Top 54 Inventory Reporting & Analysis Software (Apr 2023)

2023's Best 55 Inventory Reporting & Analysis Systems

Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / Apr 30, 2023

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1. Domo

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $175 per user/month
  • Oct 31, 2022
Compare Domo Vs. Domo

Domo is a business intelligence and executive management software solution for your business. The software was designed by Domo Technologies headquartered in Utah, United States. It provides creative solutions for better data management and also offers CRM and reporting services. 


2. EZOfficeInventory

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $35 per month
  • Jul 28, 2022
Compare EZOfficeInventory Vs. Domo

EZOfficeInventory is a web based asset tracking and inventory management solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include barcode scanning, asset maintenance, auditing, and others. The software was designed and launched by EZ Web Enterprises Inc headquartered in Nevada, United States. ...


3. Logikcull

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $395 per matter/month
  • Mar 21, 2022
Compare Logikcull Vs. Domo

Logikcull is a cloud-based legal management software for small to large law practice related companies. Its key include drag and drop upload, automatic OCR (using ABBYY), privileged detection, and rendering to PDF, custom slip-sheets, bulk tag or even cull in a single click, and more.


4. ReLiMedEMR

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: Has a free version
  • Oct 18, 2022
Compare ReLiMedEMR Vs. Domo

ReLiMedEMR is a solution that is designed for medical practices. The solution offers a number of features which include a practice management module that for every service provided, the practice generates revenue.


5. Mar-Kov CMS Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $2,500 per license
  • May 18, 2022
Compare Mar-Kov CMS Software Vs. Domo

Mar-Kov CMS (Chemical Management System) is a set of software modules that helps with the management and improves the efficiency of formulation, process, and batch based manufacturers. The software helps by automating most daily routine processes. This allows clients to streamline most of their oper...


6. CyberStockroom

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $99 per month
  • May 17, 2022
Compare CyberStockroom Vs. Domo

CyberStockroom is an inventory management software designed for businesses to track and manage inventory processes and get a view of their businesses, x-ray inventory products, and items content.


7. Electrical Bid Manager

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $1,495 per license
  • May 25, 2022
Compare Electrical Bid Manager Vs. Domo

Electrical Bid Manager, or EBM, is a software solution that manages a company’s bids, projects, estimating processes, and accounts. With its SQL technology, the software is used by several companies for their electrical estimating software needs. The software provides estimation software for compani...


8. Accolent ERP

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $2,500 per license
  • May 25, 2022
Compare Accolent ERP Vs. Domo

Accolent ERP is an enterprise resource planning solution for small and medium businesses. It offers assistance in wholesale distribution management along with inventory and purchasing management capabilities. The software was developed and launched by ADS Solutions Corporation headquarte...


9. SureDone

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $500 per month
  • Jun 18, 2022
Compare SureDone Vs. Domo

SureDone is a multi-channel e-commerce solution for small and medium businesses. It also offers such capabilities as inventory management, bulk order processing, integrations, and others. The software was designed and launched by SureDone Inc headquartered in New York, United States.


10. JDA software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Dec 18, 2022
Compare JDA software Vs. Domo

JDA software is a supply chain and inventory management software solution for your business. The software was designed by JDA Software Group, Inc., headquartered in Arizona, United States. It incorporates planning, management, and accounting services to streamline the supply chain of a business. 


Pricing Guide - Inventory Reporting & Analysis Software:

Inventory Management Software Price Range

Inventory management software in the market has different pricing; hence, they can be divided into three tiers, starting from the range of $10 to $50, to the more common range of $50 to $150, and the range of $150 to $250+. These prices are set using different methods, some of which are per inventory, per stocking location, per machine, and per user. Regardless of the pricing method, inventory management software is usually billed per month or per year. For example, RunIT Real-time Cloud pricing starts from $258 per month, ParagonERP costs up to $150 per user monthly, and Inflow Inventory pricing sits around $71 monthly for two user accounts.

In addition to this, inventory management software is also priced based on the size of businesses they are targeting. For instance:

  • Small Businesses can expect to pay between $8 to around $50 for an inventory management software, depending on the number of features on the chosen product. For example, Shipstation pricing is at $9 per month, Sortly costs around $39 per month, and eTurns costs up to $40 per month. Also, some products, such as Sortly, have free offerings for small businesses.
  • Medium Businesses can expect to pay prices that fall between $50 and $150 for an Inventory Management software. However, the number of inventories, locations, users, etc., can also influence the software price. For example, Finale Inventory pricing starts from $99 per month, BoxStorm costs around $79 per month, while ParagonERP pricing is priced around $150 per month. Also, some products for medium businesses have one-time fees for perpetual licenses. An example is Acctivate Inventory which costs $5,000 for life-time usage.
  • Large Businesses can expect to pay from $200 upwards for an inventory management software. For example, ShipHero pricing starts from $1,850 per month, RUnit Real-time Cloud from $258 per month, and InfoPlus costs up to $685 per month. However, some vendors may request separate fees for installation and onboarding, depending on the size of the organization.

Inventory management software best of breeds, and their price ranges are as follows:

  • Barcoding Software The prices for barcoding software in the market can be divided into two tiers, starting from $20 to $50, and then $50 to $200. The prices are usually set per user or per assets, depending on the type of package. Billings are usually fixed monthly or yearly. For instance, eCount ERP pricing starts from $55 per month, Zangerine costs up to $199 per user monthly, and EZO Office Inventory pricing starts from $35 per month. Perpetual license can also be bought for some software like Asset Tracking Barcode System which is priced at $995.
  • Inventory Control Scheme Inventory control scheme products can be divided into three tiers, and their price ranges are $20 to $40, $40 to $80, and $80 above. The prices are either set per user, per month or per a number of set inventories per month. For example, MarginPoint Mobile Inventory starts from $89 per month, Arbimed Inventory from $100 per month, and MarketPlace Works from $49 monthly and $249 monthly for premium users.
  • Order Management Software The price ranges for order management software are $20 to $50, $50 to $100, and $100 above. The pricing for order management products are set on per order, per month or per user, per month basis. For example, Orderwerks pricing starts from $100 per month for a number of orders, InsiTV costs up to $25 per user monthly, and Caspio pricing starts from $125 per month.
  • Catalogue Management Software Most catalogue management products in the market are set on a per-user/per-month basis, and the prices range, depending on the package level, are $19 to $48, $48 to $100, and $100 above. For instance, FileStage costs around $99 per month, while Channable starts from around $39 per month based on the size of the project. Additionally, Snappi pricing starts from $20 per month or $0.99 per app usage.
  • Order Entry Software Most order entries in the market have pricing that fall between $26 to $50, and they are usually set on per user, per month or per order, per month basis. However, this is the price range for standard or entry-level offerings; more premium offerings range from $100 to $250 per month. For instance, Handshake costs $39 per user, per month, Blendzi $200 per month, and Handshake $40 per user, per month.

11. ClearView InFocus

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $24 per employee/month
  • Jul 05, 2022
Compare ClearView InFocus Vs. Domo

ClearView InFocus is a billing, invoicing and project management solution for your business. The software was designed and launched by ClearView Software and seeks to provide high end A/E solution at an affordable price. The software solution also offers frequent updates based on client response. 


12. Gantter

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $5 per user/month
  • Jul 07, 2022
Compare Gantter Vs. Domo

Gantter is a cloud-based project management software that helps team managers track progress points in an entire project and connect to a community-backed repository of resources, risks, and tasks.


13. LS Retail

  • Best for: Large business
  • Price:
  • Mar 28, 2022
Compare LS Retail Vs. Domo

LS Retail is a business management and POS software that helps businesses understand and adapt to changing customer buying habits and manage product purchases and sales.


14. EAMbrace

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 13, 2022
Compare EAMbrace Vs. Domo

EAMbrace is an enterprise asset management (EAM) program offering users with tools for the management and tracking of assets, reduction of life-cycle costs and enhancement of asset performance.


15. Wyn Enterprise

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Apr 30, 2023
Compare Wyn Enterprise Vs. Domo

Wyn Enterprise is a cutting-edge business intelligence and analytics platform that empowers organizations to make better decisions by turning data into actionable insights. Established in 2017, Wyn Enterprise has quickly become a top choice for businesses of all sizes that are looking for a powerful...


16. Apparound CPQ

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $40 per user/month
  • Jul 18, 2022
Compare Apparound CPQ Vs. Domo

Apparound CPQ is a web based product configuration solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as custom pricing options, inventory management, analysis and constraints, and others. The software was designed and launched by Apparound headquartered in Italy.


17. SwiftCount Software

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $19.95 per month
  • Sep 29, 2022
Compare SwiftCount Software Vs. Domo

SwiftCount is an inventory management software that helps retail stores and warehouses empower their employees while reducing operations time and costs.


18. SIMMS Inventory management software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $900 per license
  • Feb 28, 2022
Compare SIMMS Inventory management software Vs. Domo

SIMMS Inventory Management Software is an inventory management and accounting software that supports the business process from purchasing, sales and order fulfillment to accounting and data collection. SIMMS (Stand-alone Inventory Management Modular Software) can help users to handle all their day-t...


19. CIS Configurator

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $6,000 per license
  • Jan 30, 2023
Compare CIS Configurator Vs. Domo

CIS Configurator is a leading cloud-based Manufacturing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. CIS Configurator received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


20. eRep

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $49 per user/month
  • Oct 03, 2022
Compare eRep Vs. Domo

eRep is a trending cloud-based Configure Price Quote software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. eRep received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.9/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


21. Jada SCP 4-0

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $35,500 per license
  • Oct 04, 2022
Compare Jada SCP 4-0 Vs. Domo

Jada SCP 4.0 is a supply chain management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as demand planning, inventory optimization, supplier management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Jada Management Systems LLC headquartered in Oregon, United States.


22. DistributionPlus

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Oct 03, 2022
Compare DistributionPlus Vs. Domo

DistributionPlus is both a cloud-based and an on-premise inventory management software with an integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution.


23. eSellerHub

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price:
  • Feb 12, 2022
Compare eSellerHub Vs. Domo

eSellerHub is an award-winning cloud-based Inventory Management software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. eSellerHub received a rating of 2.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


24. Sonic Fusion Software

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $1,500 per license
  • Feb 03, 2022
Compare Sonic Fusion Software Vs. Domo

Sonic Fusion Software is a trending cloud-based Inventory Management software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Sonic Fusion Software received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.7/5) when compared to other solutions in their category...


25. Datacor Chempax

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $4,000 per license
  • Feb 14, 2022
Compare Datacor Chempax Vs. Domo

Datacor Chempax is an enterprise resource planning solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers services related to such aspects as manufacturing, compliance, financial management, procurement, and other areas. The software was designed and launched by Datacore Inc headquartered in New...


26. Carillon ERP

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $8,000 per license
  • Feb 19, 2022
Compare Carillon ERP Vs. Domo

Carillon ERP is an enterprise resource planning solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as billing and invoicing, distribution management, inventory management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Carillon Financials Corporation headquartered in Texas, Uni...


27. Sortly Pro

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $25 per month
  • Feb 25, 2022
Compare Sortly Pro Vs. Domo

Sortly Pro is a growing cloud-based Inventory Management software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Sortly Pro received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


28. SellerCloud

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,000 per month
  • Feb 25, 2022
Compare SellerCloud Vs. Domo

SellerCloud is a cloud-based e-commerce and inventory management solution built specifically for retailers. It has simplification, synchronization, and automation features to help small, medium, and large businesses meet the challenges of their selling operations.


29. SAP Distribution

  • Best for: Large business
  • Price:
  • Mar 19, 2022
Compare SAP Distribution Vs. Domo

SAP Distribution provides a wholesale distribution solution. The software help companies to plan, requisition, stock, sell and manage inventory efficiently, so that operational productivity can improve, resulting in better revenues and greater cash flows. SAP is a leading enterprise application s...


30. ParityFactory

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 03, 2022
Compare ParityFactory Vs. Domo

ParityFactory is a leading cloud-based Inventory Management software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. ParityFactory received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.5/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


31. Khaos Control Cloud

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $83.89 per user/month
  • Mar 02, 2022
Compare Khaos Control Cloud Vs. Domo

Khaos Control Cloud is enterprise resource management/ERP software accessible in the cloud and using mobile and desktop devices.


32. PIRO

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $299 per month
  • Mar 09, 2022
Compare PIRO Vs. Domo

PIRO is an award-winning cloud-based ERP software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. PIRO received a rating of 2.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


33. EazyStock

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $851.72 per month
  • Mar 08, 2022
Compare EazyStock Vs. Domo

EazyStock is a cloud-based inventory optimization solution for wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers and retailers. Integrating with your existing ERP, EazyStock automates your inventory management to reduce excess inventory, increase your service levels, decrease the amount of time spent on manu...


34. W3bstore

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $19 per month
  • Mar 23, 2022
Compare W3bstore Vs. Domo

W3bstore is a fast growing cloud-based Retail-POS software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. W3bstore received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


35. CentralBOS

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $999 per month
  • Mar 24, 2022
Compare CentralBOS Vs. Domo

CentralBOS software is an all-in-one, cloud-based enterprise resource planning solution that provides a real-time view of every business operation. The software incorporates multiple functionalities that include inventory management, CRM, HR/payroll, order management, financial management, and field...


36. Pacifica

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Mar 29, 2022
Compare Pacifica Vs. Domo

Pacifica is a growing cloud-based Accounting-Finance software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Pacifica received a rating of 4.2 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.9/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


37. FMIS Fixed Assets

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $6,000 per license
  • Mar 28, 2022
Compare FMIS Fixed Assets Vs. Domo

FMIS Fixed Assets is a fixed asset management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as audit trail, asset budgeting, inventory tracking, and others. The software was designed and launched by Financial and Information Management Systems (FIMS) Ltd headquartered in the Unit...


38. AdvancePro Inventory Management

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $85 per user/month
  • Mar 28, 2022
Compare AdvancePro Inventory Management Vs. Domo

AdvancePro Inventory Management is an inventory control system that can simplify warehouse, buying, selling and shipping operations. The inventory management software offers both administrative and operation features with deployment options of on-premise and web-based. There are more than 200 featur...


39. irms WMS

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $40 per month
  • Nov 05, 2022
Compare irms WMS Vs. Domo

irms WMS is a warehouse, asset, and supply chain management solution for your business. The software was designed by Upp Technology, Inc. headquartered in Illinois, United States. It provides efficient management of warehouse space, shipping time, and inventory visibility. 


40. Compeat

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $399 per location/month
  • Nov 08, 2022
Compare Compeat Vs. Domo

Compeat is a leading cloud-based Inventory Management software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Compeat received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


41. Radley Data Collection

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • May 11, 2022
Compare Radley Data Collection Vs. Domo

Radley Data Collection is a fast growing cloud-based Inventory Management software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Radley Data Collection received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1/5) when compared to alternative solutio...


42. Sherpa ERP

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • May 11, 2022
Compare Sherpa ERP Vs. Domo

Sherpa ERP is a growing cloud-based Inventory Management software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Sherpa ERP received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


43. IQMS EDI Translator

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Nov 09, 2022
Compare IQMS EDI Translator Vs. Domo

IQMS EDI Translator is a distribution software that allows administrators to manage the time taken to exchange crucial business data, as well as keeping in check the number of times that a data entry error occurs.


44. C-Store Office‚

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $249 per license
  • May 12, 2022
Compare C-Store Office‚ Vs. Domo

C-Store Office software provides the infrastructure, workflow and reporting needed to increase operational efficiencies and optimize margins of your convenience store/gas station.


45. DocMinder Document Management

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: Has a free version
  • May 17, 2022
Compare DocMinder Document Management Vs. Domo

DocMinder is an on premise and cloud based project management solution that offers you with automatic management of usual procedures of the business through their lifecycle from start to finish.


46. Airsoft

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Jul 26, 2022
Compare Airsoft Vs. Domo

Airsoft is an award-winning cloud-based Maintenance software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Airsoft received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.4/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


47. Evatic Service

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $0.12 per user/month
  • Jul 19, 2022
Compare Evatic Service Vs. Domo

Evatic Service is a field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as billing and invoicing, inventory control, work order management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Evatic AS headquartered in Norway.


48. Grammarly

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $10 per user/month
  • Aug 29, 2019
Compare Grammarly Vs. Domo

Grammarly is a growing cloud-based Office Production-Tools software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Grammarly received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


49. P.S.Financials

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Aug 19, 2019
Compare P.S.Financials Vs. Domo

P.S.Financials is a growing cloud-based Accounting-Finance software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. P.S.Financials received a rating of 3.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.7/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


50. BizSlate - Inventory Management Software

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business
  • Price: starts at $79 per user/month
  • Sep 25, 2019
Compare BizSlate - Inventory Management Software Vs. Domo

BizSlate - Inventory Management Software is a growing cloud-based Inventory Management software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. BizSlate - Inventory Management Software received a rating of 4.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.6/5) when compar...


51. Human Resource Manager

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $149 per year
  • Sep 26, 2019
Compare Human Resource Manager Vs. Domo

Human Resource Manager is a growing cloud-based Human Resources software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Human Resource Manager received a rating of 3.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


52. Clarity

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $39 per user/month
  • Mar 18, 2020
Compare Clarity Vs. Domo

Clarity is a trending cloud-based Inventory Management software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Clarity received a rating of 3.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


53. Solidify CPQ

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Oct 28, 2022
Compare Solidify CPQ Vs. Domo

Solidify CPQ is a growing cloud-based Configure Price Quote software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Solidify CPQ received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


54. Progressly

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Oct 16, 2022
Compare Progressly Vs. Domo

Progressly is a growing cloud-based Field Service software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Progressly received a rating of 2.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.2/5) 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
Proper business software selections are the precursor to successful deployment and business growth. Finding the right solutions doesnít have to be complicated, and it doesnít have to take days or weeks of your time.

After researching over 5,000 systems, we can identify the best solution for companies of all shapes and sizes. ITQlick.com is 100% free for software buyers.



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.