Professional service automation software is the gold standard in the services industry. It’s a centralized platform that combines project management, time tracking, invoicing, team collaboration, and more.
If you’re looking for the best professional services automation software for your company, this guide will show you the five critical factors to consider during your research.
1. Your Business Needs
Professional services automation software can seem like a fix-all tool that can help any business thrive. But without understanding your current workflows and pain points, you’ll struggle to get any real value out of new software implementation.
When in the research phase, it’s also important to consider your industry and company size. Are you planning significant growth? If so, you’ll need software that can scale with you. You might also want to consider industry-specific solutions if you have specific requirements.
2. Budget Constraints
- Implementation and integration costs
- Hiring an experienced software consultant
- SaaS licensing and product fees
Make sure you understand the total cost of ownership (TCO) and analyze the potential ROI of different software options.
3. Required Capabilities
Different professional service automation software solutions have different features. Your budget won’t allow endless functionality, so plan your must-have and nice-to-have features. You might require higher levels of customization for unique processes, so you’ll need to find a software provider capable of handling your project goals and priorities.
Don’t forget to check for integration capabilities when vetting different software options. If you have business processes that already work well, your new professional services automation software will need to integrate seamlessly to avoid workflow bottlenecks.
Our research found that around 33% of self-implementations fail, and 78% of businesses that suffer a failed implementation give up on the software they were going to use. Finding the right software with the right features for your business is essential for success.
4. Evaluating Vendors
We regularly help our clients choose the best software solutions using proven RFPs and scoring matrices. No two software vendors are the same, so evaluating available resources, support, and training options is crucial. Here are a few tips for a successful evaluation process:
- Check client references and previous case studies – do they have any success stories within your niche?
- Make sure you’re happy with their customer support system, availability, and software training services.
- Assess the contract terms and implementation timelines – can the provider meet your deadlines and provide all priority solutions?
- Cost structure – is the solution within budget?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the software evaluation process, an expert tech advisor can help. They have extensive experience with various software providers and can give you unbiased, professional advice on the best PSA software for your specific business needs.
5. Scalability
Don’t choose your PSA provider based on your current needs – think about future growth and a growing user base. Your chosen software should be flexible and offer expanded role usage over time.
Attempting to scale your business with poorly functioning software will significantly reduce your success rate. Although you might not need certain features right now, you may need the capacity to incorporate new features as your business reaches new levels, so ensure any provider has the capacity and functionality to grow with you.
Final Thoughts
When you’re in the market for professional services automation software, keep the five key factors in mind: business needs, budget, capabilities, evaluation, and scalability.
By doing the necessary due diligence for a strategic selection process, you can be confident that you’re investing in the right software to help your business grow and thrive.
If you want to skip the headaches and find the perfect software solutions for your company, work with an expert tech advisor. They will work with you to plan a strategic tech roadmap for your business, find the best software solutions, and ensure a successful implementation process. Get started today.
