Top 54 Employee Performance Management Software (Feb 2023)

2023's Best 55 Employee Performance Management Systems

Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / Feb 03, 2023

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1. Performance Pro

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $2 per employee/month
  • Mar 11, 2022
Compare Performance Pro Vs. Performance Pro

Performance Pro is a web based performance appraisal solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include appraisal history tracking, competency tracking, self-service portal, and others. The software was designed and launched by HR Performance Solutions headquartered in Michigan, United S...


2. Trakstar

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $4,370 per year
  • Mar 19, 2022
Compare Trakstar Vs. Performance Pro

Trakstar is a cloud-based performance appraisal software that is designed to assist with the assessment of the performance of the employees, feedback management as well as reviews, and also an assessment of the set goals.


3. Reviewsnap

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $3,040 per year
  • Mar 19, 2022
Compare Reviewsnap Vs. Performance Pro

Reviewsnap is a web based employee performance appraisal solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as ad hoc reviews, compensation management, competency tracking, and others. The software was designed and launched by Applied Training Systems Inc headquartered in Iowa, United...


4. Kenexa HR analytics

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 08, 2022
Compare Kenexa HR analytics Vs. Performance Pro

IBM Kenexa is an on-cloud or on-premise talent management and HR software for large companies. It provides integrated CRM, marketing automation, automated onboarding process, applicant tracking, skill testing, online learning, and more features.


5. PerformSmart

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Jun 09, 2022
Compare PerformSmart Vs. Performance Pro

PerformSmart is a cloud-based system, which is designed to help organizations mage their employees properly and perform performance evaluation of the employees regularly with ease. PerformSmart is designed to suit small businesses, medium businesses, and large enterprises.


6. Performance Management System

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Apr 23, 2022
Compare Performance Management System Vs. Performance Pro

Performance Management is an employee performance management software designed to keep track and improve employee performance.


7. Qualtrics

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,500 per year
  • May 14, 2022
Compare Qualtrics Vs. Performance Pro

Qualtrics is an employee performance management software designed for organizations to collect meaning feedback from customers, route recommended actions to appropriate personnel, improve employee experience, and measure product satisfaction.


8. PerformYard

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $4 per employee/month
  • May 14, 2022
Compare PerformYard Vs. Performance Pro

PerformYard software is a cloud-based goal and corporate performance management platform that enable businesses to set goals as well as track performance. It also assists in other HR processes such as organizational charts, onboarding and more.


9. SelectSuite

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • May 18, 2022
Compare SelectSuite Vs. Performance Pro

SelectSuite provides a talent management solution for the Education & Public Sector. The software is designed to help institutions improve recruitment, talent acquisition, resource development and retention of staff. PeopleAdmin was founded in 2000 with the goal of developing unique solutions for t...


10. Cornerstone Growth Edition

  • Best for: Medium business
  • Price: starts at $15 per user/month
  • May 31, 2022
Compare Cornerstone Growth Edition Vs. Performance Pro

Cornerstone Growth Edition is a cloud-based human resource, employee performance and learning management system designed for small and medium enterprises across different industry verticals. The core features include performance appraisal, learning management and talent management.


Pricing Guide - Employee Performance Management Software:

Human Resources Software Products Price Range

HRIS comes with different prices, which are usually determined by either number of employees or the number of users. Either way, HR Tools pricing ranges from $5–$15 and $16–$25 per employee per month; for most providers, these prices are also set based on the robustness of the chosen package feature-wise, and they may not include fees for setup or training.

However, HR software that are priced based on the number of users may have slightly higher prices because, unlike ones with per employee prices, they do not require an organization to pay for every employee but, instead, employees that are actively using the tools. For example, Conrep is priced at around $30 per user per month, while HRnest costs around $20 per employee per month. Another instance is HRnest, which costs $1 per employee, provided its paid in bulk for 35 employees each, and 2 feature plugins, which cost $40 and $60 respectively, must be paid for alongside.

In addition, HRIS pricings are adjusted by most vendors, depending on the business size.

  • Small Businesses can expect around $5 for a single employee or nothing at all, as some software makes their basic HR features free for small workforces. Some examples are PeopleBookHR, Snappi, and IceHRM. At the same time, premium HR providers like VAIRKKO Suite costs $1 monthly per employee, Optimity pricing is around $5 monthly per user, and Attendee HRM costs $28 per year to manage 28 employees.
  • Medium Businesses that need more robust HRIS features can expect to pay between $5–$15 per employee. For instance, ICMIS Recruit costs around $6,000 per year to manage between 51–100 employees, Info:HR charges a one-time fee of $2800, and FingerCheck pricing is priced at $200 monthly for 50 employees.
  • Large Businesses can expect to pay less on a per-employee basis because the logic is the more the employee, the lesser the fee. However, the number of features and onboarding costs may cost more. For instance, FingerCheck costs $1,600 monthly for 500 employees and Britix24 $199 per month.

HRIS best of breeds and their price ranges are as follows:

  • Applicant Tracking Tools While some applicant tracking apps are priced per job posting, businesses can, however, expect to pay between $19–$28, $28–$49, and $49 upwards per user, per month. For instance, Yahoo Indeed costs around $150 per month, Monster TMS costs $5,000 per year while Manatal pricing is charged at $15 per user per month.
  • Performance Appraisal Software Like most applicant tracking solutions, performance appraisal pricing is based on a "per user, per month" basis. So, business enterprises can expect to pay between $1 to $4, $4 to $10, and $10 upwards. Note that the package type is also a determining factor for performance appraisal tool pricing, as some packages have more features than others. The pricing of some performance appraisal appls like Performly Talent starts from $2 monthly per user, Small Improvements from $5 per user per year, and AssessTEAM costs $1 monthly per user.
  • Onboarding Software Onboarding Tools are also priced on a "per user, per month" basis. Users can expect to pay between $1 and $12 upwards. However, these prices are mostly for entry-level prices found on vendor website; more robust packages may be slightly higher, depending on the number of users. For example, Boardon costs $50 per month for a bunch of active users, EmployeeConnect $6 monthly per user, and WISP pricing falls around $50 depending on company size.
  • 360 Degree Feedback 360 Degree feedback products mostly have per month pricings. In this case, companies can expect to pay between $1 and $149 and above. Again, these prices depend on the number of features the vendor is offering. Examples are Click-360 costs between $7-$55 per report, SurveyLab $29 per month, and Bloomin costs $4 monthly per user.
  • Payroll The pricing for payroll products is usually divided into three tiers and priced per user per month. Enterprises can expect to pay between $1 to $5, $5 to $12, and above $12 per user, per month and depending on the tier. For instance, Payroll Mate is priced around $120 per year ($15 per month) and Payment Evolution Payroll costs $22 monthly per user. Alternatively, some payroll products have a one-time payment; examples are Accounting Xpert costs around $1,500 for one user, and Brightpay pricing is around $300.

11. emPerform

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $3 per user/month
  • Jun 16, 2022
Compare emPerform Vs. Performance Pro

emPerform is an employee performance management software that can help users to manage their organization’s talent and get the best from them. The software can help users to improve their evaluation strategy, evaluate and rank their employees accurately. It works as a complete solution for creating ...


12. IBM Kenexa

  • Best for: Large business
  • Price: starts at $5,000 per license
  • Jun 20, 2022
Compare IBM Kenexa Vs. Performance Pro

IBM Kanexa is a human resource management application. It has been designed by the IBM Corporation. It is designed to assist the companies in the complete handling of their workforce at every step. It is a cloud based solution.


13. Sprigg Performance Management

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $4.50 per user/month
  • Jun 20, 2022
Compare Sprigg Performance Management Vs. Performance Pro

Sprigg Performance is an employee management software that provides regular touch-point meetings and real-time feedback to boost individual and company growth.


14. Guidespark

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jun 20, 2022
Compare Guidespark Vs. Performance Pro

Guidespark is a cloud-based employee performance management software that allows employers to handle engagement and communication lines.


15. PeopleGoal

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $4 per user/month
  • Jun 24, 2022
Compare PeopleGoal Vs. Performance Pro

PeopleGoal is an employee performance management solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include goal management, customized reporting, feedback management, and others. The software was designed and launched by PeopleGoal headquartered in New York, United States.


16. Primalogik 360

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $159 per user/month
  • Jun 23, 2022
Compare Primalogik 360 Vs. Performance Pro

Primalogik 360 is a web based HR and performance appraisal solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include ad hoc reviews, alerts and reminders, custom review forms, and others. The software was designed and launched by Primalogik Software Solutions Inc headquartered in Quebec, Canada...


17. Loopline Systems

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $7 per user/month
  • Jul 08, 2022
Compare Loopline Systems Vs. Performance Pro

Loopline Systems is a cloud-based employee performance management software that helps employers carry out feedback meetings and take notes for subsequent sessions through an integrated notebook.


18. TowerMetriX

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 12, 2022
Compare TowerMetriX Vs. Performance Pro

Tower Metrix is a human resource management application. It lets the companies track the performance of their employees. It is a cloud based application, meaning that the users can access it through the internet. It is operating system agnostic and can run on any platform. It just needs a connected ...


19. EmpXtrack

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1.95 per employee/month
  • Jul 04, 2022
Compare EmpXtrack Vs. Performance Pro

EmpXtrack is a trending cloud-based Human Resources software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. EmpXtrack received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


20. Performance Culture

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $3 per employee/month
  • Dec 20, 2022
Compare Performance Culture Vs. Performance Pro

Performance Culture is a performance management software designed to help businesses coach team members, track employees performances, and reward hardworking staff.


21. FocalReview

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $20 per employee/year
  • Jul 23, 2022
Compare FocalReview Vs. Performance Pro

FocalReview is employee performance and compensation management software for a company admin and HR department to manage employee salaries and bonuses.


22. Bullseye Engagement Performance Improvement

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $4 per month
  • Jul 18, 2022
Compare Bullseye Engagement Performance Improvement Vs. Performance Pro

Bullseye Engagement Performance Improvement System is a performance and talent management solution can help users to ensure engagement between the management team and employees which can lead to employee satisfaction and the growth of their organization. The software offers custom configured perform...


23. Threads Culture

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $100 per month
  • Jul 18, 2022
Compare Threads Culture Vs. Performance Pro

Threads Culture is a human resource management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers tools for measurement of culture in every area of organization. The software was developed and released by Threads headquartered in Idaho, United States.


24. CAMMS Personnel Evaluation System

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Oct 07, 2022
Compare CAMMS Personnel Evaluation System Vs. Performance Pro

The CAMMS Personnel Evaluation System (PES) is a comprehensive web-based system that maximises your organisation’s investment in human resources through real time performance assessment and dynamic personal development.


25. SuiteVal

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Jan 27, 2023
Compare SuiteVal Vs. Performance Pro

SuiteVal is a cloud-based Human Resources software that allows its users to incorporate evaluation management with their organizations corporate goals, as well as other organizational requirements.


26. Quantum Workplace

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jan 27, 2023
Compare Quantum Workplace Vs. Performance Pro

Quantum Workplace is a cloud-based human resources software that is built to boost employee engagement in organizations. The software allows users to create surveys for employees with the use of customizable templates.


27. PossibleWorks

  • Best for: Medium business
  • Price: starts at $3.71 per license
  • Jan 27, 2023
Compare PossibleWorks Vs. Performance Pro

PossibleWorks is a cloud-based human resources software that helps organizations and business owners or manager to track and boost performance through an intuitive approach. The tool automates employees engagement for organizations with performance-driven innovations.


28. Appraisd

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $5.42 per person/month
  • Jan 26, 2023
Compare Appraisd Vs. Performance Pro

Appraisd is a human resource management software solution. It assists the companies manage their goals as well as rate the performance of the employees. It is a cloud based tool, meaning it can be accessed through anywhere with the help of a web browser login. It is operating system agnostic.


29. Employee Effectiveness

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $4,500 per year
  • Jan 26, 2023
Compare Employee Effectiveness Vs. Performance Pro

Employee Effectiveness is a human resource management application. It is a cloud based software solution that assists the companies in managing the feedbacks of their employees. The cloud based nature means that the application can be used remotely from anywhere with the help of a web browser login....


30. Synergita

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $4 per employee/month
  • Feb 03, 2023
Compare Synergita Vs. Performance Pro

Synergita is an award-winning cloud-based Human Resources software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Synergita received a rating of 4.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.4/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


31. AssessTEAM

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $3 per user/month
  • Apr 01, 2022
Compare AssessTEAM Vs. Performance Pro

AssessTEAM is a cloud based human resources (HR) software solution that is built to help businesses in various industries to assess, analyze as well as evaluate team performance.


32. Voyager Performance Management

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price:
  • Feb 01, 2023
Compare Voyager Performance Management Vs. Performance Pro

Voyager Performance Management is Software as a Service (SaaS) software solution designed to move with employees as they go through their employment lifecycle. Voyager helps both the managers and employees to view and gauge their performance at each stage of the appraisal process.


33. Uppercase Performance Management

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $5 per user/month
  • Feb 09, 2022
Compare Uppercase Performance Management Vs. Performance Pro

Uppercase Performance Management is a growing cloud-based Human Resources software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Uppercase Performance Management received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1/5) when compared to alternative solu...


34. GroSum

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $100 per user/month
  • Feb 16, 2022
Compare GroSum Vs. Performance Pro

GroSum is a growing cloud-based Human Resources software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. GroSum received a rating of 4.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


35. Impraise

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $6 per user/month
  • Feb 25, 2022
Compare Impraise Vs. Performance Pro

Impraise is a growing cloud-based Human Resources software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Impraise received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.6/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


36. TalentPeak

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $1,650 per year
  • Mar 01, 2022
Compare TalentPeak Vs. Performance Pro

TalentPeak is a fast growing cloud-based Human Resources software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. TalentPeak received a rating of 4.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


37. Zugata

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 03, 2022
Compare Zugata Vs. Performance Pro

Zuguta is a cloud based performance management software solution, that is built to help employers to gather constant feedback about their employees to foster a corporate culture that helps to improve employee and organizational performance.


38. SnapEval 2.0

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $2.25 per user/month
  • Mar 15, 2022
Compare SnapEval 2.0 Vs. Performance Pro

SNapeval is a human resource management software solution. It is a cloud based software which means that it requires no installation on the client’s part. It can be accessed remotely through a web browser. It is operating system agnostic.


39. Perfode

  • Best for: Medium business
  • Price: starts at $100 per month
  • Mar 07, 2022
Compare Perfode Vs. Performance Pro

Perfode is a cloud-based human resources software that is designed to provide companies with a useful tool in gathering employee feedback as well as performance. This employee appraisal software helps users to provide a complete guide to employees on review completion processes in a way that is stre...


40. Small Improvements

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $5 per user/month
  • Mar 03, 2022
Compare Small Improvements Vs. Performance Pro

Small Improvements is a web based HR and performance appraisal solution for small and medium businesses. It offers such services as learning management, performance appraisal, custom reporting, and others. The software was designed and launched by Small Improvements Software GmbH headquartered in Be...


41. SkillNet Talent Management

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $10 per license
  • Mar 07, 2022
Compare SkillNet Talent Management Vs. Performance Pro

Skillnet talent management is a human resource management software solution. It is a cloud based software, meaning that it requires no installation on the client’s part. It can be accessed remotely through a web browser. It is operating system agnostic and can run on any system that supports a web b...


42. Lattice

  • Best for: Medium business
  • Price: starts at $8 per person/month
  • Mar 22, 2022
Compare Lattice Vs. Performance Pro

Lattice is a cloud based continuous performance management suite designed for HR professionals across multiple industries. The core features of Lattice include performance review and goal management.


43. Hr Performance Management

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $24 per user/month
  • Mar 24, 2022
Compare Hr Performance Management Vs. Performance Pro

L7 Performance Management is a performance management and appraisal solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include executive dashboard, project management, reporting, and others. The software was designed and launched by L7 Performance Management headquartered in the United States. ...


44. GoalSpan

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Mar 26, 2022
Compare GoalSpan Vs. Performance Pro

GoalSpan software is a web based feedback and performance management software solution that is designed to handle personnel engagement. GoalSpan software enables companies and organizations to automatically manage their goals and also receive feedback from their employees.


45. Kapta Performance Management System

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $49 per user/month
  • Mar 28, 2022
Compare Kapta Performance Management System Vs. Performance Pro

Kapta Performance Management System is a web based human resource management solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include performance appraisals, benefits management, competency tracking, and others. The software was designed and launched by Kapta Inc headquartered in Colorado, Uni...


46. Performance Appraisal

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $3 per user/month
  • Mar 30, 2022
Compare Performance Appraisal Vs. Performance Pro

Performance Appraisal (now Culture Amp) is a cloud-based Human Resources software that allows the user to keep track of organizational operations revolving around the employee experience, performance and engagement.


47. Quantum Workplace Performance

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $10,000 per year
  • Apr 06, 2022
Compare Quantum Workplace Performance Vs. Performance Pro

Quantum Workplace performance is a cloud-based Employee Engagement software solution designed to help nurture a manager-driven work culture. The software is an all-in-one toolset that any HR pro wants their managers so have. Quantum Workplace Performance is a product of Quantum Workplace Company fou...


48. PeopleMatter by Snagajob

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Apr 11, 2022
Compare PeopleMatter by Snagajob Vs. Performance Pro

PeopleMatter is a cloud-based human resources software that is designed to serve as a link between potential employers and job seekers. The platform combines sourcing, screening and tracking of applicants through its intuitive interface.


49. Culture Amp

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $11 per employee/month
  • Apr 13, 2022
Compare Culture Amp Vs. Performance Pro

Culture Amp software is a cloud-based Employee Engagement and Analytics solution designed to serve small, medium as well as large companies. The platform is made up of three modules that include, employee engagement, employee effectiveness, and Employee Experience.


50. Visier

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Apr 13, 2022
Compare Visier Vs. Performance Pro

Visier is an end-to-end cloud-based people analytics and workforce planning solution designed to offer answers to questions about the user workforce across human resource and business subjects. The solution provides workforce intelligence solutions and helps the user identify and understand the huma...


51. HighGround

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $4.25 per employee/month
  • Nov 04, 2022
Compare HighGround Vs. Performance Pro

HighGround software is cloud-based real-time performance management & social recognition solution built to assist organizations to manage performance, recognize as well as reward the efforts of their employees.


52. Apica Web Performance Monitoring

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Apr 20, 2022
Compare Apica Web Performance Monitoring Vs. Performance Pro

Apica Web Performance Monitoring is an award-winning cloud-based Performance Review software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Apica Web Performance Monitoring received a rating of 3.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.6/5) when compared...


53. Clear Review

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $5291.98 per year
  • Apr 25, 2022
Compare Clear Review Vs. Performance Pro

Clear Review is a cloud-based performance tracking software solution which through feedback collection and real-time goals, enables the development of human resources management in companies and industries.


54. Brilliant Assessments

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $2,990 per year
  • May 10, 2022
Compare Brilliant Assessments Vs. Performance Pro

Brilliant Assessment is a human resources software designed to help companies make feedback reporting and create text, image, and video-based assessments for employees and recruits.



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 Employee Performance Management 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.