You must
determine whether existing hardware, software, or personnel issues will affect the
acquisition decision. For example, if the firm has a large number of legacy systems or if
an ERP strategy has been adopted, these factors will have an impact on the decision.
Also, you must investigate the company’s policy regarding outsourcing IT functions,
and whether outsourcing is part of a long-term strategy. With regard to personnel
issues, you must define in-house staffing requirements to develop, acquire, implement,
and maintain the system — and determine whether the company is willing to commit
to those staffing levels versus an outsourcing option.