The feasibility study should contain documentation that supports
the decision to acquire the software. Depending on the software
required, there could be four cases:
1. Software is required for a generic business process for which
vendors are available and software can be implemented without
customization.
2. The vendor's software needs to be customized to suit business
processes.
3. Software needs to be developed by the vendor.
4. Software is available as a service through the cloud. Software
as a Service (SaaS). This is generally available for generic
processes.
A project team with participation by technical support staff
and key users should be created to write a request for proposal
(RFP) or invitation to tender (ITT). An RFP needs to be prepared
separately for each case referred to previously.
The invitation to respond to an RFP should be widely distributed to
appropriate vendors and, if possible, posted via a public procurement
medium (Intemet or newspaper). This process allows the business to
determine which of the responding vendors' products offers the best
solution at the most cost-effective price.