Let’s be honest: you probably don’t spend much time thinking about your home’s plumbing… until it stops working, that is. Then suddenly, your entire life comes to a screeching halt. The same thing goes for the software that runs your business. You don’t notice it until it fails you, and when it does, it’s like everything grinds to a halt. Just like you wouldn’t jump into a new HVAC system without some research, picking the right software for your company requires a bit of homework.
Shopping for new software can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack, especially if you know your current system stinks, but you’re not quite sure what you need to replace it. Trust us, putting in a little research upfront is worth it in the long run. We just went through this process ourselves with a major software switch, so we’re here to share our hard-earned wisdom! Below are some key factors that helped us out — and if you have questions about our experience, we’re more than happy to chat about it!
How to Pick the Right Software for Your Business
1. Learn from the Past (Don’t Repeat Your Mistakes)
You probably have a list in your head of things your new software must do, but there’s a difference between “must-have” features and the “nice-to-haves.” It’s crucial to figure out which features are deal-breakers and which are just bonuses. The best way to start? Reflect on your past software struggles. What drove you crazy with your old system? Make a list of the things you can’t stand so you can steer clear of them in your new software.
2. Assess the Present (Is This Software Really the One?)
If the software you’re eyeing ticks all your feature boxes, that’s awesome — but don’t pull the trigger just yet! You’ll want to do a little more digging to ensure this system can protect your data and support your current needs. If you’re looking at cloud-based software, make sure to ask how often your data gets backed up and where it’s backed up. You don’t want to risk your company’s (or your customers’) sensitive data with a system that might lose it.
Also, check if the software provider has redundant data centers. This ensures your data is safe, even if one center goes down (because, hey, disasters happen). Oh, and while you’re at it, ask about their security practices. Why bother securing your office if your software provider isn’t playing by the same rules?
3. Think About the Future (Will It Grow With You?)
Your shiny new software might be perfect for right now, but what about five years from now? Make sure the system you choose can grow with your business. Ask potential providers if upgrades are included in the pricing — it might fit your budget today, but you want a solution that will grow as you do. And don’t forget to check out their customer support options. Will they be able to keep up with your needs down the road?
Lastly, remember that your data is your data. Make sure it’s easy to retrieve and transfer if you ever need to switch systems in the future. You don’t want to get stuck in a software that’s impossible to escape from!
Need Help Choosing the Right Software?
Keeping all these factors in mind can be overwhelming, but with a little prep, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect software system. If you need some guidance on making the switch, Sawyer Solutions is here to help! Give us a call at 844-448-7767, or fill out the form on our contact page — we’d love to chat about how we can support your business!