One of the main pieces of work we carry out for clients is helping them to identify replacement software solutions and then assist them with the implementation of the chosen application in their business.

But we are often asked why a business would need an outside consultant to help them procure software? So we decided to outline the service and why it benefits the client.

What is Search and Selection?

The concept of software search and selection is to identify a software solution (or solutions) which meet the overwhelming majority of the business’ critical operational needs. The process ensures the focus remains on the core requirements of the company and avoids unnecessary, numerous and irrelevant sales demonstrations from unqualified solutions.

How does it work?

We aim to keep search and selection simple. We avoid issuing full blown tenders, but we do make sure the solution providers respond to a clear set of requirements.

We have refined the process to 4 key stages:

Business Analysis

• Documenting the requirements of the business
• Identifying the scope of the project, its budget and timescales

Market Research

• Identifying and establishing contact with potential solutions
• High level qualification of client/supplier fit

Short Listing

• Work with potential solutions to qualify solution Vs requirements
• Select a short list of options to review in detail

Evaluation and Selection

• Carry out detailed demonstrations focusing on the primary needs
• Select the solution which has the closest fit with requirements and budget.

That all sounds straight forward, so why use an external consultant to do that?

The team at Recenseo has over 25 years combined experience of the market and we have worked with most of the leading players. We know what most solutions are capable of and which solutions you can genuinely compare on a like-for-like basis; so our research time is faster than if you start from scratch with little prior knowledge. Yes, we still need to qualify a fit with the specific client needs but our ‘long list’ is often easier to come by.

We cut through the hype and identify what is genuinely beneficial functionality. Every solution has a packaged sales demonstration which will highlight its key strengths, not necessarily how that will benefit your business. By pre-selecting solutions and commanding the demonstration process you see only the functionality which is relevant to your business. Great Option A can text you when your stock falls below x number but seriously, will you ever use that?

We have worked with authors and resellers alike and we know who the good ones are. So when we go to market on behalf of a client, we are not only looking for a solution, but a good delivery partner too. We know who has specific vertical sector experience if that is relevant or who offers the best customer service.

Finally we are one step removed and that means we can be impartial and look at the bigger picture throughout the process. This means we represent the needs of every level of user in the business but also that we can negotiate on behalf of the client to get the best deal. Equally we understand the issues of being a reseller and so we can act as an advocate in demonstrations and negotiations to deliver a practical outcome.

What are the benefits?

By using Recenseo as an external guide through the process, the client will:

• Retain ownership and control of the procurement process
• Avoid wasting time researching and reviewing the market
• Only consider options which have been prequalified against need and budget
• Have a blueprint against which the system can be delivered
• Have a tool against which the final solution can be evaluated

The final point here is a crucial one. If you were building a house you would have plans and an artist impression of the finished design. So when the house is completed you can stand back and, all being well, make sure that your house looks like the original design – if it doesn’t you can ask why not. We believe software projects should be handled in the same way. By having a set of requirements that form the backbone of the project, it is very easy to evaluate the final solution. This actually protects both the client and the delivery partner as they are both working to an agreed scope.

Is it only for big business?

No, not really. We have worked with a charity whose income was just £300k and a global media agency with offices worldwide and complex currency and reporting needs, so our client base is varied. The connection between these businesses is that both set out wanting to find the right solution and knew that because of their time commitments or lack of experience, they were unlikely to achieve this on their own.

We can also tailor the level of our involvement based on the in house capabilities, availability and skill set within the client business or equally the budget!

For more information about how we can help please visit our Software Search and Selection page.

The move to Academy status may free schools from the shackles of local authority (LA) control and pave the way for a change in the delivery of education; but with this freedom comes an increased onus on the schools management team to provide much stricter financial controls and improve the quality of reporting delivered to stakeholders.

Having only received funding from a single source, the accounting function within the schools has been limited to tracking expenditure. Often undertaken by the ‘office’ the role traditionally required limited book keeping skills, diluted with a handful of other administrative functions.

If an Academy is going make the most of its new found freedoms, one of the first things that must change is the accounting function. No longer can schools use old systems operated by existing staff, as the financial role within a school has taken on a more significant purpose.

An investigation by the BBC (You paid how much for that photocopier?), regarding the rates schools pay for hardware leasing, highlights the importance of financial control in good governance. In addition to controlling expenditure, the number of revenue streams will increase, each requiring a different level of management and accounting, both individually and through the various statutory instruments and reports an Academy has to deliver.

With increased revenue sources comes an increased number of stakeholders requiring financial reports, as private donors and supporters want to see how their money is being used. Many of these stakeholders have a background in private commerce and will therefore have a reasonable expectation to receive regular and concise financial report, especially if their money is being used on a major construction project for instance.

So can the current office staff deliver this level of extended financial management using incumbent systems? Not in our experience!

Most local authority schools will have used one of two or three ‘industry norm’ software solutions, preconfigured with a set of standard reporting options, which were acceptable under the old regime. Their financial management will have focused on controlling the release of the grant over the academic year with some offering basic budgeting, cash flow and forecasting capabilities on top.

In order to deliver all that is required of them financially, Academies are going to have to select a more robust and flexible financial management Solution. With limited knowledge and experience of the commercial software world, Academies are making uninformed decisions on which solution to use and are failing to implement a system, which accurately reflects their ambitions for education and facilities.

Added to this, schools appear reluctant to stretch their existing staff or simply set out to find a solution that meets the current, limited, skill set.

This inertia and ‘laissez faire’ attitude risks undermining all the good things the Academy system can deliver and will stop it from achieving its full potential.

During the month of October 2012, Recenseo will be holding two free open days in Winchester and Burgess Hill to present the Brightpearl Solution to retailers, distributers and small businesses across the South East.

As the longest serving Brightpearl partner, Recenseo is fully committed to making Brightpearl work for you and your business. The Brightpearl system provides you with a single point from which to manage all aspects of your business and Recenseo has helped dozens of retailers; charities, distributors and service-based businesses get established on the Brightpearl solution and gain an advantage over their competitors, by increasing their efficiency and productivity.

Choosing the right management tool for your business can be difficult, so Recenseo has consultants available throughout both of the open days to present the solution and also to discuss specific requirement and answer any questions on a one-to-one basis.

Recenseo invite you bring along a colleague or partner and to join us for a welcoming refreshment.

Click here for information on our Winchester Open Day and specific seminars.

Click here for more information on our Burgess Hill Open Day and specific seminars.

Or contact Recenseo on 01243 214175 or respond@recenseo.co.uk.

Brightpearl is a web based financial management solution, and the ideal choice to help you manage all aspects of your business.

Recenseo, one of Brightpearl’s long serving partners, is holding an Open Day for companies in the South, to provide an introduction to the Brightpearl system and explain the benefits of a web based accounting solution.

Consultants will be available throughout the day to answer any Brightpearl queries, with specific seminars also on offer:
Seminar 1: 8:30am – 9:30am Introduction to Brightpearl & Q&A Session

Seminar 2: 10:30am – 11:30am Getting started on Brightpearl & Q&A Session

Seminar 3: 3pm – 4pm Brightpearl for Retail & Q&A Session

Lunchtime Question Time: 12pm – 2pm One-to-one discussions and open question time

The details of the Open Day are:
Date: Thursday 25th October 2012

Location: Sheldrake Suite, Martlets Hall, Civic Way, Burgess Hill RH159NN.

To book a place please email review@recenseo.co.uk or call 01243 214175

Please feel free to bring one or more colleagues with you. Refreshments provided.

Brightpearl is a web based financial management solution, and the ideal choice to help you manage all aspects of your business.

Recenseo, one of Brightpearl’s long serving partners, is holding an Open Day for companies in the South, to provide an introduction to the Brightpearl system and explain the benefits of a web based accounting solution.

Consultants will be available throughout the day to answer any Brightpearl queries, with specific seminars also on offer:

Seminar 1: 8:30am – 9:30am Introduction to Brightpearl & Q&A Session

Seminar 2: 10:30am – 11:30am Getting started on Brightpearl & Q&A Session

Seminar 3pm – 4pm Brightpearl for Retail & Q&A Session

Lunchtime Question Time: 12pm – 2pm One-to-one discussions and open question time

The details of the Open Day are:

Date: Tuesday 23rd October 2012

Location: Jane Austin Suite, The Wessex Conference Centre, Sparsholt College, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 2NF

To book a place please email review@recenseo.co.uk or call 01243 214175

Please feel free to bring one or more colleagues with you. Refreshments provided.