is a web based volunteer management solution for non-profit businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as attendance management, group management, registration management, and others. The software was designed and launched by SignUpGenius Inc headquartered in North Carolina, U...


5. Non-Profit Manager

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $50 per feature/month
  • Mar 27, 2022
Compare Non-Profit Manager Vs. NetSuite

Non-Profit Manager from a Trail Blazer is a web based donation management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as donation tracking, donor database, grant management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Trail Blazer Campaign Services Inc headquartered i...


6. The Raisers Edge

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $499 per month
  • Aug 25, 2022
Compare The Raisers Edge Vs. NetSuite

The Raiser’s Edge is a complete fundraising software solution with retention, efficiency, acquisition and upgrading features. Using this fundraising tool, users can run annual fund giving, major giving, planned giving and online giving via one system. The mobile app of The Raiser’s Edge also offers ...


7. VolunteerSpot

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $9.99 per month
  • Aug 26, 2022
Compare VolunteerSpot Vs. NetSuite

VolunteerSpot is a web based volunteer management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as attendance management, event management, registration management, and others. The software was designed and launched by VolunteerSpot Inc headquartered in Texas, United States.


8. Raiser’s Edge NXT

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $5,000 per license
  • Sep 02, 2022
Compare Raiser’s Edge NXT Vs. NetSuite

Raiser’s Edge NXT from Blackbaud is a cloud-based software designed to provide users with comprehensive donor relationship management and fundraising. It also caters to the needs of users in achieving sustainable growth within a single solution.


9. Accufund For Non-Profits

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $2,995 per license
  • Apr 16, 2022
Compare Accufund For Non-Profits Vs. NetSuite

Accufund for Non-Profits is a cloud-based accounting solution that is designed for use in non-profit organizations such based faith-based ministries, wildlife organizations, and refugees non-profits among others. Accufund works well in non-profits of all sizes including large enterprises, medium-siz...


10. MOHID Software

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $99 per month
  • Apr 30, 2022
Compare MOHID Software Vs. NetSuite

MOHID is a cloud-based Nonprofit software that assists leaders in managing donations to mosques through an end-to-end method.


Pricing Guide - Non-Profit Software:

Nonprofit Software Price Range

Non Profit organizations would have to pay between $0 and $85 a month for base subscriptions of Nonprofit software. The pricing model is generally in per month/per user form, unless otherwise stated by the offering vendor. There are other features that the software vendor can offer as well, such as Peer-to-peer fundraising services, Form for donation, and pledge management. Nonprofit software cost prices based on the workforce size of the company are as follows:

  • Small non profit organizations can expect to pay between $19 and $94 for Nonprofit Software. For example, Bloomerang pricing goes for $19 per month, Gabriel Church Management cost price for $20 a month, and Aplos Fund Accounting for $59 monthly. Furthermore, FastFund Accounting pricing starts at $42 a month, and its Premium plan at $94 per month. IconCMO cost price goes for $35 a month, and ShelbyNext Financials costs $79 per month.
  • Mid-sized organizations would have to pay between $150 and $585 for Nonprofit software. For instance, Tangicloud pricing starts at $199 a month, NonProfit+ at $585 per month, and DonorExpress at $150 a month. Other vendors include Orange Leap On Demand, which has a cost price of $199, DonateNow, which goes for $200 per month, and the pricing for Shepherd Staff nonprofit software is $499 one-off payment.
  • Large organizations can expect Nonprofit software to cost up to $16000. For example, DENALI FUND+ Accounting goes for $1999 one-time cost price, Serenic Navigator for NPO has a one-off license of $16000, and AccuFund Accounting Suite has a cost price of $2995. Other vendors include Banyon Fund Accounting, which outrightly charges $2500, Talisma Fundraising, a one-time fee of $8000, and Blackbaud Raisers Edge NXT pricing goes for $4000 annually.

The best of breeds under Nonprofit software have peculiar price ranges as well, and they as follows:

  • Advocacy Software Users can expect to pay $49-$149 a month for Advocacy software. NeonCRM pricing, for example, starts at $49 a month, with Essentials and Impact plans costing $99 and $149 per month. DonorPerfect Fundraising Software cost price starts at $89 per month, Argenta goes for $149, and CharityProud at $75 monthly.
  • Alumni Management Software Alumni Management Software products typically have price points between $0 and $299 a month. For illustration, Raklet Essentials cost price goes for $59 per month, with Free and Professional plans, which cost $0 and $119 a month. MobileCause Basics pricing starts at $249 per month, MemberClicks Level 1 at $299 for each month, and EveryAction at $109 a month. Furthermore, GiveGab has a cost price of $99 a month, Flipcause Starter plan goes for $100 per month.
  • Grant Management Software Grant Management Software units have a price range of $15-$85 a month. Fluxx Premium costs $15 a month, with a Prospecting plan, which goes for $40 a month. Foundant for Grantmakers starts at $75 per month, Eleo at $39 a month, and Sumac for $85 per month.
  • Association Management Software Users would have to pay up to $490 per month for Association Management software. For example, Bitrix24 pricing starts at $12 a month, with other plans such as CRM+ and Standard, which cost $36 and $51 a month. Findjoo begins at $50 a month, Mobilize at $49 per month, and Member365 at $149 monthly. Furthermore, Novi AMS cost price starts at $490 a month, TidyHQ at $79 per month, and 4aGoodCause at $84 monthly.
  • Online Fundraising Platforms This software has price points within $10 and $300 a month. For example, Donarius pricing starts at $48 a month, Auctria at $300 per month, and easyTithe costs $10 monthly. Furthermore, Donately pricing begins at $588 a year, Kindrid at $15 a month, and BiddingOwl at $249 a month. Also, MightyCause is free, but has an Advanced plan for $99 a month; DoJiggy Crowdfunding pricing goes for $399 a month, Its Events Pro, Golf Pro, and Donations plans cost $299, $299, and $39 a month, respectively.

11. Virtuous Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $400 per month
  • May 16, 2022
Compare Virtuous Software Vs. NetSuite

Virtuous is a cloud-based Non-profit software that assists team managers in centralizing their activities and gathering insights to provide a dynamic donor experience.


12. Good Done Great

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • May 19, 2022
Compare Good Done Great Vs. NetSuite

Good Done Great is a web based grant and membership management solution for businesses of all sizes. It also offers eligibility verification, campaign management, and other capabilities. The software was designed and launched by Good Done Great headquartered in South Carolina, United States.


13. Optimy Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $6,500 per year
  • May 24, 2022
Compare Optimy Software Vs. NetSuite

Optimy is a SaaS-based Nonprofit software that assists sponsors in managing their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) operations through optimizations and measurements.


14. CERVIS

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $25 per month
  • May 19, 2022
Compare CERVIS Vs. NetSuite

CERVIS is a web based volunteer management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as attendance management, calendar management, registration management, and others. The software was designed and launched by CERVIS Technologies headquartered in Colorado, United States.


15. ACTIVE Net

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $4.95 per license
  • May 29, 2022
Compare ACTIVE Net Vs. NetSuite

ACTIVE Net is a web based membership and donation management solution for non-profit businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as committee management, social media management, fundraising management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Active Network LLC headquartered i...


16. ShelbyNext: Financials

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $29 per user/month
  • May 29, 2022
Compare ShelbyNext: Financials Vs. NetSuite

ShelbyNext Financials is a cloud-based non-profit software designed to help faith ministries manage their operations and funds from one system.


17. Causecast

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • May 29, 2022
Compare Causecast Vs. NetSuite

Causecast is a volunteer management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as donation management, crowd-funding campaigns, custom reporting, and others. The software was designed and launched by Causecast headquartered in California, United States.


18. NationBuilder

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $34 per month
  • Jun 23, 2022
Compare NationBuilder Vs. NetSuite

Nationbuilder is a non-profit software designed for non-profit organizations to track actions across sites, raise funds, send messages with its advanced communication tools, and build and control company databases.


19. Apricot Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $40 per month
  • Jun 25, 2022
Compare Apricot Software Vs. NetSuite

Apricot is a fundraising management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as billing and invoicing, case management, document management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Community TechKnowledge Inc headquartered in Texas, United States.


20. Accelerate

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $7.95 per license
  • Jun 25, 2022
Compare Accelerate Vs. NetSuite

Accelerate is a web based fundraising management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as multi-channel campaigns, donation management, event management, and others. The software was designed and launched by KIMBIA headquartered in Texas, United States.


21. Silent Partner Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 01, 2022
Compare Silent Partner Software Vs. NetSuite

Silent Partner Software is the outcome of 25 years of expertise of its developer with a customer-first mission. The software works to cultivate donors as well as in engaging and retaining them.


22. Aidmatrix Virtual Food Drive

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 19, 2022
Compare Aidmatrix Virtual Food Drive Vs. NetSuite

Aidmatrix Virtual Food Drive is a growing cloud-based Non-Profit software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Aidmatrix Virtual Food Drive received a rating of 2.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.1/5) when compared to alternative soluti...


23. Duplie

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $49 per month
  • Jul 19, 2022
Compare Duplie Vs. NetSuite

Duplie is a SaaS-based non-profit software that enables managers to handle a volunteer system through group messaging, custom form creation, and approval workflows.


24. FirstGiving

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $900 per year
  • Dec 20, 2022
Compare FirstGiving Vs. NetSuite

FirstGiving is a web based fundraising management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as donation management, donation tracking, email marketing, and others. The software was designed and launched by FrontStream headquartered in Massachusetts, United States.


25. Accelevents

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $3 per attendee/day
  • Jul 24, 2022
Compare Accelevents Vs. NetSuite

Accelevents is a cloud-based software geared towards event ticketing as well as mobile fundraising. Accelevents offers solutions such as registration, online ticketing, online donation pages, text-to-give campaigns, opportunity drawings, and online silent auctions.


26. Bidcoz

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $97 per month
  • Dec 20, 2022
Compare Bidcoz Vs. NetSuite

Bidcoz is a software designed as a tool for auction and event fundraising. This software comes with all-in-one solutions that helps users to become extraordinary fundraiser individuals.


27. Nonprofit Accounting Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $39.50 per month
  • Jul 26, 2022
Compare Nonprofit Accounting Software Vs. NetSuite

Nonprofit Accounting Software is a fund-raising and donor management solution for non- profit businesses of all sizes. Other than fund accounting, it also offers customized reporting, donor integration, and invoicing capabilities. The software was designed and launched by Aplos Software Inc...


28. Process Donation

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $14.99 per month
  • Jul 29, 2022
Compare Process Donation Vs. NetSuite

Process Donation is a non-profit software designed to help charities and non-profit organizations organize fundraising campaigns and create avenues to reach out to donors and members.


29. Fundraising 50

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price:
  • Aug 03, 2022
Compare Fundraising 50 Vs. NetSuite

Abila Fundraising 50 (formerly Sage Fundraising 50) is a non-profit on-cloud and on-premise constituent relationship management software for small and various non-profit organizations. Its key features include donation management, fundraising management, accounting integration, and campaign manageme...


30. Abila Elevate™

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Aug 05, 2022
Compare Abila Elevate™ Vs. NetSuite

Abila is a non-profit software designed as an association management platform where users can grow and empower their organizations. The software generates data and personal insights that they can harness to ameliorate financial and strategic decision making.


31. Donor Engine

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Aug 06, 2022
Compare Donor Engine Vs. NetSuite

Donor Engine is a nonprofit software for charity organizations that provides a unified platform for managing donors and donations. The software features make it a relevant tool to make sales, accept donations, provide access to donor information, and automatically generate and send mails and letters...


32. VolunteerHub

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $150 per month
  • Aug 05, 2022
Compare VolunteerHub Vs. NetSuite

VolunteerHub is a web based volunteer management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as attendance management, event management, scheduling, and others. The software was designed and launched by Carr Engineering Inc headquartered in Texas, United States.


33. ClearGIVE Complete

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $19.95 per license
  • Sep 24, 2022
Compare ClearGIVE Complete Vs. NetSuite

Reason Funding is a non-profit software designed to help organizations handle online giving, text donation, and peer-to-peer fundraising.


34. RallyBound Social Fundraising Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $1,000 per license
  • Sep 21, 2022
Compare RallyBound Social Fundraising Software Vs. NetSuite

RallyBound Social Fundraising Software is a fundraising management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as donation management, membership management, mobile integration, and others. The software was designed and launched by RallyBound headquartered in California, United...


35. Agilons ONE

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $100 per month
  • Oct 11, 2022
Compare Agilons ONE Vs. NetSuite

Agilons ONE is a fast growing cloud-based Non-Profit software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Agilons ONE received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered a bit pricey (5/5) vs their competitors.


36. CommunityForce

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $75 per month
  • Oct 05, 2022
Compare CommunityForce Vs. NetSuite

CommunityForce, Inc. is a global technology company that offers a full range of service modules, including scholarship management and grants management, to manage every aspect of business operations for philanthropic organizations, educational institutions, associations and other nonprofit organizat...


37. Novi AMS

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $685 per month
  • Oct 19, 2022
Compare Novi AMS Vs. NetSuite

Novi AMS is a cloud-based association management system that helps trade and hybrid organizations of all sizes with dues automation, accounting and event registration. Its key features include member detail maintenance, email marketing, reporting and membership management.


38. NonProfitEasy

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $100 per month
  • Oct 07, 2022
Compare NonProfitEasy Vs. NetSuite

NonProfitEasy is a web based fundraising management solution for non-profit businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as committee management, volunteer management, event management, and others. The software was designed and launched by NonProfitEasy headquartered in California, United St...


39. WizeHive Select

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $3,995 per year
  • Oct 07, 2022
Compare WizeHive Select Vs. NetSuite

WizeHive Select is a web based grant management solution for non-profit businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as compliance management, contract management, grant opportunity search, and others. The software was designed and launched by WizeHive headquartered in Pennsylvania, United S...


40. NetSuite for Nonprofits

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $99 per month
  • Oct 06, 2022
Compare NetSuite for Nonprofits Vs. NetSuite

NetSuite for Nonprofits is an accounting and finance management solution for businesses of all sizes. It integrates different financial aspects and also offers inventory management, e- commerce, and other services. The software was developed and launched by NetSuite Inc headquartered in C...


41. iMIS 20

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $8,500 per license
  • Feb 01, 2023
Compare iMIS 20 Vs. NetSuite

IMIS 20 is a cloud-based membership management software suitable for use by an individual as well as businesses. It can be used in small-sized business, medium-sized business, and large enterprises.


42. Association Manager Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $299 per license
  • Mar 27, 2022
Compare Association Manager Software Vs. NetSuite

Association Manager Software is a web based event registration and membership management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as committee management, email marketing, survey management, and others. The software was designed and launched by 123Signup headquartered in Cal...


43. iDonate Ignite

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $300 per user/month
  • Feb 06, 2023
Compare iDonate Ignite Vs. NetSuite

The iDonate Ignite is a web-based software providing comprehensive digital fundraising solution for users enabling them to connect to more donors and in turn, generate more funds and donations with minimal work


44. Luminate Online Marketing

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $64.95 per license
  • Feb 07, 2022
Compare Luminate Online Marketing Vs. NetSuite

Luminate Online Marketing is a marketing campaign management solution for businesses of all sizes. It also offers assistance in fundraising, email marketing, and customized reporting. The software was designed and launched by BlackBaud Inc headquartered in South Carolina, United States.


45. Denari

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $19 per feature/month
  • Feb 11, 2022
Compare Denari Vs. NetSuite

Denari a cloud-based management suite designed for nonprofit organisations of varying sizes and specialities. The users can do both online fundraisings as well as peer-to-peer fundraising through the system.


46. BidPal

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,200 per user/year
  • Feb 16, 2022
Compare BidPal Vs. NetSuite

OneCause (formerly BidPal) is a cloud-based fundraising and event management solution built for non-profits of every size. The software facilitates various activities like online fundraising, donor management, ticketing & mobile bidding auctions.


47. GMS Accounting and Financial Management/Reporting System

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Feb 16, 2022
Compare GMS Accounting and Financial Management/Reporting System Vs. NetSuite

The GMS Accounting and Financial Management Reporting System is not a traditional commercial accounting or government fund accounting package adapted for nonprofit use. Our software is designed, from the ground up, to meet the highly specialized requirements of nonprofit and public organizations acc...


48. Network for Good Donor Management and Fundraising

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $100 per month
  • Feb 16, 2022
Compare Network for Good Donor Management and Fundraising Vs. NetSuite

Network for Good Donor Management and Fundraising is a web-based software developed to help users in easily targeting, retaining and engaging with donors. It provides solution for easily raising more money, saving more time and keeping the team well-organized.


49. Dashboard Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $299 per month
  • Feb 19, 2022
Compare Dashboard Software Vs. NetSuite

Dashboard Software is an award-winning cloud-based Non-Profit software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Dashboard Software received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


50. MobileServe

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $500 per year
  • Feb 20, 2022
Compare MobileServe Vs. NetSuite

We believe that when volunteers share their experiences, the desire to make a difference spreads to those around them. So MobileServe exists to help volunteers and organizations share stories that are authentic and accessible, and to connect people with organizations, causes, and each other, so that...


51. Serenic Navigator software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $16,000 per license
  • Feb 22, 2022
Compare Serenic Navigator software Vs. NetSuite

Serenic Navigator software is a cloud-based as well as an on-premise non-profit solution that is developed to be used by both individuals as well as by non-profit organizations. The solution can be used in businesses of all sizes such as small-sized businesses, medium-sized businesses, and large ent...


52. Abila Fundraising 50 (Sage)

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Oct 24, 2022
Compare Abila Fundraising 50 (Sage) Vs. NetSuite

Abila Fundraising 50 is an on-premise and cloud-based system that consists of integrated fundraising as well as donor management solution. The key features include the allowance to design and run campaigns, reporting, membership management, donations management and many more.


53. WebLink Connect

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $295 per month
  • Apr 09, 2022
Compare WebLink Connect Vs. NetSuite

WebLink Connect is a highly configurable association and member management software that combines the entirety of the users’ team and their needs in a single, integrated tool.


54. Aplos Donor Management

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $29.50 per month
  • Feb 28, 2022
Compare Aplos Donor Management Vs. NetSuite

Aplos Donor Management is a fund raising and donor management solution for businesses of all sizes. It also offers assistance in online payment processing, recurring payments, and other aspects. The software was designed and launched by Aplos Software LLC headquartered in California, Uni...



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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2023 best Non-Profit Software | ITQlick.com

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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.