- STEP 1: Selection Criteria List: Make a list of the things you want your accounting software package to do for you/your company as well as things that are important in the selection criteria e.g. type of platform, integrate with other software/hardware, price, customizable, scalable etc.
- STEP 2: Become Informed: Educate yourself about accounting software packages, attend trade shows, talk to distributors, use the internet.
- STEP 3: Short List: Make a list of all products you think might meet your needs as well as products you might have heard about, read about etc then eliminate the obvious poor choices, products that do not have the right modules, too expensive, hard to integrate or just do not meet your selection criteria list.
- STEP 4: Source the Vendors: Find the sellers of the chosen software packages such as Sage Business Solution and contact them in order to receive further information regarding their packages, updates and an evaluation copy of the software.
- STEP 5: Product Presentation: Arrange a product presentation by the resellers of the chosen accounting software packages so you can see the package in action, ask questions, evaluate the product and have some hands on time with the actual accounting software package. Don’t forget to ask about consultant support, installation assistance, references etc.
- STEP 6: Reference Check: If you managed to get some references of companies already using the software, preferably companies with similar needs as yours, take the time to contact them and ask them what they think of the product.
- STEP 7: Select and Purchase Stage: Hopefully at this stage you have made your decision however if you still have more than one package go with gut instinct, the most user friendly product, the product that is built on top of the moist promising technology or offers the strongest reporting.
You may find that you have made your selection early in the process however it is still good to go through the following points just to be on the safe side.
No matter which accounting software package you purchase, the end result should be the same--it should increase the level of your professionalism, provide added convenience to your busy life, and, most importantly, it should assist you in gaining a better understanding of your financial circumstances. So don’t rush into the decision, take your time to select the best accounting software package for your company accounting needs as a wrong decision can be disastrous.