Package selection for retail software can be arduous and time consuming. Finding the right vendor who offers the right application and platform with the right database can be a challenge and requires in-depth knowledge and insightful experience.
It is often best to choose a consultant with an independent perspective to conduct the search. Consultants offer opinions and insight from experience into the diligence required to implement or upgrade a system circumventing the timelines required to eliminate applications that don't fit.
RPE's Approach
RPE focuses on implementations and provides the insight to the most appropriate application.
We provide a structured methodology for conducting a software selection process tailored to ensure the adequacy and timeliness. This can be limited, moderate or extensive and will be planned according to strategic objectives.
Key elements in the package selection process include:
- Understanding strategic objectives and setting goals.
- Conducting a discovery process through interviews of key personnel, addressing functional and technical issues within the retail operating environment.
- Gathering and documenting material, operational and application requirements, opportunities and feature enhancement alternatives.
- Preparing a formal requirements document.
- Ascertaining vendor viability and market position.
- Identifying and pre-selecting vendors successful in the application arena.
- Generating the preliminary Request for Information (RFI).
- Preparing vendors for presenting their application according to requirements.
- Conducting representational functional demonstrations.
- Highlighting implementation and business process issues.
- Evaluating and assessing the suitability of the application.
- Providing insight and guidance into implementation considerations.
- Generating the Request for Proposal (RFP).
- Assisting in negotiations for license and support agreements.
- Developing a proposed and initial implementation plan.
