There is probably a wider choice of software available in the market than ever before.

So first of all, clarify your objectives and define your requirements, before looking. Define what you need rather than what you would like to have, and then start looking.

The cost of software is now relatively cheap but the cost of your time can be expensive. Not only should the software meet your requirements but it should be easy to learn and easy to use.

Personal recommendations and demonstrations of the software working in your environment are the way to proceed. Try to find someone who is using the software in the same way that you wish to, and see it demonstrated by them. Ask for a reference site from any salesman before you purchase and try and go and see it in action. Ask what support and training comes with the package.

Remember that it is not until you have purchased the software that you will really find out if it does what you want and how easy it is to use. That’s when the hard work really starts! How easy is it to set up your data and get going, and how easy is it to use new facilities in the software once your confidence increases. Is it a widely used package with a large customer base. Will updates be provided freely or at a reasonable upgrade cost. Is it a package that is still being developed or is it about to be replaced by a new version.