Top 54 Engineering Software (May 2023)

2023's Best 55 Engineering Systems

Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / May 14, 2023

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1. Aha!

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $39 per user/month
  • Mar 19, 2022
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Aha! Software is a project management solution for different sizes of business. It offers a number of features that include an analytics tool that enables users to view the status of ideas, build a chart to set priorities and monitors the number of features shipped.


2. Oracle Agile

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Apr 22, 2022
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Oracle Agile is a product lifecycle management software solution for your business. The software is a product of Oracle Corporation headquartered in California, United States. It supervises all the phases of a product and focuses on innovation, efficiency, and collaboration.


3. ETAP

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $700 per license
  • Mar 22, 2022
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ETAP is analytical engineering software for small to large electrical engineering companies. It provides simulation, analysis, monitoring, automation, control, and optimization solution for electrical power systems.


4. MicroStation V8i

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,955 per year
  • Mar 29, 2022
Compare MicroStation V8i Vs. Aha!

MicroStation V8i is an award-winning cloud-based Computer aided design software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. MicroStation V8i received a rating of 3.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.3/5) when compared to other solutions in their ca...


5. EAM

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $4,595 per license
  • Aug 18, 2022
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Infor EAM is a comprehensive suite of asset management tools. It offers solutions to the companies that increase the reliability, maintenance of asset and reduce energy usage. It helps companies to deploy maintenance resources efficiently, manage work processes, schedule maintenance based on asset ...


6. Solid Edge ST4

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $5,300 per license
  • Apr 15, 2022
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Solid Edge ST4 is a computer-aided design software designed for businesses to manage programs, personalize product innovation and software development, and develop software.


7. GAGEpack

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • May 16, 2022
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GAGEpack software is cloud-hosted or on-premise gage management system that facilitates in providing a centralized platform for accurate measurement and management.


8. ProductBoard

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $20 per maker/month
  • May 24, 2022
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Productboard is a product management software that helps product managers understand their customers and build products that suit their needs.


9. GAGEtrak Calibration Management

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $799 per license
  • May 14, 2023
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With a solid 25-year track record, countless auditor recommendations and over 12,000 customers across the globe, GAGEtrak is the #1 calibration management software solution in the world.


10. MeisterTask

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $4.19 per month
  • Jun 07, 2022
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MeisterTask is a task management software that helps teams manage and organize their tasks based on category or priority. MeisterTasks offers Kanban boards that enable users to streamline and automate workflows.


Pricing Guide - Engineering Software:

Engineering Software Pricing

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

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

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

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

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

11. ProductVision

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jun 17, 2022
Compare ProductVision Vs. Aha!

ProductVision is a product lifecycle management system designed for the formula-based, process industries to help users with all aspects of the product development processes starting from the initial concept to retirement. Advanced Software Designs (ASD), the company behind ProductVision...


12. Autodesk Revit

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $335 per month
  • Jun 23, 2022
Compare Autodesk Revit Vs. Aha!

Autodesk Revit is a 3D design, modeling, and simulation software solution for your business. The software was designed by Autodesk, Inc., headquartered in California, United States. Its services and applications are crafted for parts and assembly modeling, animations, simulations, and other 3D aspec...


13. Arena PLM

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $89 per user/month
  • Aug 24, 2022
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Arena PLM software is a cloud-based Product Lifecycle Management solution designed to serve the OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). Arena PLM offers users capabilities to manage their design, production as well as products delivery.


14. Casual

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $10 per month
  • Jul 09, 2022
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Casual is a cloud-based visual project management software for businesses to plan, execute, and clone projects, manage repeatable processes, provide a visual task manager, and assign executors to tasks.


15. ANSYS Workbench platform

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $30,000 per license
  • Jul 04, 2022
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ANSYS is an engineering software that offers products that help companies create portable and customizable apps, automate simulation workflow, and integrate other external tools and data.


16. SpaceClaim Engineer

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $2,445 per license
  • Jul 15, 2022
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Ansys SpaceClaim is a 3D design software that provides 3D modeling with modern technology and advanced tools that users can harness to create and modify imported geometry.


17. Cincom CPQ Software

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 30, 2022
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Cincom CPQ is a configuration, pricing, and quoting software designed to help businesses quicken the quoting processes and manage product data for accuracy by updating product configurations.


18. Autodesk SketchBook Pro 7

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $4.99 per month
  • Jan 26, 2023
Compare Autodesk SketchBook Pro 7 Vs. Aha!

Autodesk SketchBook Pro 7 is a growing cloud-based Computer aided design software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Autodesk SketchBook Pro 7 received a rating of 3.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.7/5) when compared to alternative s...


19. ProcessForce

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Oct 01, 2022
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Process Force is a Cloud-based Product Lifecycle software that relies on SAP Business One platform to support and boost the efficiency of day-to-day operations.


20. Autodesk Inventor

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $3,495 per license
  • Feb 09, 2022
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Autodesk Inventor is animation modeling and simulation software for construction businesses. The software was designed by Autodesk, Inc., headquartered in California, United States. It takes care of the 3D modeling and simulation needs of construction projects and also offers analysis and documentat...


21. GEOPAK Civil Engineering Suite

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Feb 18, 2022
Compare GEOPAK Civil Engineering Suite Vs. Aha!

GEOPAK Civil Engineering Suite is a leading cloud-based Engineering software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. GEOPAK Civil Engineering Suite received a rating of 3.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.5/5) when compared to alternative solution...


22. SAP Product Lifecycle Management

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Feb 26, 2022
Compare SAP Product Lifecycle Management Vs. Aha!

SAP PLM is a product lifecycle management solution for businesses of all sizes. It makes possible high quality delivery of products and also streamlines the supply chain. The software was developed and launched by SAP AG which was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Germany.


23. Casual.PM

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $10 per month
  • Mar 07, 2022
Compare Casual.PM Vs. Aha!

Casual.PM is a cloud-based visual project and process management solution that is designed to help the users organize ideas and tasks. It enables the teams to plan as well as execute projects.


24. Roadmunk

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $19 per month
  • Mar 05, 2022
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Build beautiful and collaborative roadmaps in minutes. Get started quickly by importing data from Jira or Excel (csv), or take inspiration from our 35+ roadmap templates that you can make your own. Visualize strategy for your entire product portfolio with comprehensive sharing features, master roadm...


25. Teamcenter

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 26, 2022
Compare Teamcenter Vs. Aha!

Teamcenter is a cloud-based manufacturing software that is built for product lifecycle management. The software enables users to edit processes and product data through its intuitive platform. Teamcenter also has a document management capability that enables users to create analysis reports, specifi...


26. 1factory

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $50 per user/month
  • Mar 26, 2022
Compare 1factory Vs. Aha!

1factory is a trending cloud-based Manufacturing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. 1factory received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.6/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


27. Formatta Software

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Mar 31, 2022
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Formatta Software is a cloud-based e-forms management suite designed to help users automate all their e-form processing as well as update file systems & databases using structured XML. The software can help convert any paper-based forms process into a paperless electronic process.


28. SketchUp Pro

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $119 per year
  • Mar 31, 2022
Compare SketchUp Pro Vs. Aha!

SketchUp Pro is a leading cloud-based Computer aided design software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. SketchUp Pro received a rating of 3.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.3/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


29. ProductPlan

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $39 per editor/month
  • Apr 11, 2022
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ProductPlan is a cloud-based project management software that is developed to help organizations and companies to foster team collaboration. Users can create roadmaps with the option of customizing these roadmaps with milestones, tags, and legends.


30. Craft

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $39 per user/month
  • Apr 19, 2022
Compare Craft Vs. Aha!

Craft is a project management and cloud-based solution built for project teams in businesses that cut across various industries. The features of this software include product road mapping, release and idea management, feedback collection, version control, messaging and chat functionality, and lots m...


31. Office Timeline

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $59 per user/month
  • Apr 21, 2022
Compare Office Timeline Vs. Aha!

Office Template is a cloud-based, on-premise timeline maker and project scheduler that assists businesses in the creation of Gantt charts and visual project timeline. This project management software integrates PowerPoint and lets users create project visuals that are customizable for their listener...


32. MagicDraw

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $50 per license
  • Apr 21, 2022
Compare MagicDraw Vs. Aha!

MagicDraw is an award-winning cloud-based Computer aided design software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. MagicDraw received a rating of 3.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.1/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


33. Agile PLM

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $13,800 per year
  • May 09, 2022
Compare Agile PLM Vs. Aha!

Agile PLM serves sectors such as Agile PLM is a manufacturing and a product management solution that is helpful to businesses in managing their product value chains. The software offers services to industries such as consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductor manufacturing.


34. ProdPad

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $20 per editor/month
  • Nov 10, 2022
Compare ProdPad Vs. Aha!

ProdPad is a cloud-based project management software designed to solve all possible problems related to branding, roadmap, and promotion of a new product in the market. The software is primarily a collaborative system where all team members can share their ideas about a particular product.


35. Roadmap Planner

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $5 per month
  • May 13, 2022
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Roadmap Planner is a cloud-based project management software that is designed with a strategic communication tool to develops marketing and as well, provides a product development plan that allows team members and stakeholders to see it at a glance.


36. Poser Pro 2012

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $249.95 per license
  • May 18, 2022
Compare Poser Pro 2012 Vs. Aha!

Poser Pro 2012 is a fast growing cloud-based Computer aided design software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Poser Pro 2012 received a rating of 4.2 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


37. Corel CorelDRAW Technical Suite X7

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $499 per year
  • May 18, 2022
Compare Corel CorelDRAW Technical Suite X7 Vs. Aha!

Corel CorelDRAW Technical Suite X7 is a trending cloud-based Computer aided design software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Corel CorelDRAW Technical Suite X7 received a rating of 3.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.3/5) when compar...


38. TurboCAD Pro 21 Platinum Edition

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,500 per license
  • May 18, 2022
Compare TurboCAD Pro 21 Platinum Edition Vs. Aha!

TurboCAD Pro 21 Platinum Edition is an award-winning cloud-based Computer aided design software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. TurboCAD Pro 21 Platinum Edition received a rating of 3.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.5/5) when compare...


39. Pixologic ZBrush 4R7

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $39.95 per month
  • May 18, 2022
Compare Pixologic ZBrush 4R7 Vs. Aha!

Pixologic ZBrush 4R7 is a leading cloud-based Computer aided design software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Pixologic ZBrush 4R7 received a rating of 3.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.4/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


40. Advanced Rhino 5 Training Video

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $50 per license
  • May 18, 2022
Compare Advanced Rhino 5 Training Video Vs. Aha!

Advanced Rhino 5 Training Video is a growing cloud-based Computer aided design software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Advanced Rhino 5 Training Video received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.4/5) when compared to othe...


41. Simply 3D 3.0

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $149 per license
  • May 18, 2022
Compare Simply 3D 3.0 Vs. Aha!

Simply 3D 3.0 is a fast growing cloud-based Computer aided design software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Simply 3D 3.0 received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


42. Logo Design Shop

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $28 per license
  • May 18, 2022
Compare Logo Design Shop Vs. Aha!

Logo Design Shop is a trending cloud-based Computer aided design software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Logo Design Shop received a rating of 3.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.7/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


43. Upchain

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $30 per user/month
  • May 19, 2022
Compare Upchain Vs. Aha!

Upchain is a cloud-based manufacturing software that’s designed to help organizations and companies to adequately collaborate on engineering production and maintenance processes across the entire hierarchical order.


44. KBMax Product Configurator

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $100 per user/month
  • Nov 30, 2022
Compare KBMax Product Configurator Vs. Aha!

KBMax Product Configurator is a cloud based product configuration solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include e-commerce integration, conflict management, CAD integration, and others. The software was designed and launched by Citius Software Corporation headquartered i...


45. CAXA PLM

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Jun 20, 2022
Compare CAXA PLM Vs. Aha!

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


46. Advance Concrete

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $49 per month
  • Jun 01, 2022
Compare Advance Concrete Vs. Aha!

Advance Concrete is a growing cloud-based Computer aided design software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Advance Concrete received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


47. DataCAD 15

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,295 per license
  • Jun 01, 2022
Compare DataCAD 15 Vs. Aha!

DataCAD 15 is a trending cloud-based Computer aided design software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. DataCAD 15 received a rating of 3.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


48. TestDrive

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • May 25, 2022
Compare TestDrive Vs. Aha!

TestDrive is a software test automation solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers dynamic and flexible software solutions for quick and easy deployment. The software was developed and launched by Original Software headquartered in Hampshire, United Kingdom.


49. PTC Creo Elements/Direct Drafting

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $2,200 per license
  • Jun 01, 2022
Compare PTC Creo Elements/Direct Drafting Vs. Aha!

PTC Creo Elements/Direct Drafting is a trending cloud-based Computer aided design software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. PTC Creo Elements/Direct Drafting received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared...


50. Oracle Coherence

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $15,456 per year
  • Jun 09, 2022
Compare Oracle Coherence Vs. Aha!

Oracle Coherence is a database and application management in-memory data grid for personal and business use. The software strives to provide better scalability and performance compared to conventional database management systems. It was designed by Oracle Corporation headquartered in California, Uni...


51. HP NonStop computing

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jun 07, 2022
Compare HP NonStop computing Vs. Aha!

HP NonStop computing is a fast growing cloud-based Engineering software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. HP NonStop computing received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.7/5) when compared to other solutions in their category...


52. Apparel and Footwear

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Nov 14, 2022
Compare Apparel and Footwear Vs. Aha!

Apparel and Footwear is an award-winning cloud-based Product Lifecycle Management software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Apparel and Footwear received a rating of 3.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solu...


53. CALtools

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $500 per license
  • May 27, 2022
Compare CALtools Vs. Aha!

CALtools is an award-winning cloud-based Engineering software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. CALtools received a rating of 3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


54. Cisco MDS 9148

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Jun 08, 2022
Compare Cisco MDS 9148 Vs. Aha!

Cisco MDS 9148 is a fast growing cloud-based Engineering software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Cisco MDS 9148 received a rating of 3.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.7/5) when compared to alternative solutions.



A Buyer's Guide to Business Software Solutions

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

Finding the right business software for your business
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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.