Where do you start when looking for an automated system? What kind of questions do you ask suppliers? Who do you involve in the buying process? This presentation shares the answers to these questions and more including top tips to ensure that you get the information that you require.

1. FAQs:
purchasing
an automated
system
Y O U R
Q U E S T I O N S
A N S W E R E D

2. Where do I start
when looking for
an automated
system?

3. This presentation
provides FAQs and
other key questions
that you may forget
to ask but are
incredibly important.

4. How do I know if it is time to
automate?

5. An increasing volume of course enquiries
Growing administration resource requirements
Cashflow issues arising through payment delays
Course booking is limited to office hours
Human error is causing issues
Inability to standardise processes

6. What type
of software
do I need?

7. For a training
company,
a CRM may seem
like a good choice
and is
often where
system research
begins.

8. A CRM will help
streamline
the sales process,
track customers
from prospects
through to invoicing
and provide
reports on progress.

9. In reality,
once embedded the
functionality may be
found to be limited
for the purpose,
making the prospect
of a fast return
on investment
unlikely.

10. The promising alternative
is to invest in
a training management
system (TMS).

12. Who do I
need to
involve in
the
buying
process?

13. A study showed that the
less people involved
in the buying process,
the quicker it is. However, it
also showed that if one
person is responsible for the
final decision it can lead to
upset among end users due
to having little or no say.

14. This is why it is important
to include not only the
decision maker
but at least one key
administrator throughout
the buying process.

15. Additionally, identify the
functions that the software
will be used for. If it will be
used to implement marketing
campaigns involve the
Marketing Manager and if it
will be used to run all
financial reports
involve the Finance Manager.
It’s common sense!

16. How secure
is my data?

17. Many software suppliers host their
systems off site in data hosting
centres. The majority of these
are security protected 24/7
meaning there are no
associated risks if any damage
occurred at your supplier’s
premises. Ensure that wherever
your data is hosted is
accredited to at least ISO 27001.

18. If you are uncomfortable
with the idea of your system
being hosted elsewhere,
many providers offer the
option to self-host providing
that your server meets
their required specification.

19. How
long
will
implementation
take?

20. Setting realistic
expectations
and highlighting stages
that could cause delays
are the best ways
to allow for system
implementation to
run smoothly.

21. Remember
that
implementation
is not only down
to the supplier. You
need to be prepared to
put the time
and effort in
to be able
to see results.

22. Want more
questions
answered?
D O W N L O A D F U L L F R E Q U E N T L Y
A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S E B O O K