Everything an SME needs to choose the right business software in 48 hours, without a costly misstep. Five steps, three fill-in templates and the figures that matter.
~70%
of implementations miss their goals, usually due to selection and not technology
3 years
the only cost horizon that counts, not the monthly price
48 hours
from first requirement to a well-founded shortlist
Introduction
You choose software once every 7 years. Do it well.
Most organisations choose software on gut feel, on the slickest demo or on the lowest monthly price. The result: a system that doesn't fit the process, that no one uses, and that turns out twice as expensive over three years as expected.
This workbook turns that around. You work through five concrete steps, each with a fill-in part. At the end you have a well-founded shortlist and a vendor scorecard you can defend internally.
5
Questions before every demo
Sharpen your requirement before a salesperson fills it in.
3
Fill-in templates
Cost formula, adoption checklist and weighting matrix.
Score each option 1–5 per criterion, multiply by the weighting and add up. The highest weighted score wins. Objective and defensible.
Criterion
Weighting
Score 1–5
Weighted
Process fit: matches your way of working
25%
___
___
Ease of use & adoption
20%
___
___
3-year costs (TCO)
20%
___
___
Integrations with your systems
15%
___
___
Vendor & support
12%
___
___
Implementation time
8%
___
___
Total
100%
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Tip
Fill in this table separately for each option on your shortlist. Then compare only the total scores. That stops one impressive demo from colouring your whole decision.
One free 15-minute consultation and you'll have an independent, tailored shortlist within 48 hours, built on exactly this method. Free and without obligation.
SME edition 2026