Software Evaluation & Vendor Selection
Choosing the wrong software is one of the most expensive mistakes a growing business can make. Too many organisations select systems based on a compelling demo, a sales relationship, or what a competitor is using — without a structured process to test whether the solution actually fits their operations. The result is systems that go live and immediately disappoint, implementations that drag on, and teams that work around the software rather than with it.
Alt Consult Solutions runs structured, vendor-neutral software evaluations that give you the evidence you need to make a confident, defensible decision — before you commit to implementation.
Who This Is For
- Businesses selecting an ERP, CRM, project management, or operational platform for the first time
- Organisations replacing a system that has outgrown their needs
- Teams that have received multiple proposals and do not know how to compare them objectively
- Decision-makers who want independent, unbiased guidance — not a vendor’s word on their own product
- Procurement teams or boards that need a rigorous, documented selection process
What We Do
We act as your independent advisor throughout the evaluation. We help you define what you actually need, structure the market review, run the vendor engagement, and build the comparison framework that makes the final decision clear and defensible. We do not earn referral fees or commissions from any software vendor. Our only interest is the right outcome for your business.
Deliverables
- Requirements document — functional and non-functional requirements ranked by priority and signed off by key stakeholders
- Market scan and longlist — identification of relevant vendors and solutions in the South African and global market
- RFP / RFI — structured vendor questionnaire to gather consistent, comparable information
- Evaluation scorecard — weighted criteria matrix so every option is assessed on the same basis
- Demo script and facilitation — structured scenario-based demonstrations so vendors show what matters, not what looks good
- Shortlist and recommendation report — documented analysis, scoring, risk assessment, and a clear recommendation with rationale
- Negotiation support — review of commercial terms and licensing structures
Our Process
- Discover — understand your business operations, pain points, and what success looks like after implementation
- Requirements — facilitate workshops to gather and prioritise requirements across all affected teams
- Market scan — identify and longlist suitable solutions based on your requirements and constraints
- Vendor engagement — issue RFP, manage vendor responses, schedule and facilitate demonstrations
- Evaluate — score and compare responses and demos against your weighted criteria
- Recommend — deliver findings, recommendation, and negotiation guidance
Outcomes You Can Expect
- A documented, auditable selection process that satisfies governance and procurement requirements
- A shortlist built on your requirements — not vendor marketing materials
- Demos that test real workflows, not curated showcases
- A recommendation you can stand behind, with clear evidence
- Significantly reduced risk of a costly mis-selection
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a software evaluation take?
A full evaluation — from requirements through to recommendation — typically runs six to twelve weeks. Shorter engagements are possible when the scope is narrow and stakeholders are available and aligned.
Can you help evaluate a system we are already leaning towards?
Yes. We can provide an independent challenge to a preferred option — stress-testing it against your requirements and available alternatives. This is often the most valuable engagement when internal momentum has already built around one vendor.
Do you only evaluate large enterprise systems?
No. We evaluate systems of all scales — from entry-level cloud platforms through to complex multi-module enterprise solutions. The evaluation structure scales with the complexity and commercial stakes of the decision.
What if we are replacing a system that is already live?
We factor migration complexity, data portability, and transition risk into the evaluation criteria. Replacing a live system raises the stakes and makes structured evaluation even more important.
Can you help after the selection too?
Yes. Many clients continue with us into Solution Design and Implementation Delivery once the selection is made. Continuity means we already understand your requirements and can hold vendors accountable to what they committed during the evaluation.
Ready to Select Software With Confidence?
Book a discovery call to discuss your evaluation and whether we are the right partner for the process.