WhatTheyThink

Premium Commentary & Analysis

3 Considerations When Buying Software

There is a cycle to software development that is intended to capture market or customer needs, develop solutions that meet those needs, and then launch into customer use. As more workflow automation tools and platform integration options come to market, consider having a different type of conversation with your vendors to understand the mindset behind the offering. The goal is to learn if their design and architecture are consistent with the needs of your shop.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Source: Shutterstock under license

When you acquire software for your business, you look at your needs, consider vendor offerings, and decide. You might go to a tradeshow to see demonstrations and talk to peers at an association meeting. Today, you might even ask your favorite GPT engine for its opinions. Before you dive in, there are some questions you should be asking in addition to the obvious ones!

If you consider a typical software development life cycle, the starting point can be ambiguous. Was there an idea that led to a development project, or did a defined customer need launch the efforts? Even the vendors may not know for sure because many products evolve from consulting engagements, bespoke development projects, and extractions from existing products.


Continue reading your article
with a WhatTheyThink membership.

WhatTheyThink Annual Membership

Less than $4/week.

Get unlimited access to in-depth commentary and analysis covering the latest trends, emerging technologies, operational strategies, and key events across every segment of today's printing industry.

Stay informed. Stay competitive. Stay ahead.
WhatTheyThink Day Pass

$5 for 24 hours

Unlimited access to all of WhatTheyThink. Get your Day Pass

Already a member?
Sign In

About Pat McGrew

Pat is a well-known evangelist for inkjet productivity. At McGrew Group, she uses her decades technical and marketing experience to lead the industry toward optimized business processes and production workflows. She has helped companies to define their five-year plans, audited workflow processes, and developed sales team interventions and education programs. Pat is the Co-Author of 8 industry books, editor of A Guide to the Electronic Document Body of Knowledge, and a regular contributor to Inkjet Insight and WhatTheyThink.com.

Recent Articles from Pat McGrew

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: PlanProphet Brings AI-Powered Tools to Boost Sales and Customer Service Administration

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: PlanProphet Brings AI-Powered Tools to Boost Sales and Customer Service Administration

Pat McGrew takes a close look at PlanProphet’s new AI-powered Tools, designed specifically for print businesses, aiming to automate and elevate front office operations. Read More

Hiring? Learn What Gen Z Is Looking For!

Hiring? Learn What Gen Z Is Looking For!

Trying to find a path to the hearts and minds of Gen Z and following cohorts takes some work. Most importantly, it takes an assessment of your current corporate culture through the eyes of a new hire in their first professional job. Here are some things Gen Z says are important. Read More

When Printers Get Together A lot of Insights and Ahas Happen!

When Printers Get Together A lot of Insights and Ahas Happen!

Printers are often invited to join user groups, peer groups, and networking organizations. It’s a pull on time and resources, but is it worth it? In most cases, the answer is a rousing “Yes!” By sharing a table, discussing challenges, trading ideas, and learning how others solve similar challenges, printers can fast-path solutions that help grow their businesses. Read More

Print Management Information Systems' Ehsan Elahi on PrintMIS ePRO Management Software

Print Management Information Systems' Ehsan Elahi on PrintMIS ePRO Management Software

Pat McGrew talks with Ehsan Elahi, Print Management Information Systems, Ltd. UK & Europe, about PrintMIS ePRO management software. Read More

Press Release 101—Even If You Think You Know

Press Release 101—Even If You Think You Know

One of the most effective tools in your marketing box is a press release. It can lift your brand, promote your wins, lift customers, and keep you visible in your market. Sadly, a lot of companies miss the value and the opportunities. Here’s why press releases should be in your arsenal. Read More