Software Selection Consultant
Choosing an ERP, job, stock or CRM system? We help you pick the one that fits how your business works, and hold the vendor to it
- 20+ years connecting business systems
- Works with the accounting, job and CRM systems you already use
- Fixed quote after a free chat
Choose on Fit, Not the Demo
Most software decisions are made on a polished demo and a gut feel. The trouble shows up later: the system doesn’t handle the way your jobs, stock or approvals actually work, the quote didn’t include the integrations or data migration, and the project runs over.
As a software selection consultant, we start with how your business really runs, turn that into clear requirements, and run a structured selection: a shortlist, scripted demonstrations using your own scenarios, and an evaluation on fit, delivery capability and total cost. For larger projects we prepare an Expression of Interest and tender documents, working with a contract lawyer where needed.
We have done this from the client’s side of the table, including running the tender and vendor selection for a 1,000+ staff organisation’s move to Microsoft Azure, then directing the chosen provider’s engineers through implementation.
When It Helps
Signs you need help choosing.
- You’re replacing an ERP, accounting, job, stock or CRM system
- Every vendor demo looks good and you can’t tell them apart
- Quotes vary widely and you’re not sure what each one includes
- Nobody inside the business has run a software selection before
- Integrations, data migration and reporting keep getting left out of the conversation
- You want the vendor held to what was promised once the project starts
What We Do
From requirements to a signed vendor you can hold to the brief.
Requirements from the real work
We sit with the people who do the job and write down what the system must handle, in plain English, including the exceptions.
Shortlist and scripted demos
A short list of suitable systems, and demonstrations run on your scenarios, not the vendor’s favourite screens.
Tender when it’s warranted
For larger projects, an Expression of Interest and tender documents, prepared with a contract lawyer where needed.
Evaluation you can explain
Each option scored on fit, delivery capability, integrations, data migration and total cost, with the trade-offs written down.
Contract and plan checked
The proposal, scope and implementation plan reviewed before you sign, so gaps are found early.
Held to the brief
Through implementation we can act as your technical authority: checking designs, pushing back where needed and keeping it on track.
How It Works
Sized to the decision.
Free initial chat
We talk about what you’re replacing, why, and how big the decision is.
Requirements
We map how the work is done today and agree what the new system must do.
Selection or tender
A light structured selection for smaller decisions, a full tender for larger ones.
Decision and handover
A recommendation with the reasons written down, then support through contract and implementation if you want it.
See it in practice: tender and vendor selection for a 1,000+ staff organisation.
ERP Selection Checklist
Whether you run the selection yourself or with us, these are the checks we work through before anyone signs a contract. Use it as a starting point for your own ERP requirements.
Before you look at any software
- Map the processes the ERP has to run (quote to cash, purchasing, stock, jobs, month end) as they really happen today.
- List the problems you are trying to fix, in order, and how you will know they are fixed.
- Decide what stays: your accounting software, payroll, CRM or a specialist industry system may stay and need to connect.
- Name an internal owner with time set aside to make decisions.
- Check the state of your data: customers, suppliers, items and open balances you would need to move.
When you compare systems
- Write requirements as must-have, should-have and nice-to-have, tied to your processes, not a generic feature list.
- Give every vendor the same scripted demonstration using your own examples, not their standard demo.
- Ask how each connection to your other systems will work, who builds it, and who maintains it when either side changes.
- Compare total cost over several years: licences, implementation, data migration, integrations, training and support.
- Speak to reference customers of a similar size and industry, and ask what went wrong as well as what went right.
Before you sign
- Get a written scope that names what is included, what is not, and how changes are priced.
- Agree who moves and cleans the data, and how it will be tested before go-live.
- Check who will actually do the work, not just who sold it.
- Plan training, a go-live date that avoids your busiest period, and support for the first months after.
Comparing two open-source options? See ERPNext vs Odoo. Already partway through? Our ERP implementation FAQ covers cost, time and the usual risks.
Common Questions
Related: ERP consultant, fractional CTO, Process & Systems Audit and our cloud transformation case study.
Choosing New Software?
Tell us what you’re choosing and why. We’ll tell you honestly how much help you need and what it would involve.
Free initial chat. No sales pressure - if we're not the right fit, we'll say so.
Prefer to talk? Call 1300 470 091
Got a spec or files? Email [email protected]
Part of our guide: Choosing Business Software
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