Most organisations changing their business software systems will find many reasons to justify their actions. Some, however, will only have a few reasons, which are so critical, that their system needs replacing simply because of these. How many apply to your business? Generally, the more reasons that apply, the more likely you need to change your software system.

SOFTWARE SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY REASONS

• Web enable • Additional functionality available within the new software • Workflow and automation • Present systems comprise multiple separate stand alone systems with limited integration between each other • Integration with other systems

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION REASONS

• Improving the quality and quantity of management information • Improving accuracy of information • Improving access to and speed of access to management information • Improving the flexibility of and speed to produce management information

SYSTEM OPERATIONS REASONS

• Improving system processes • Reducing manual effort and duplication of data handling • Improving flexibility, to handle continual business change • Improving performance, speed and time to process data • Improving data input / collection capability eg automated feeds, bulk data entry • Improving transfer of information between systems • Improving system reliability • Present system is ageing, has not been upgraded and is becoming difficult to maintain • Easier system development in the future • Supporting an increased number of system users • Improving data storage VENDOR REASONS • Existing vendor provides unsatisfactory or poor support • Vendor withdrawing support • No longer supplying a specific range of products • No longer developing products that you use ORGANISATIONAL REASONS • Changing provision of services eg outsourcing, creating shared service centres • Changes of hardware • Rationalisation of systems and vendors • Reorganisation eg due to take over, merger, restructure or disposal of business units • Reducing costs (total cost of ownership) • Other actions leading to a sudden and permanent large change in numbers of suppliers, customers, employees and consequent reduction of systems requirements For more IT project proposal information visit: Reasons for changing software / Project scope checklist / IT project proposal / Proposal format / Basic ROI calculation / ROI calculator and tips for maximising systems project ROI / Hidden costs of acquiring software / Project budget template and tips for improving IT software budgets / Proposal evaluation sheet