Specify your requirements. Either start from the beginning,  brainstorming and working out what you need, or save yourself time by using the Accounting, CRM or HR / Payroll Checklists.

Identify systems  / software vendors. Check out the market, visit exhibitions, research the internet, create and issue an outline RFI/RFP, talk to other users, or contact us.

Review software details, vendor responses. Compare against outline requirements. Identify a shortlist of 3 - 4 potential vendors that meet your requirements. Or use our shortlisting service.

Attend system demonstrations with vendors. Confirm that the systems can meet your requirements. Reduce the list down to 2 or 3 preferred vendors with which to proceed further.

Refine your new system design thoughts - from what you have seen and heard, and from your original ideas / requirements.

Prepare and issue an extended RFI/RFP (or ITT) containing your detailed requirements to the preferred vendors. Carefully review and evaluate the responses.

Undertake further investigations. Examine other areas - hardware, network, database, system performance. Test and prototype system software - especially for complex requirements.

Attend detailed system demonstrations and meetings. Cover and resolve all points, issues and queries from the above with the preferred vendors.

Reference site visits. Visit at least 3 reference sites (and phone others) of the preferred vendors. Listen and learn from their experiences.

Decision. From reviewing all the above information, it should be clear as to which system to purchase. Commence final negotiation, contractual and service level negotiations.