If your manufacturing business wants to improve your performance levels while also decreasing costs, then you’re likely considering choosing business software to help this process.

Don’t worry if you don’t know where to start. We’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn all about the six top factors you need to consider before your next big software purchase.

1. Should You Choose Cloud-Based or Will You House It on-Site?

For important security reasons you might want to choose software that you download onto your computers directly. However, many teams are choosing cloud-based software for their instant access and ability to work from anywhere.

You will need to look at your options and weigh which one is better for your business. And each software program could have a different answer. Perhaps your project management software should be cloud-based while your CRM isn’t.

2. Be Sure You’re Choosing Business Software That Is User-Friendly

Nobody wants to spend hours and hours learning new software. Before you choose your next business program, be sure to find out what the learning curve is. You will want to ensure that it is intuitive and your team can start using it with minimal onboarding.

3. Can You Customize It for Your Business?

For many programs, you don’t want the generic off the shelf version. You need to be able to customize it for your specific needs. Don’t try to make something work that isn’t perfect, you will waste time and money every time you use it.

Instead, be sure that you can customize it for your needs. Your employees will thank you, and you’ll save the money you spent customizing it by not having everyone spend hours making it work.

4. What Security Protocols Does It Include?

You can’t risk a security breach. You have valuable customers to consider. Instead, be sure that whatever business software you choose has the security features you need.

Again, this will look different for various programs. Your in-house chat program won’t need to be as secure as your email program. However, they should have the basic security features expected in today’s cyber threat environment.

5. How Many Licenses Will You Need and What Is the Cost?

Don’t look at the base price for any software. Determine how many people will be using it and what your license covers. Sometimes one purchase is all you need, and you can download your software as many times as you need.

However, you don’t want to find out that the $99 software only includes five licenses while the $499 competitor would have given you unlimited downloads. If you have several employees, you need to consider your licenses and cost in your purchase decision.

6. Can You Outsource the PM and Installation?

When all is said and done, choosing the right software is only half the battle. Once you’ve chosen it, consider who will install it, onboard your employees, and facilitate the entire process.

When you outsource this vital process to a company, such as epicor erp consulting firms, you know it will be done correctly and on time. Having an experienced PM in your corner will streamline your onboarding process and set you up for success with your new software program.

You Can Find the Right Software to Streamline Your Business

When choosing business software, you want to be sure to make the right decision the first time. So bookmark this article and refer back to it often as you make your decision and weigh all the important factors leading to your decision.

For more great information on this and other topics, check out the rest of our blog.