If you aren’t careful, a software deployment can cost your business far more than you’ll ever profit from it.  That’s why, in order to justify the cost and investment in a piece of software, you need a specific plan of attack. Do you have one?

3 Tips for Saving Money

The sticker price is only the beginning. When you think about investing in a new software, program, or app, you also have to consider the total cost of deployment. In some cases, this cost will dwarf the sales price.

The good news is there are ways to save money. As you sort through your options and create a plan for software deployment, here are some cost-saving tips to mull over.

1. Select the Right Software

 Everything starts with software selection. A misstep in this area will cost you dearly – not just on the front end, but down the road as well.

Software selection isn’t something that you should do in an hour. Depending on the type of software you’re deploying, you probably have at least four or five different options (and maybe dozens). It’s absolutely imperative that you do your due diligence and compare and contrast so that you make the right choice.

Everyone has their own preferred method of analyzing software solutions, but it’s a good idea to create a ranking list of factors that matter and then cross compare to find the best fit. Sometimes the cheapest option makes the most sense, while other times a more expensively priced solution is actually the most cost effective in the long run.

2. Hire Software-Specific Consultants

 Investing in software and then throwing it at your employees is like buying a car for your 16-year-old son and then failing to teach him how to drive. Sure, he could probably get the car to start, but would you really feel comfortable giving him the keys and asking him to run some errands for you?

In order to maximize your investment and save money in the long run, it’s a good idea to hire software-specific consultants. Take Lawson software as an example. There are consulting services that specialize in Lawson business solutions and know how to help teams utilize all of the benefits and features that are packed inside. Whether it’s Lawson another vendor, you need to consider this option. The ROI is indisputable.

3. Create a Training Plan

 Whether you work with a software consultant or handle deployment on your own, you need to create a training plan to ensure you get the most out of your software investment.

While the temptation is to start using your software as soon as possible, taking time to educate and train will prevent future snags and allow you to get more out of the features you’ve invested in.

Start with the people who will be using the software the most and then slowly start to trickle the knowledge down to others. By equipping a few and ensuring they are proficient, you can then leverage their knowledge to train others. 

Don’t Let Cost be the Only Factor

The purpose of this article is to tell you how to save money on software, but we would be remiss not to warn you against placing all of your energy and focus into the financial aspect of the equation. While price is a very important component, you can’t let it be your sole guiding force. There are numerous other factors to consider – such as utility, scalability, and vendor reputation. Be sure to think about these things as you make a well-rounded decision.

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