Vendor Selection

When building a major system, deciding who you will award the contract to can be a tough problem. Generally, you will be asked to review a large number of alternatives and providers. Some of the options include:

• Outsource the entire business function

• Make use of an ASP (Applications Service Provider)

• Use your own internal I/T department to manage the entire process

• Contract with an external systems integration firm to be primarily responsible

• Allow a software vendor to manage implementation

• Contract with a management consulting firm to act as primary contractor and manager

• and an almost infinite variety of variations and combinations of all of these

With so many different options to choose from, many managers appreciate some help in setting up a framework for evaluating the options and making the final selection.

With so many different options to choose from, many managers appreciate some help in setting up a framework for evaluating the options and making the final selection.

We have developed the TTA-QuickSelect© Methodology based upon years of experience evaluating, choosing, and working with I/T departments, systems integrators, outsourcing firms, ASPs, management consulting firms, and hardware and software vendors. This mythology embodies the “tricks” we have developed to compare your options and make a sound choice. It includes methods for evaluating many of the risks associated with the different solutions offered (taken from our TTA-QuickEvaluate© Methodology):

• Technical risks

• Business risks

• Financial risks

• Integration risks

• Functionality risks

Also included are evaluations for:

• Completeness of solution offered

• Reasonableness of time and cost estimates

This methodology also includes a complete reference checking discipline. It looks for ALL system delivery aspects, not only those that the vendor wants you to know about.