Top 43 Takeoff Software (Feb 2023)

2023's Best 44 Takeoff Systems

Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / Feb 03, 2023

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1. Red Rhino

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $75 per month
  • Mar 19, 2022
Compare Red Rhino Vs. Red Rhino

Red Rhino Software by Hard Hat is a CMS (construction management solution) that offers integrated software features for takeoff, project management, bid management, estimating, and customer management. The software is also installed as a web-based software solution, making it accessible to users tha...


2. eTakeoff

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $950 per license
  • May 13, 2022
Compare eTakeoff Vs. Red Rhino

eTakeoff is a complete electronic viewer and takeoff solution for estimators across all construction disciplines. From our free Basic viewer to our Advanced and Premier products, there’s a solution for every need. Basic is a FREE viewing, printing and takeoff tool. Its purpose is two-fold. First, it...


3. Bluebeam Revu

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $349 per seat
  • May 13, 2022
Compare Bluebeam Revu Vs. Red Rhino

BlueBeam Studio is an online/web-based project management software for construction companies. The software connects different stakeholders worldwide with a centralized database and document repository. It runs as the collaboration platform for Revu and handles all the documentation activities.


4. InSite SiteWork

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $245 per month
  • May 15, 2022
Compare InSite SiteWork Vs. Red Rhino

InSite SiteWork is cloud-based construction software that enables contractors to work on take-offs and estimate calculations, as well as the generation of construction staking data.


5. SmartBid Bid Management Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $600 per year
  • May 15, 2022
Compare SmartBid Bid Management Software Vs. Red Rhino

SmartBid software is a cloud-based construction bid solution designed for contractors. The solution offers a number of features that include project documents tool that helps users access centralized file storage and distribution.


6. Roof Wizard

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $225 per month
  • May 21, 2022
Compare Roof Wizard Vs. Red Rhino

Roof Wizard is a construction estimating software designed for automated and easy estimation and roof modeling, creating 3D models, making accurate quotes for roof designs, and selecting the best roofing materials.


7. Active Takeoff

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $119 per year
  • May 26, 2022
Compare Active Takeoff Vs. Red Rhino

Active Takeoff software is an estimating and takeoff solution that is designed for companies in the construction industries. The solution offers a number of functionalities that include an excel integration tool that enables users to export and manage their estimates to a local PC.


8. SOFTakeoff

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,295 per license
  • May 29, 2022
Compare SOFTakeoff Vs. Red Rhino

SOFTakeoff is a cloud-based construction software that enables contractors to manage takeoffs without a digitizer. It also allows them to manage 2D site works and other structures and building works using built-in routines.


9. On-Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: Has a free version
  • Jun 12, 2022
Compare On-Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid Vs. Red Rhino

On-Screen Takeoff is a construction software solution that offers takeoff solutions to contractors and other construction professionals.


10. The EDGE Estimator

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 01, 2022
Compare The EDGE Estimator Vs. Red Rhino

The EDGE Estimator is a construction estimating software for the creation of project bids. It is an automated solution which uses the request for proposal (RFP), and a large amount of historical and current relevant data to create a proposal. It can easily be used by custom home builders, general co...


Pricing Guide - Takeoff Software:

Construction Software Price Range

Most construction software in the market are priced on a per-user, per-month basis, although the terms are flexible, depending on the need of an organization. The price points for construction software can be divided into three tiers, and the price ranges for each respective tier are $0 to $20, $20 to $100, and $100 above. For instance, FINALCAD pricing starts from $55 per user monthly, EZOfficeInventory pricing from $35 per user monthly, and Adoddle costs about $25 per user monthly.

Meanwhile, some construction software are priced per year, while others have perpetual licenses that can be bought with a one-time fee. For example, ConstructionOnline is priced at $2,400 per year and Contactors Office cost price is around $700 per year.

In addition, construction software vendors adjust their prices to fit different business sizes, while others specifically serve some business sizes.

  • Small Businesses can expect to pay between $5 to $15 for a construction software product. This price range is for the entry-level offerings for small businesses as found on some vendors websites. For example, OpenProject BIM Edition pricing starts from around $5 per user monthly, Site Diary from $10 per user monthly, and PayPanter from $29 per month for two user accounts.
  • Medium Businesses can expect to pay prices that fall between $20 to $45 for a business software. The number of users on each given package can also influence the price of this software. For example, Praesto AE pricing starts from $35 per month, BrickControl from $29 per user monthly, and Pruvan cost price falls around $35 per month.
  • Large Businesses can expect to pay between $120 to $350 and $350 to $1,500 for a construction software per month, although many vendors do not disclose their pricing and would rather have an understanding of the need of a large organization to conclude on pricing. Sometimes, the offering for large businesses usually includes more than one user account. For example, ImproveIt 360 cost price starts from around $150 per month, Onware pricing sits around $500 per month and Aidi from $1,200 per month for unlimited users and projects.

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

  • Construction CRM Software The pricing for most construction CRM software in the market are set on a per user, per month basis. The price ranges are between $12 and $50 upwards. For instance, Projul pricing starts from around $50 per month, JobNimbus from $25 per user monthly, and Project SaleArchiver from around $47 per month. These price ranges correlate mostly with the starting offerings from each vendor; thus, premium or enterprise plans with more features will cost more, depending on the number of users.
  • Architecture Software The price ranges for architecture software in the market usually fall between the range of $100 to $500, $500 to $2500, and $2,500 upwards and they are set on a per-user, per-month basis. For example, SketchUp pricing starts from around $300 per user yearly, Revit from $3,000 per user yearly, and nanoCAD costs about $150 per user, per year.
  • Construction Accounting Software Most construction accounting products have perpetual licenses that can be bought with one-time fees. However, there are others with monthly plans. The price ranges for perpetual licences are $3,000 to $6,000 and $6,000 to $35,000. For example, STRUCTURE costs around $17,000, Jonas Enterprise around $30,000, and Ventus cost price is up to $5,000. On the other hand, CoreCon, for example, is a construction accounting software which costs $60 per month.
  • Construction Estimating Software Construction companies can expect to pay within the price ranges of $80 to $180, $180 to $1,200, and $1,200 above for a construction estimating software. Most products are priced per year. For example, RsMeans Data Online pricing starts from $240 per year, ProEst from $5,000 per year, and Square Takeoff from $800 per user yearly.
  • Home Builder Software Most home builder products in the market are priced on a per user, per month basis. The price ranges are $25 to $60, $60 to $150, and $150 above per month. For example, Cedreo pricing starts from $79 per user monthly, Contactor Foreman from $50 per user monthly, and BuildTools from $200 per month for three user accounts.

11. Sage Bid Management

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Jul 12, 2022
Compare Sage Bid Management Vs. Red Rhino

Sage Bid Management is a web-based software that automates and optimizes bid management processes in the construction and building industry. The software offers collaboration and control in various preconstruction phases. It offers improved tracking and visibility so companies can reduce risk, find ...


12. LandOne Takeoff

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $79 per user/month
  • Sep 05, 2022
Compare LandOne Takeoff Vs. Red Rhino

LandOne Takeoff is web-based construction software that allows estimators to manage estimations which are to be considered for their organization project bids, as well as controlling overall estimation time and takeoffs.


13. SureCount Digital Takeoff Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Aug 23, 2022
Compare SureCount Digital Takeoff Software Vs. Red Rhino

SureCount Digital Takeoff is a construction and takeoff management solution for businesses of all sizes. Other than onscreen digital takeoff, it also offers reporting and integration services. The software was designed and launched by ConEst Software Systems Inc headquartered in New Hamp...


14. Takeoff Live

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $599 per desktop
  • Aug 09, 2022
Compare Takeoff Live Vs. Red Rhino

Takeoff Live is a construction estimating software for subcontractors, contractors, architects designed to measure the amount of material required for projects. The software also calculates volumes, lineal footage, and square footage.


15. Trimble AutoBid Mechanical Estimating

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Sep 30, 2022
Compare Trimble AutoBid Mechanical Estimating Vs. Red Rhino

Trimble AutoBid Mechanical Estimating is a cloud-based construction software that enables contractors to track material, vendor, take-off, and labor in real-time, as well as determining the accuracy of their organization contract bids.


16. WinEst

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Sep 21, 2022
Compare WinEst Vs. Red Rhino

WinEst is an on-premise construction estimating solution designed to help estimators across a wide range of industry verticals. The primary solution features include estimating, reporting, construction takeoff and audit trails.


17. Best Bid Electrical Estimating Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $999.95 per license
  • Oct 19, 2022
Compare Best Bid Electrical Estimating Software Vs. Red Rhino

Best Bid Electrical Estimating Software is a growing cloud-based Construction software, it is designed to support small and medium size construction business. Best Bid Electrical Estimating Software received a rating of 4.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when ...


18. iSqFt for General Contractors

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $49 per month
  • Oct 05, 2022
Compare iSqFt for General Contractors Vs. Red Rhino

iSqFt for General Contractors is a construction company software that has several features including project management platform, document storage, bid management, CRM, estimation, and communications. The software allows clients to share and upload construction specs and plans through a web based st...


19. ArcSite

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $15 per license/month
  • Jan 27, 2023
Compare ArcSite Vs. Red Rhino

ArcSite is a cloud-based construction management tool that is designed to help professionals in the construction field in estimation as well as the creation of detailed takeoff, drawings, and measurements.


20. COINS Construction Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Oct 06, 2022
Compare COINS Construction Software Vs. Red Rhino

COINS provides commercial and engineering contractors with a single, fully integrated platform to manage the entire lifecycle of your projects. Designed to support the core business processes of ‘winning’ and ‘performing’ projects, opportunities are tracked from initial lead tender to contract aw...


21. PrebuiltML Takeoff Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $75 per month
  • Oct 06, 2022
Compare PrebuiltML Takeoff Software Vs. Red Rhino

PrebuiltML is an on-premise construction estimating software solution designed for construction professionals such as lumber dealers, home builders and general contractors of all sizes. The solution helps the user build the 3D views of their construction sites.


22. eMeasure Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $44.50 per month
  • Oct 11, 2022
Compare eMeasure Software Vs. Red Rhino

eMeasure Software is an award-winning cloud-based Construction software, it is designed to support small and medium size construction business. eMeasure Software received a rating of 4.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


23. WenDuct and WenPipe

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: Has a free version
  • Jan 28, 2023
Compare WenDuct and WenPipe Vs. Red Rhino

WenDuct and WenPipe is a growing cloud-based Construction software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size construction business. WenDuct and WenPipe received a rating of 4.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.9/5) when compared to other solutions in their...


24. Estimator360

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $339 per month
  • Jan 28, 2023
Compare Estimator360 Vs. Red Rhino

Estimator360 is a growing cloud-based Construction software, it is designed to support small and medium size construction business. Estimator360 received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


25. PriMus-TO Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $14 per month
  • May 05, 2022
Compare PriMus-TO Software Vs. Red Rhino

PriMus-TO Software is a growing cloud-based Construction software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size construction business. PriMus-TO Software received a rating of 2.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.4/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


26. ConEst IntelliBid

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Feb 01, 2023
Compare ConEst IntelliBid Vs. Red Rhino

ConEst IntelliBid is a construction management solution for businesses of all sizes. It streamlines the finances and offers contract and quote management, among other services. The software was designed and launched by ConEst Software Systems headquartered in New Hampshire, United States.


27. GALA Architect

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,200 per month
  • Feb 03, 2023
Compare GALA Architect Vs. Red Rhino

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


28. e4Clicks Project Estimator

  • Best for: Large business
  • Price: starts at $550 per year
  • Feb 09, 2022
Compare e4Clicks Project Estimator Vs. Red Rhino

e4Clicks Project Estimator is an award-winning cloud-based Construction software, it is designed to support large size construction business. e4Clicks Project Estimator received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1/5) when compared to alternative solution...


29. Assemble Insight

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Feb 16, 2022
Compare Assemble Insight Vs. Red Rhino

Assemble Insight is a growing cloud-based Construction software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size construction business. Assemble Insight received a rating of 4.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.5/5) when compared to other solutions in their categ...


30. Plumbing Bid Manager

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,195 per license
  • Feb 19, 2022
Compare Plumbing Bid Manager Vs. Red Rhino

Plumbing Bid Manager, or PMB, is a full feature plumbing estimating software solution for firms in the plumbing industry and similar businesses. The software is capable of biding jobs of all sizes, from the simplest bid jobs to jobs that are worth thousands and even millions of dollars. Aside from e...


31. MeasureSquare

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $149 per user/month
  • Feb 21, 2022
Compare MeasureSquare Vs. Red Rhino

MeasureSquare is a growing cloud-based Construction software, it is designed to support small and medium size construction business. MeasureSquare received a rating of 4.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


32. Viewpoint For Estimating

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Feb 19, 2022
Compare Viewpoint For Estimating Vs. Red Rhino

Viewpoint for Estimating is a cloud-based as well as an on-premise software solution that is built to generate estimates and takeoffs within the construction industry. This software helps in handling the complex planning tasks in construction.


33. Trimble AutoBid Mechanical

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Feb 22, 2022
Compare Trimble AutoBid Mechanical Vs. Red Rhino

Trimble AutoBid Mechanical is a construction project management solution for small and medium businesses. Its capabilities include project management, estimating, accounting, and integration. The software was developed and launched by Trimble Navigation Limited Inc headquartered in Califo...


34. Countfire Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Feb 25, 2022
Compare Countfire Software Vs. Red Rhino

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


35. Cubit

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $2,995 per license
  • Mar 02, 2022
Compare Cubit Vs. Red Rhino

Cubit is a growing cloud-based Construction software, it is designed to support small and medium size construction business. Cubit received a rating of 2.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


36. Trimble AutoBid SheetMetal

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 24, 2022
Compare Trimble AutoBid SheetMetal Vs. Red Rhino

Trimble AutoBid SheetMetal is a construction management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as estimating and costing, accounting, project management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Trimble Navigation Limited Inc headquartered in Californi...


37. Carlson Takeoff Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $7,500 per license
  • Mar 25, 2022
Compare Carlson Takeoff Software Vs. Red Rhino

Carlson Takeoff Software is a fast growing cloud-based Construction software, it is designed to support small and medium size construction business. Carlson Takeoff Software received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.6/5) when compared to other solutions ...


38. FastPIPE & FastDUCT

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $93 per month
  • Mar 30, 2022
Compare FastPIPE & FastDUCT Vs. Red Rhino

FastPIPE-FastDUCT is a growing cloud-based Construction software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size construction business. FastPIPE-FastDUCT received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.1/5) when compared to other solutions in their cat...


39. STACK Takeoff & Estimating

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $1,999 per year
  • May 11, 2022
Compare STACK Takeoff & Estimating Vs. Red Rhino

STACK Takeoff-Estimating is a trending cloud-based Construction software, it is designed to support small and medium size construction business. STACK Takeoff-Estimating received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.7/5) when compared to alternative solut...


40. TurboBid Estimating

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $99 per month
  • May 11, 2022
Compare TurboBid Estimating Vs. Red Rhino

TurboBid Estimating is a growing cloud-based Construction software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size construction business. TurboBid Estimating received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.3/5) when compared to alternative solutions...


41. Sage Estimating (formerly Sage Timberline Estimating)

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $3,500 per license
  • May 11, 2022
Compare Sage Estimating (formerly Sage Timberline Estimating) Vs. Red Rhino

Sage Estimating (formerly Sage Timberline Estimating) is a growing cloud-based Construction software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size construction business. Sage Estimating (formerly Sage Timberline Estimating) received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is con...


42. Benchmark Estimating

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price:
  • May 12, 2022
Compare Benchmark Estimating Vs. Red Rhino

Benchmark Estimating Software is a cloud-based construction software that enables administrators to set up and manage individual folders for the organization estimate documents, as well as reviewing those estimates to carry out what-if analysis.


43. Carlson Civil

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $7,500 per license
  • Oct 31, 2019
Compare Carlson Civil Vs. Red Rhino

Carlson Civil is a trending cloud-based Construction software, it is designed to support small and medium size construction business. Carlson Civil received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (4/5) 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.