How to Buy
Buying Overview
Obtaining a new business management solution is a big and important project. Your
critical business data will reside within it. It will become part of your everyday
business processes. Not only does your new solution have to meet your current needs,
it also has to address your future goals. What does it take to drive such a project
successfully? The information below will give you an idea of what's involved in acquiring
a new business application, and how Compass Technologies can contribute to your overall success.
The Buying Process
Our products are delivered by a worldwide network of partner organizations that
share our commitment to lasting customer relationships. Our partners provide personalized,
local service—from planning, to implementation, to ongoing support. They help make
sure you receive the business solution best suited for your precise needs.
1. Find a Partner
2. Make a Plan
3. Document Requirements
4. Choose a Solution
5. Launch a Solution
1. Find a partner.
It's important to find a consultant who you feel comfortable working with. Look
for someone who:
- Understands your local market and industry.
- Wants to involve you in the selection and implementation process.
- Has the necessary resources and proven experience.
Contact us for help with
finding a partner.
2. Make a plan.
Some IT consultants focus on product functionality from the start, and are ready
to quote a price immediately. The problem with this approach is that you risk ending
up with a solution that does not match your real business needs. Look for a partner
who:
- Identifies your business needs first.
- Is willing to work closely with your key functional managers.
- Maps out a solution that fits your business.
Compass Authorized Partners work with you to understand your business needs and
goals. In order to become authorized, partners must be Microsoft Certified on Dynamics
GP (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains). This means they have to prove their expertise not
only in Microsoft technology, but also in business areas, such as accounting, e-commerce and supply
chain management.
3. Document your requirements.
Your consultant should provide a complete list of features required to support the
processes identified in the planning stage. This documentation, which should include
a budget and timeframe, helps give the project focus and set expectations.
4. Choose a solution.
Your consultant should map the list of required features to the products they know.
They can then recommend a solution or solutions (software plus customizations) that
match the needs of your business. Compass Authorized Partners are experts in Microsoft
technology. In addition, many of our partners have developed industry-specific expertise
with solutions that are integrated with Compass Technologies and Microsoft Business Solutions
products.
5. Launch the solution.
After a thorough job in the previous steps, you should be ready for a successful
implementation together with your partner. Compass Authorized Partners can help
you develop and test customizations, interfaces, and data conversion tools; train
end users; convert data; and launch the system. At every step of the way, the Compass
Technologies team of experts is available to help "chart a course for your business
success!"
Locate a Compass Authorized Partner |
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