Software Comparison Strategy
Picture buying a new platform solely focused on employee and resource metrics. And when it comes to patient-related metrics — such as daily patient visits, revenue per treatment and overall profitability — you find yourself needing another system.
Handling two systems simultaneously poses challenges for you and those who'll use them. Opt for a comprehensive solution that meets all your buying needs to simplify adoption.
But before delving into software evaluations, spend some time thoroughly understanding your business needs. This is crucial to identify what you need to look for in your new purchase.
Mentioned below are some key software comparison strategies you must keep in mind:
Identify Your Business Needs
The success and growth of your practice necessitates a thorough understanding of its needs. This understanding goes beyond surface-level problem-solving; it involves delving into operational metrics and comprehending each user’s specific needs.
Engage with team leaders to assess the shortcomings hindering them from achieving their goals and explore how a new system can bridge these gaps.
Communicate with the staff who will use the system to identify any specific functionality, integration or customization requirements they might have. This holistic approach will help you find an application that addresses the unique demands of your practice.
Shortlist Software Vendors
After identifying your organization's requirements for the new system, begin exploring software vendors. Visit their websites and delve into their product catalogs.
Assess whether their products align with your specific needs and peruse their past and current customer reviews. This step-by-step approach will help you learn about potential vendors and their compatibility with your organizational goals.
Want help selecting the right product? Explore our Lean Selection methodology, a nine-step software evaluation procedure, to make an intelligent buying decision.
Cost & Pricing Considerations
During your product search, you might find that each option has certain gaps or lacks functionalities you consider essential. Additionally, some functionalities may come with additional charges if you wish to include them in your package.
In such scenarios, understanding the additional costs and vendors’ product pricing structures becomes vital.
This knowledge will help you budget effectively and keep extra funds available for potential future expenses.
Mentioned below are some crucial cost and pricing considerations:
Deployment
The most crucial aspect to understand is the total cost of ownership. Distinguishing between on-premise and cloud-based solutions helps determine what suits your requirement the best, guiding your purchasing decisions effectively.
While cloud-based solutions may appear cost-effective initially, with lower upfront and setup charges, it's essential to note that they come with subscription charges and their long-term price can add up.
On the other hand, on-premise solutions tend to have higher upfront costs. You also may be left to handle maintenance and customization on your own, requiring additional IT resources. However, they generally don't have as frequent ongoing costs and you can scale the number of users as you see fit.
Add-on Costs
When seeking specific customizations or requiring assistance with product onboarding, vendors might levy additional charges that they may not communicate upfront.
For this, it's crucial to proactively engage with vendors to discuss these potential extras in advance. This ensures transparency and helps you clearly understand the total system cost.
Some add-on expenses can include:
- Licensing
- Installation
- Implementation
- Data migration
- Customization
- Updates
- Training
- Support
