Finding the right software - how a clear process view saves time and costs

Selecting new software is a feat of strength for many companies. Between lists of functions, demos and manufacturer presentations, it's easy to lose sight of what it's all about: finding a solution that really makes everyday working life better. This is exactly where we come in. We help companies to make their selection in a structured, comprehensible way and with a clear view of the benefits - without endless specifications, but with a process that provides orientation.

The beginning: three to five processes that really count
It doesn't start with a specification sheet, but with a discussion. Together with the specialist departments, we look at the three to five processes that have the greatest impact on time, quality or customer satisfaction. These are usually the processes in which friction arises today - because information is missing, coordination takes time or systems do not interact properly.

We describe these core processes in such a way that they become tangible: Where does the process begin, who is involved, what should the end result be and where is the problem today? That sounds simple, but it is the decisive step. Only when it is clear what really counts in everyday life can we assess which software best supports this.

From the process to the decision paper
A script is created from these descriptions - not a theoretical document, but a kind of stage direction for the selection. In it, we record typical everyday scenes: the normal case, a special case and an error case. These scenes later form the basis for structured demos.

We moderate this process, ensure comparability and make sure that all providers show the same scenes. This makes it clear how well a solution supports the actual work - not just how it looks on slides. The evaluation follows clear criteria that we define together with the specialist departments - measurable, comprehensible and free from interpretation. The result is not a gut feeling, but a comprehensible basis for decision-making that convinces departments and management alike.

Why the script is superior to the specifications
Traditional specifications are often comprehensive, but rarely unambiguous. Every provider reads them differently and everyone understands them differently. As a result, demos become show runs that have little to do with everyday life.

The script turns the perspective around: We show the providers what everyday life looks like - and they have to prove how well their solution supports these work steps. This creates comparability, reduces misunderstandings and gets to the heart of the discussion.

Structure instead of gut feeling
Our role is clear: we guide you through the process, keep the method clean and ensure that decisions are based on facts. We document how each solution masters the defined scenes and translate the observations into a comprehensible evaluation. This creates an objective picture - without technical overload, but with clear meaningfulness.

Our work is deliberately independent. We do not represent vendor interests, but the objectives of the company. This neutrality is crucial to ensure that the selection remains fair and the decision is based on trust and transparency.

The result is not a theoretical list of points, but a decision template that shows which solution really supports the processes, which compromises would be necessary and what this means in terms of effort and schedule.

Less paper, more clarity
The charm of this method lies in its simplicity. It does not require months of preparatory work or thick documents. It thrives on clear processes, honest observations and clean moderation. We provide the structure, the comparability and the experience from many selection projects - so that you can concentrate on the essentials: the decision.

What companies get out of it
Companies that take this approach report three effects:

  1. It quickly becomes clear which solution really fits.
  2. Acceptance increases because the specialist departments are involved right from the start.
  3. This reduces the risk of opting for a system that is not sustainable later on.

This not only makes the selection process faster, but also safer. And it saves costs - not because fewer checks are carried out, but because the checks are more targeted.

A good software selection is not a guessing game, but a structured process. If you start with the right questions and focus on the key processes, you will make better decisions - faster, more informed and with greater acceptance.

This is exactly where we support companies: from the initial process view through to the decision.


Book a free strategy meeting now

If you are faced with a software decision - or would like to professionalize your selection methodology - I will be happy to support you personally.

Book a free strategy meeting with Andreas Hackl