Do I Really Need That?

That is the most important question you can ask before deciding to make changes to your business’s technology. So before you go chasing the latest piece of shiny software down a very expensive rabbit hole, make sure you answer these question…

• What problem are you hoping to solve?
  This needs to be very specific. Very granular. ‘We need better communication’ is not an expectable answer. ‘Data Silos are preventing remote workers from having access to latest information’, is a defined, descriptive, and addressable problem.
  
• Can you solve the problem with existing SW?
  Are you using a software package in sales or marketing that has ‘off label’ capabilities other have used for securely sharing data files?
  
• How will the new SW do a better job of solving the problem?
  Is it more secure? Easier to use? Does it have more integrations?
  
• Will the new SW force a change in your company culture?
  If remote workers had been giving free reign to work independently, the new SW may require the to be more team oriented. They may have to share more of their work and allow others to participate in their duties.
  
• What is the estimated total cost of implementing the new SW?
  The purchase price might just be the beginning, you may also need to buy new hardware, hire trainers, or pay for tech support. In some cases, for advance software packages, installation, maintenance, and support can only be handled by the software company. This can cost you thousands.
  
• Will the benefit of solving the problem, justify the total cost?
  Benefits and costs are not limited to money. Again, depending on the software, a company could be forced to close temporarily, to notify it’s clients of the update, to update it’s existing data, or to change it’s internet and network services.
  
• Will your employees use the new software?
  This is perhaps the most important question. The best tool in the world will be of no use to you, if it never leaves your toolbox.

This list is by no means comprehensive, There are many more questions you could, and should asks before investing in new software for your company.