Technology Decision-Makers 

Who is responsible for choosing software in organizations? 

As technology and software purchases become a less centralized process around IT, more stakeholders are involved in the process. This typically makes the process lengthy, less efficient and even more confusing. 

Let’s not forget the numerous software and app publishers available. Each has their own sales teams and ad campaigns targeting different individuals/roles within your company. This creates even more confusion and creates varying opinions from the implementers to the users.  

Then, there’s the pressure of choosing the right software or apps that are mission-critical to operational health and success. The wrong decision can cost the organizations thousands or even millions of dollars in operational losses due to decreased employee productivity or losing customers who have a bad customer experience. 

These factors add to the difficulty of purchasing software.  

All parties must agree on not only what is best for them to use, implement and support, but they also must monetize what is right for the company’s best good. For instance, when did accounting and procurement agree with marketing or IT? NEVER!  

So, it’s important to understand who the key IT decision makers are and what makes them tick when purchasing technology. Let’s take a look at their roles and responsibilities. 

IT Decision-Makers: 

CIO (Chief Information Officer) & CTO (Chief Technology Officer): 

These executives lead and set IT strategy while making significant technology investment decisions. They are the final approval person and signature on a contract who need to be convinced that their investment will aid their company in productivity, efficiency and revenue generation. 

IT Managers/Directors: 

These professionals play a crucial role in evaluating and recommending software solutions to meet business needs. They are the ones who carry the day-to-day weight of keeping an IT team running efficiently and effectively. They are responsible for delivering software implementations that other departments need and use, so they have to respond to both sides of the equation, IT staff and their internal customers. 

IT Staff/Engineers: 

IT engineers are often consulted for technical expertise and to ensure new technologies are compatible with existing systems. They are the people who get the work done. They want software that is easy to implement, compatible with existing systems and can be up and going quickly. They appreciate software that is easy to upgrade and maintain and minimize maintenance windows. 

CISO (Chief Information Security Officer): 

CISO’s involvement is critical, particularly when dealing with security-related software or compliance issues. Security is not a laughing matter these days, and when customer personal information is involved, a knowledgeable CISO will develop and implement a plan to protect your organization from malicious data and systems attacks. 

Data Officers: 

As enterprise organizations grow larger, leaders in data and data security are increasingly being part of the decision-making team. These are the experts in overseeing your organization’s data strategy, governance and operations to ensure data is used securely, effectively and ethically to drive business value. 

Business Decision-Makers: 

C-Level Executives: 

CEO, CFO, COO and other C-Suite members often need to sign off on larger tech purchases. So… the challenge begins! Each of these professionals needs to be convinced that the new IT or software purchase will be an expense that brings value and/or efficiency to the organization. 

Functional Leaders (e.g. HR, Marketing, Sales, Operations, etc.): 

Technology increasingly affects various departments, and leaders from those areas are now involved in the decision-making process, especially when department-specific software or tools are under consideration. Not only do they have to lead the charge in getting their staff to use the technology, but they also must be committed to making the investment worthwhile.  

Project Managers: 

These individuals often lead the software implementation and are often involved in the decision-making process, especially when the technology is related to a project or program. They can make or break an implementation happening on time and on budget.  

Line of Business (LOB) Users: 

The end users will be using the software in their day-to-day business functions. Their input is crucial for evaluating the user’s experience and business need. If the IT or software purchase isn’t in line with making their jobs easier and more efficient for a better result in customer interactions, then there will be a struggle in getting them to adapt to the new purchase. By listening to their experiences and requests for improving their output, and then responding with new tools, software and equipment, an organization can provide better overall customer experience. 

Business Decision-Maker (BDM) or Business Technologist: 

These individuals identify business problems and can effectively translate them into technological requirements. They build technological solutions to improve efficiency, drive growth and facilitate informed decision making. 

Simplifying the Decision-Making Process 

Whew! With so many staff members involved in making technological decisions, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Stop and take a breath! There is a way to make this process less taxing and even keep it affordable.  

When you engage with an independent software advisory firm, such as Remend, you will have a partner to guide you through the decision-making process whether you are purchasing new software and apps or renegotiating a standing contract. A third-party advisor can help you see through the legal ease and personal opinions to make the right choice. 

Software and apps are expensive, especially Oracle products, so don’t fear making the wrong decision or signing a bad deal. Not a single person at any organization, or within the publisher’s realm, has as deep an understanding of the negotiation and contract process as Remend. More importantly, Remend can quantify the gap between cost and value, and where these two are not aligned, putting money back into your pocket.  

Each of the roles above might as well be speaking different languages, so let Remend be the translator among them. 

Schedule a free consultation with Remend today to help your team to make the right choice!